# Careers Part of the Emergency Preparedness Merit Badge Digital Resource Guide: [Introduction & Overview](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/emergency-preparedness/guide/index.md) *10. Careers in Emergency Services* > **10.** Do ONE of the following: > **10a.** Interview an emergency services coordinator or a civil servant about their work in disaster management. Learn about how they chose this career and about their duties. Discuss what you learned with your counselor and whether you might be interested in this career. > **10b.** Identify three career opportunities that would use skills and knowledge in emergency services. Pick one and research the training, education, certification requirements, experience, and expenses associated with entering the field. Research the prospects for employment, starting salary, advancement opportunities, and career goals associated with this career. Discuss what you learned with your counselor and whether you might be interested in this career. > **10c.** Identify how you might use the skills and knowledge in the field of emergency preparedness to pursue a personal hobby and/or healthy lifestyle. Research the additional training required, expenses, and affiliation with organizations that would help you maximize the enjoyment and benefit you might gain from it. Discuss what you learned with your counselor and share what short-term and long-term goals you might have if you pursued this. The skills you learn in this merit badge are not just for earning a badge — they open doors to meaningful careers and lifelong hobbies. Choose one of the three options below and explore how emergency preparedness connects to your future. --- ## Option A: Interview an Emergency Professional Find and interview someone who works in emergency management or disaster response. This could be: - A city or county **emergency management coordinator** - A **fire department captain** or **chief** - A **Red Cross disaster response manager** - A **FEMA employee** or contractor - A **911 dispatcher** - A **hospital emergency preparedness director** - A **school safety coordinator** **Questions to ask in your interview:** - What does a typical day look like in your role? - How did you get started in this career? What education or training did you need? - What is the most challenging part of your job? - What is the most rewarding part? - What skills are most important for someone in your position? - How has emergency management changed during your career? - What advice would you give a young person interested in this field? > **Tip** > > Reach out to your local fire department or emergency management office to schedule an interview. Many professionals are happy to talk with Scouts about their work. Be respectful of their time — prepare your questions in advance, arrive on time, and send a thank-you note afterward. Video: [NYC Emergency Management Interns](https://youtu.be/vqXWZ1tvLZE) --- ## Option B: Research a Career in Emergency Services Identify three careers in the emergency services field, then pick one to research in depth. Here are some careers to consider: | Career | Description | |---|---| | **Emergency Management Director** | Plans and coordinates disaster response for cities, counties, or states | | **Firefighter/Paramedic** | Responds to fires, medical emergencies, and rescues | | **Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)** | Provides pre-hospital emergency medical care | | **Search and Rescue Specialist** | Locates and rescues people in wilderness, urban, and water environments | | **Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT) Technician** | Responds to chemical, biological, and radiological incidents | | **911 Dispatcher** | Receives emergency calls and dispatches first responders | | **Public Health Emergency Planner** | Prepares communities for disease outbreaks and health emergencies | | **Disaster Relief Coordinator** | Manages relief operations for organizations like the Red Cross or FEMA | | **Wildland Firefighter** | Fights wildfires in forests, grasslands, and wildland-urban interface areas | **For your chosen career, research:** - Education and certification requirements (degree, academy, certifications) - Training programs and how long they take - Starting salary and salary range with experience - Job outlook and demand in your area - Advancement opportunities (what positions can you grow into?) - Day-to-day duties and work conditions - Physical and mental requirements Video: [Explore a Career in Disaster and Emergency Management](https://youtu.be/bmZVwRg-4ps) --- ## Option C: Emergency Preparedness as a Hobby or Lifestyle Emergency preparedness is not just a career — it can be a fulfilling personal pursuit. Many people find meaning and confidence in being prepared for anything life throws their way. **Ways to use emergency preparedness skills personally:** - **CERT Training:** The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program trains civilians to assist in emergencies. CERT members help with light search and rescue, fire suppression, first aid, and disaster psychology. Training is usually free and offered by local fire departments. - **Amateur (Ham) Radio:** Licensed ham radio operators provide critical communication during disasters when cell networks and the internet go down. Getting your license requires studying and passing an exam, but the equipment and community are accessible to anyone. - **Wilderness First Responder (WFR):** This certification teaches advanced backcountry medical skills. It is popular with hikers, climbers, and outdoor leaders who spend time far from hospitals. - **Preparedness Lifestyle:** Building and maintaining disaster kits, developing skills in water purification, food preservation, and off-grid living, and staying informed about local hazards. **For your chosen hobby or lifestyle, research:** - What additional training or certifications are needed? - What are the costs (equipment, courses, memberships)? - What organizations can you join to learn more and connect with others? - What are your short-term goals (within the next year)? - What are your long-term goals (within the next 5 years)? Video: [Teen CERT Team Training](https://youtu.be/UidlepnW93k) ![A career path infographic showing different emergency services careers branching from a central 'Emergency Preparedness' label](https://ik.imagekit.io/doulacoop/tr:w-800/mbu-assets/merit-badges/emergency-preparedness/guide/emergency-career-paths?v=42aafc3a) --- - Previous: [First Aid Merit Badge](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/emergency-preparedness/guide/req9/index.md) - Next: [Extended Learning](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/emergency-preparedness/guide/extended-learning/index.md)