Disaster Reservists Program
The North Carolina Emergency Management Disaster Reservist Program provides on-call specialized support to help communities as they respond to emergencies and recover from disasters.
Disaster Reservists are often retired local, state or federal civil service employees and are classified as temporary employees. Scores of men and women with backgrounds ranging from engineers to road and bridge maintenance supervisors, clerical help, information technology, insurance specialists, administrative staff, public works specialists and environmental professionals have joined the cadre of professionals on-call in the event of a disaster. Positions include both specialists and supervisors.
Become a Reservist
Temporary Solutions (the temporary staffing office for state government agencies) handles recruitment, application processing, screening and hiring of disaster reservists. Applications submitted directly to NCEM will not be considered. To submit an application, visit Temporary Solutions online or call 919-715-2632.
Disaster reservist training will be provided twice-yearly in order to maintain a pool of qualified applicants.
Disaster Reservist Job Descriptions
Call Center Operator- this position answers questions and provides information to callers regarding the disaster assistance process and applicable programs. Calls are initially answered at the Joint Field Office, but may transition to the state disaster recovery operations center. Operators also help identify persons with unmet needs, and rely that information to other state and federal recovery staff.
Community Relations Specialist – reservists work as part of a two-person state/FEMA team that travels through affected communities to let people know what types of disaster assistance are available and how to access them. This position meets regularly with representatives from community-based agencies, nonprofit organizations, worship leaders, community leaders and public officials.
Disaster Recovery Center Co-manager – this position is paired with a FEMA partner to co-manage a temporary resource center where people can get advice and assistance with their disaster-related needs. The Disaster Recovery Center, or DRC, is located in the heart of the disaster area to provide easy access for storm survivors. Other state/federal/local agencies that provide aid to the public, such as the U.S. Small Business Administration, the American Red Cross, may also occupy the DRC.
Housing Inspector – reservists inspect disaster-damaged property with FEMA staff to help verify categories of loss. Also may be called upon to help with individual housing plans if FEMA's Temporary Housing Program is activated.
Public Assistance Administrative Assistant – reservists track submitted project applications and work with applicants to ensure required forms are accurate and submitted on time. This position helps to schedule regional briefings and meetings; track the status of project reviews and revisions; and assist with correspondence and mailings. The position may also be trained to process payments to applicants.
Public Assistance Grants Manager – reservists work with applicants to verify insurance proceeds and reimburse eligible response and recovery costs. This position also will track applicant's progress on project work and help conduct final inspections on completed large projects.
Public Assistance Liaison - this position works with local government agencies and non-profit organizations to ensure all eligible disaster-related damages and costs are documented for state or federal reimbursement. The liaison works with both applicants and FEMA field staff to identify and resolve eligibility issues or possible points of contention during project formulation.
During larger disasters, additional reservists with specialized skills may be needed. Possible positions include:
Architect - A person with knowledge, training or experience in design of new buildings, rehabilitation of existing or damaged buildings and the ability to work well with local, state and federal officials to resolve conflicts.
Bridge Maintenance Specialist - A person with knowledge, training or experience to consult on repair of damage to bridges, pipes and reinforced concrete box culverts. Ability to make field inspections to determine scope of damage is required.
Bridge Maintenance Supervisor - A person with knowledge, training or experience to serve as primary consultant to determine scope of work for damaged bridges, pipes and reinforced concrete box culverts. Ability to work with local, state and federal officials is required.
Building Contractor/Developer - A person with knowledge, training or experience to consult on federal disaster related damages to public infrastructure; to include ability to distinguish damage fro natural deterioration. Applicant will be the primary consultant responsible for refurbishment of minor to moderately damaged facilities.
Public Works Engineer - A person with knowledge, training or experience in determining scopes of work for physical plant structural damage. Review of contractor calculation, change orders, construction cost estimations and the ability to work with local, state and federal engineers to resolve conflicts.
Public Works Specialist - A person with knowledge, training or experience in investigating, assessing and appraising damage to physical plant and distribution systems. Consult and review the scope of work, to include construction cost estimations within project compliance.
Road Maintenance Engineer - A persons with knowledge, training or experience to consult on general disaster related damages to public infrastructure; to include ability to distinguish damage from natural deterioration. Applicant will be the primary consultant responsible for refurbishment of minor to moderately damaged facilities.
Rate of Pay
Reservists are paid for the actual number of hours worked. Pay scales are based on the job classification as determined by Temporary Solutions. If the reservist has had numerous years of experience and training in their reservist position, starting pay may be increased commensurate to this training and experience as defined by the Temporary Solutions.
Applicable benefits to temporary employees: Participation in FICA, social security and Medicare, workers compensation, unemployment compensation
Benefits that DO NOT apply to temporary employees: Paid annual leave, paid sick leave, paid holidays, health insurance, participation in the North Carolina Retirement System, reinstatement rights or retention rights