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Public Safety
Emergency Management Specialist
Emergency management specialists plan, coordinate, and lead community responses to natural disasters, public health emergencies, and other crises. Florida's status as the most hurricane-prone state in the nation — with major events including Ian (2022) and Helene (2024) — makes this role particularly critical, well-funded, and professionally demanding. CEM certification, NIMS, and ICS experience are essential for advancement.
FL Median Salary
$65,000
Entry Salary
$53,030
Experienced
$163,120
FL Growth
N/A
Requirements & Training
- Credential: CEM (Certified Emergency Manager) via IAEM preferred; FEMA Professional Development Series and NIMS ICS certifications required for federal-funded positions
Career Path
- EM Coordinator → Deputy Director → Emergency Management Director → Regional FEMA Program Manager
Top Florida Employers
FL Division of Emergency Management67 county EM officesCity of Miami OEMFEMA Region 4Military installations (MacDill AFB, Eglin AFB)Large hospital networks
Related Programs
- Emergency Management AS
- Public Safety Administration BS
- FEMA Professional Development Series
- CEM Exam Prep