FEMA-Disaster Recovery Specialists (Cost Estimators)

Description

In this position you will be deployed to disaster sites to support FEMA Public Assistance (PA) or Individual Assistance (IA) Direct Housing programs. Responsibilities include conducting field inspections of damaged facilities, understanding project scopes, preparing both parametric and detailed cost analyses, and delivering accurate, defendable cost estimates that meet client quality standards.

Requirements

Candidates must have at least five years of full‑time professional experience creating parametric and bottom‑up cost estimates for new and restoration infrastructure projects, and be proficient with RS Means, Xactimate, or similar estimating platforms. A solid knowledge of modern construction practices, IBC, ADA, and other regulatory requirements, along with excellent oral and written communication skills, is essential. The role also demands the ability to work independently and in a team under stressful conditions, up to 12 hours per day, seven days a week for up to twelve months, and requires a valid driver’s license, clean driving record, and U.S. citizenship for Public Trust clearance.

Preferred qualifications include a bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience, professional engineer, architect, or contractor licenses, and certifications in cost estimating. Experience with the FEMA PA program, prior FEMA roles such as Program Delivery Manager or Site Inspector, and familiarity with residential site development (roads, utilities, drainage) are advantageous, as is proficiency with FEMA’s Cost Estimating Format.

This is an on‑site, deployment‑based position; remote work is not permitted. Dewberry does not sponsor work authorization, and the role is covered by the McNamara‑O’Hara Service Contract Act of 1965. The company is an Equal Opportunity Employer and all offers are contingent upon background screening in compliance with applicable laws.

• Minimum 5 years professional experience in cost estimating.
• Experience creating parametric and detailed bottom‑up cost estimates for new and restoration infrastructure projects.
• Proficiency with RS Means, Xactimate, or similar estimating platforms.
• Knowledge of IBC, ADA, and other governmental regulatory compliance.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work up to 12 hours per day, 7 days a week for up to 12 months while deployed.
• Valid driver’s license, clean driving record, and U.S. citizenship for Public Trust clearance.
• Preferred: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience.
• Preferred: Professional Engineer, Registered Architect, Licensed Contractor, or cost estimating certifications.
• Preferred: Working knowledge of FEMA PA program law, regulation, and policy.
• Preferred: Prior FEMA PA experience as Program Delivery Manager, Site Inspector, Policy Advisor, Cost Estimator, or Hazard Mitigation Specialist.
• Preferred: Experience with residential site development or construction including roads, utilities, and drainage.
• Preferred: Proficiency using FEMA’s Cost Estimating Format, RS Means, and Xactimate.

Benefits

Training + Development

Interview process

Visa Sponsorship

Security clearance