Community Resilience
Careers in community resilience focus on helping people and communities prepare for, respond to, and recover from the socio-economic impacts of disasters, including wildfires and smoke impacts. You'll work with interdisciplinary teams to assess risks, strengthen infrastructure, and enhance public safety and well-being. Using data, community engagement, and strategic planning tools, you will support decision-making processes that build local capacity and reduce long-term vulnerabilities. You can work towards becoming a leader in urban planning, emergency response coordination, or community development.
Industry Insights
A high-level pulse check on talent demand, projected growth, compensation, and how work typically happens across this pathway.
Estimated employment nationwide in 2024
BLS job outlook (2024–2034)
Mid-career annual salary (nationwide median)
How the work is typically performed
Peak demand and work cadence
Active openings across the FireUp network
Career Pathways & Progression
Position Responsibilities
Provide logistical or clerical support in emergency preparedness, public health, or sustainability efforts; engage in outreach and community education initiatives under supervision.
Job Types & Titles
- Community Outreach Assistant
- AmeriCorps Volunteer
- Resilience Intern
Qualifications Snapshot
Education
HS Degree/ No certs required/ No experience required.
Certifications
None required.
Experience
No experience required.
Position Responsibilities
Collect and analyze community data; assist in risk assessments and policy evaluation; coordinate with field and office staff during implementation of projects.
Job Types & Titles
- Resilience/ Mitigation Technician
- Defensible space inspector
- Home hardening contractor
Qualifications Snapshot
Education
AA, BS degrees / FEMA certifications preferred / 1–3 years experience
Certifications
FEMA Independent Study (IS-100/IS-700), CERT training, ICS certifications.
Experience
1–3 years
Position Responsibilities
Lead initiatives that integrate resilience strategies into policy, infrastructure, and land-use planning; collaborate with stakeholders to implement resilience frameworks.
Job Types & Titles
- Environmental Justice Specialist
- Sustainability Planner
- Community Resilience Planner
- Policy Analyst
- Urban and Regional Planner
Qualifications Snapshot
Education
BS, MS degrees / Certified Emergency Manager (CEM) optional / Multiple years experience
Certifications
Certified Emergency Manager (CEM), AICP, CFM.
Experience
Multiple years experience
Position Responsibilities
Direct resilience-building programs and supervise staff across sectors; develop strategic plans and influence regional or national policy.
Job Types & Titles
- Resilience Program Director
- Chief Sustainability Officer
- Planning Director
- Federal, State, or County Emergency Response Manager
Qualifications Snapshot
Education
BS, MS, PhD / Urban Planning or Public Policy credentials may be required / 5–10+ years experience
Certifications
Advanced CEM/AEM, PgMP, LEED AP, NIMS certifications.
Experience
5–10+ years experience
Who Hires Community Resilience Professionals?
Explore leading organizations in this field and discover career opportunities.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) - Community Planning & Development
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) - Climate Program Office
California Governor's Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES)
New York City Mayor's Office of Climate & Environmental Justice
American Red Cross - Disaster Cycle Services
Headwaters Economics
National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO)
Geos Institute
Hagerty Consulting
ICF - Disaster Management
Jacobs - Climate Resilience & Sustainability
National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) - Community Resilience
University of Arizona - Institute for Resilience
Education & Certification
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Academic Programs
Professional Certifications
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Jobs in Community Resilience
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