Public health preparedness specialist
Public health preparedness specialists can serve many different functions in the emergency management field as they work to protect against potentially disastrous health-related threats. Their work isn’t just about planning for hazardous events, but also the care, resources and manpower which are required in the days and weeks that follow a widespread crisis.
The potential aftermath of an emergency situation can often leave residual threats to public health. An example would be disease outbreaks or symptoms of biochemical exposure, which must be contained to minimize the spread of their threat to human life. Access to fresh water, food and other necessities can also result from a natural disaster disrupting supply routes and retail operations. Other potential hazards include toxic fumes and debris released by industrial accidents, or even wildfires resulting from chemical explosions.
Strong planning and communication skills are essential for public health preparedness specialists because they must coordinate with first responders and medical professionals. Additionally, they communicate with the public about what is taking place and develop action plans to help serve the community. Based on qualifications, experience and location, potential employers can include the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), state governments, large municipal areas or hospital and healthcare systems.
Homeland security officer
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is an arm of the federal government that helps to protect American citizens from natural disasters, threats to border security, terrorist attacks and other scenarios that can impact national safety. It is currently the third largest cabinet department, with over 240,000 employees reported as of 2017. This department offers a variety of jobs, from entry level to senior, in several disciplines.
Among the broader roles in the department is that of homeland security officer, a role which can handle a variety of functions to provide targeted and swift response in the event of unforeseen emergencies. This officer position also evolves strategies to protect the country against future incidents. Officers not only work in disaster preparedness, emergency response, immigration and travel security, but can also serve in other professions like medicine and law.
Interested in helping secure U.S. borders, working in communities to minimize the effects of natural disasters or responding to terrorist attacks both domestic and abroad? As a homeland security officer, having access to such highly sensitive information requires skills in leadership, communication, problem solving and diplomacy. Applicants to this position are required to undergo a full background investigation, pass a drug screening and be a U.S. citizen.
Disaster recovery specialist
Certain geographic regions have a higher probability for recurring disasters like droughts, snowstorms, hurricanes and earthquakes based on unavoidable environmental and geophysical factors. These natural occurrences have the potential to affect a large percentage of the population and their surroundings, making disaster recovery specialists crucial to helping communities in at-risk areas get the assistance they need in the days and weeks following a catastrophic event.
Among a disaster recovery specialist’s primary duties are identifying hazards, analyzing potential risks and working to minimize any dangers to human life and property. This includes developing strategic plans to safeguard essential public services and educating the community on best practices that can reduce the potential impact brought on by weather-related events and other occurrences.
Many disaster recovery specialists must meet with both the public and the press, making strong verbal and written communication skills essential. Additionally, quick critical thinking and the ability to stay composed while leading diverse teams of individuals under high stress situations is critical. Fortunately, for those inspired to safeguard society, there is a universal need for professionals to organize emergency responder training and develop well-organized strategies for hazard-prone areas of the world.