As the number of students enrolled in emergency management programs rises, many of those students find themselves looking for emergency management jobs in public health. These positions let you combine your interest in public health with your interest in emergency management and preparation. Many of these positions require that applicants have at least a bachelor’s degree in the field, but some jobs are only open to those who have a graduate degree and some field experience. Looking at some of the top jobs can show you what you would do in those positions.
Program Manager
A program manager is a professional who works for a public health facility and manages others during emergency situations. You might work at a mental health counseling center and teach others what to do when a disgruntled patient arrives on the scene or what steps to take during a natural disaster. Program managers are often responsible for creating new plans and training others on how to follow those plans too. As a manager, it is your duty to ensure that everyone working under you knows what to do in an emergency.
Disaster Preparedness Coordinator
One of the top emergency management jobs in public health is that of a disaster preparedness coordinator. These coordinators often take steps to prevent emergencies and to prepare workers on what to expect in one of these situations. They might create a simulation program that they use in different facilities around the city. You might visit a hospital, stage a simulation that shows someone arriving on the scene with a weapon and then show all employees how they should react and what they should do. Coordinators often work with multiple public health centers, including hospitals and government agencies.
Field Technician
While some jobs require that employees do more work behind the scenes, field technicians actually work in the field. This is a great job for those who like getting their hands dirty and want to work with the general public. Field technicians often go to the site of natural disasters to help coordinate relief efforts between different individuals and organizations. A field coordinator working on the scene after an earthquake might help make arrangements for the delivery of food and medical supplies, find safe places for locals to live and determine what to do with the financial donations sent by others.
Emergency Management Director
Another of the emergency management jobs in public health available today are emergency management directors. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, these professionals make more than $64,000 a year and the need for these jobs will increase at an average rate in the future. Directors work before, after and during any type of natural disaster or emergency situation. They coordinate with all local and state departments to ensure that citizens receive the help they need. Directors are also responsible for creating relief plans, organizing relief efforts and ensuring the health, safety and general well being of everyone involved.
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Public health jobs are often available through government departments and agencies, but you’ll also find positions working for hospitals and other health care or medical facilities. With a lower or higher level degree in emergency management, you might apply for emergency management jobs in public health, including jobs as field technicians, preparedness coordinators, program managers and management directors.