How to work in disaster recovery jobs

Getting into disaster recovery jobs can be challenging without previous experience in the field. There are obviously enough problems to deal with in a disaster area without an employer finding out their newest employee isn't capable of doing their job. So how can you land that first job? Below is a short guide to how to find a job and what types of disaster management and recovery jobs are available.

How to get a job

Places to look
Look into volunteer work and training courses available through Red Cross or the USA Freedom Corps as soon as possible. Alternately, local police and fire services may have emergency preparedness jobs and courses available to those who are interested. If there is a national guard facility close to your home, ask about opportunities available there.
Initiative & dedication
By showing the initiative and dedication necessary to qualify for a job in advance, as opposed to needing to be trained to deal with a disaster after it has already happened, you will be demonstrating the foresight and attention to detail that are critical in crisis management jobs.
Relocation
The other major consideration when looking at a career in disaster management and recovery is the willingness to relocate. Disasters are unpredictable, and usually happen without warning. Unless you are willing to go wherever the disaster happens, for however long the recovery takes, and on very short notice, then disaster recovery isn't for you.

Types of work

Jobs in disaster recovery fall into four major categories. Clean up
This can range from hazardous material disposal to building dams or clearing roads. Disasters are messy and restoring infrastructures and preventing the spread of disease is usually the first step in the recovery process. The work can be hard and the hours long, in uncomfortable conditions, but for those who like front line, hands on jobs, this can be a good fit. Disaster recovery and business continuity
This job includes business recovery planning, data recovery, and administering the computers that coordinate the recovery effort. For someone with the necessary technical skills, this can be an extremely rewarding area of work. Teaching and medical
In any disaster teachers and medical personnel are required to educate and care for the workers and victims in the affected area. These jobs require extensive specialised training, but for those who have it, there will always be job opportunities. Emergency planning and consulting jobs
These are jobs that mostly take place before a disaster. Municipalities and businesses alike need to have a plan in place in case disaster strikes. Being prepared makes the response and recovery much faster and more effective. The jobs usually consist of teaching certification classes and consulting.