How is the Job Outlook for Emergency Management Careers? – Emergency Management Degree Program Guide

September 25, 2017November 24, 2017

How is the job outlook for emergency management careers? While it is important for the government to be first on hand to deliver these professionals to communities that need them the most, the truth is that more often than not, emergency response efforts come from non-profit organizations and other private companies and not the government, according to Forbes. This has led to a confusing job outlook that was delivered in 2014, but seems to no longer be accurate.

Job Growth Outlook

The Bureau of Labor Statistics, which is the leading analyst of job outlook statistics in the country, states that emergency management positions are expected to grow at a six percent growth through 2024. This is the average growth for all job sectors, however, there are some recent developments that may alter this statistic going forward. In fact, the country has already begun to see a slight uptick in the number of these jobs that will become available in the near future. Since this outlook was calculated in 2014, it makes sense that with unfolding factors, the number would fluctuate.

Climate Change and Natural Disasters

Since emergency managers play a large role in natural disaster responses, it makes sense that climate change would alter the need for this position. The United States is currently dealing with harsher storm seasons and fires, both of which are natural disasters, that contribute to flooding, homes being destroyed, and the displacement of humans and wildlife. As climate change continues to contribute to harsher weather, the need for more emergency managers will continue to rise, especially in regions where natural disasters would have the most impact, such as in the Gulf of Mexico and the Northwest.

Oil Spills and Fracking

While not strictly a natural disaster in that man plays a part in the above factors, it is nevertheless the job of an emergency manager to contribute to the response efforts when an oil spill or fracking accident occurs. Since oil spills are becoming more common and with the threat of fracking disturbing wildlife and communities, some local and state governments are taking it upon themselves to request more emergency managers. Some oil companies even have emergency managers on hand in the areas where they operate in case a crisis unfolds. Fracking as well has become a topic of concern for rural communities, who have also taken it upon themselves to enlist these professionals in order to stay prepared.

Other Factors

There are other factors that lead to the emergency management career outlook fluctuating. One of them is the United States government, which employs a majority of emergency managers in programs like FEMA, the CDC, and in other areas. However, more state and local governments, which have a better understanding of the natural disasters that could occur in their communities, have hired their own emergency managers as the current administration has begun a hiring freeze on federal staff. Emergency managers may also be hired on a consultancy basis after a natural disaster to help reinforce environmental fail-safes that a community has in place, meaning that these positions are rarely taken into account during career outlooks.

Emergency management is a profession that will only grow in importance as more natural disasters occur in the country. Few people realize the critical role these managers play, and while the information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics has remained unchanged since 2014, it is clear that the job market is growing for this specialty. Now that the reality of the job outlook for emergency management careers has been covered, an individual can now question whether this is the right career for them.