Recovery Management
Recovery management careers focus on helping communities, landscapes, ecosystems, and infrastructure recover after wildfires and other natural disasters. This work includes emergency response coordination, post-fire assessments, debris removal, erosion control, financial aid navigation, ecological restoration, and community engagement. Professionals in this space work across emergency management agencies, land management organizations, tribal governments, nonprofits, and private firms. Recovery management is essential to building long-term resilience and equity—especially for under-resourced or frequently impacted communities. This field requires a blend of logistics, communication, ecological knowledge, trauma-informed care, and interagency coordination.
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
After disasters workloads spike for several months while long-term recovery planning and mitigation continue year-round.
Active openings across the FireUp network
Career Pathways & Progression
Position Responsibilities
Assist with recovery logistics, distribute resources, and support field operations or community outreach.
Job Types & Titles
- Recovery Crew Member
- Debris Removal Assistant
- Community Support Aide
- Resource Distribution Worker
Qualifications Snapshot
Education
HS diploma / Basic First Aid & CPR
Certifications
FEMA ICS/IS Courses, NRCS Basics
Experience
0-1 years
Position Responsibilities
Conduct damage assessments, support erosion control or hazard mitigation, help residents navigate aid systems.
Job Types & Titles
- Post-Fire Assessment Technician
- Erosion Control Specialist
- Housing Recovery Navigator
- Recovery Logistics Coordinator
Qualifications Snapshot
Education
AS/BS in Environmental Science, Emergency Mgmt, or Public Health
Certifications
FEMA ICS/IS Courses, NRCS Basics
Experience
1-3 years
Position Responsibilities
Coordinate multi-agency recovery efforts, manage programs and funding, plan for long-term restoration.
Job Types & Titles
- Recovery Program Specialist
- Emergency Services Planner
- Disaster Case Manager
- Watershed Recovery Forester
Qualifications Snapshot
Education
BS/MS in Public Administration, Ecology, or Planning
Certifications
Certified Emergency Manager (CEM), Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM)
Experience
3-7 years
Position Responsibilities
Design recovery strategy, oversee teams, manage budgets, lead community engagement and interagency collaboration.
Job Types & Titles
- Recovery Program Manager
- Director of Disaster Recovery
- Resilience & Restoration Lead
- Regional Recovery Coordinator
Qualifications Snapshot
Education
BS/MS in Public Administration, Ecology, or Planning
Certifications
Advanced CEM, PMP, CFM
Experience
7-10+ years
Who Hires Recovery Management Professionals?
Explore leading organizations in this field and discover career opportunities.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
U.S. Forest Service (USDA)
Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)
California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE)
Washington State Department of Natural Resources
Center for Disaster Philanthropy
American Red Cross
Team Rubicon
Tetra Tech
Atkins (SNC-Lavalin)
Yurok Tribe
Education & Certification
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Academic Programs
Professional Certifications
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