Why the F@#K Do You Want to be an EM? : The Deep Need to Increase the Workforce in Emergency Management

Authored by Daniel Scott, M.A., CEM

Emergency Management (EM) is a field that demands resilience, adaptability, and a deep commitment to public safety. It’s not a glamorous job. The stakes are high, the hours are long, and the pressure is relentless. 

So, let’s cut to the chase: Why the F@#K would anyone want to be an Emergency Manager? The answer lies in the EM professionals' critical, often underappreciated role in safeguarding communities and the urgent need to expand this workforce to meet growing global challenges.

The Crisis at Hand: A Workforce Shortfall in Emergency Management

The world is becoming more unpredictable. Natural disasters, pandemics, cyber threats, and terrorism are just some emergencies that require a well-prepared response. Yet, despite these events' increasing frequency and intensity, there is a significant shortage of trained emergency management professionals.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of emergency management directors is projected to grow by 6% from 2020 to 2030, which is about as fast as the average for all occupations. However, more is needed to meet the demand, especially considering the escalating number of crises worldwide. The workforce gap in EM is accurate and seriously threatens the effectiveness of disaster response and recovery efforts.

The Appeal of Emergency Management: Why Choose This Path?

So, why should someone consider a career in emergency management? 

The reasons are both practical and deeply personal:

1. Making a Tangible Difference:

• Emergency management offers the opportunity to impact lives directly. EM professionals are often the unsung heroes who work behind the scenes to save lives, protect property, and help communities recover from disasters. This is it if you want a career where your efforts translate into real-world outcomes.

2. A Dynamic and Challenging Environment:

• Every day in emergency management is different. The field requires quick thinking, problem-solving, and adapting to rapidly changing situations. EM is ideal for those who thrive under pressure and seek a career that challenges them to grow continually.

3. Interdisciplinary Collaboration:

• Emergency management is not just about responding to crises; it's about working across disciplines and sectors. EM professionals collaborate with public health officials, law enforcement, community leaders, and international agencies. This level of engagement offers a unique and fulfilling career path for those who enjoy teamwork and cross-sector collaboration.

4. Job Stability and Growth:

• While no one hopes for disasters, they will continue to occur. As a result, there is a consistent need for skilled EM professionals. The field offers job stability and opportunities for advancement, especially as the importance of preparedness and resilience continues to gain recognition.

The Deep Need: Expanding the Emergency Management Workforce

1. Increasing Complexity of Disasters:

• The nature of disasters is evolving. Climate change intensifies storms and wildfires; pandemics disrupt global systems and cyber threats increasingly target critical infrastructure. The complexity of these challenges requires a well-trained, robust workforce that can anticipate, prepare for, and respond to a wide range of emergencies.

2. Aging Workforce:

• Many emergency management professionals are nearing retirement age, which could exacerbate the workforce shortfall. There is an urgent need to attract and train the next generation of EM leaders who can step into these roles and bring fresh perspectives and innovative solutions.

3. Underinvestment in Education and Training:

• Despite the growing demand, there has been chronic underinvestment in emergency management education and training. Universities and institutions offering EM programs need more support to expand their capacity and reach more students. Furthermore, continuing education for current professionals is critical to keeping up with emerging threats and best practices.

4. Need for Diverse Perspectives:

• The challenges faced in emergency management are not one-size-fits-all. Diverse communities face unique risks, and their needs must be met with tailored approaches. Increasing diversity within the EM workforce ensures that a broader range of perspectives and solutions are considered, ultimately leading to more effective and equitable disaster management.
  

Recruiting the Next Generation: Why You Should Care

1. The Moral Imperative:

• If you care about public safety, equity, and resilience, emergency management offers a career where you can align your work with your values. The stakes are high, but so are the rewards. You can be part of something bigger than yourself and contribute to the greater good.

2. The Professional Challenge:

• Emergency management is not for the faint of heart. It requires resilience, adaptability, and a willingness to confront difficult situations head-on. EM is where you belong if you’re looking for a career that pushes you to your limits and challenges you to be the best version of yourself.

3. The Opportunity for Leadership:

• There is a constant need for leadership in emergency management. Whether coordinating a response effort, advocating for better preparedness measures, or managing a team, you can step-up and lead in ways that genuinely make a difference.

Conclusion: The Call to Action

So, why the F@#K should you want to be an Emergency Manager? 

The world needs more people willing to take on the tough challenges, driven by a sense of purpose, and want to make a real impact. The need for a more extensive, diverse, and better-prepared EM workforce has never been greater.

As we face an increasingly uncertain future, the role of the Emergency Manager will only become more critical. If you're looking for a career that offers both professional fulfillment and the chance to make a tangible difference in the world, emergency management is the field for you. It’s time to step up, get trained, and join the ranks of those on the front lines of protecting our communities.

Want to work with Daniel Scott & Associates LLC?

Check out our website: https://theoryn2practice.com/  

Reach Out via Email: info@theoryn2practice.com 

Daniel Scott, M.A., CEM

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References:

1. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2021). Occupational Outlook Handbook: Emergency Management Directors.

2. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). (2020). Crisis Communications Guidebook.

3. Birkland, T. A. (2006). Lessons of disaster: Policy change after catastrophic events. Georgetown University Press.

4. Kapucu, N. (2006). Interagency communication networks during emergencies: Boundary spanners in multiagency coordination. The American Review of Public Administration, 36(2), 207-225.