Greg Hellman, The Examiner
2007-02-17 08:00:00.0
Current rank: Not ranked

WASHINGTON -

The Federal Emergency Management Agency will hire up to 50 new employees for its Washington offices within a week as part of an expedited employment program created in wake of the agency’s expansion.

The agency is in immediate need of new employees after the passage of The Post-Katrina FEMA Reform Act of 2006. The act expanded FEMA’s responsibilities from dealing exclusively with natural disasters to aiding when there are man-made emergencies such as terrorist attacks.

“We’re gearing up to deal with all these new mandates from Congress,” FEMA spokesman Darryle Madden said. “Our mission is expanding.”

Private contractors and current FEMA employees, among others, lined up inside the Capitol Holiday Inn in hopes of being one of the 500 candidates interviewed for the 50 open slots.

“I want to have a long career in public service,” Baltimore resident Michael Fagan, who has worked for FEMA for the past seven months, said.

“Here they provide you with courses and training that really opens up doors.”

Those selected will enter a two-year internship program in any FEMA department before the agency promotes them to a permanent staff position.

“We’re looking for individuals who can ultimately move up into leadership positions,” Madden said.

While FEMA has used expedited hiring programs in the past for military and national security positions, the job fair is the first of its kind open to civilians. Those selected will have all their background checks and government approvals finished within a week.

“All these positions are positions of public trust for which civilians are more readily available,” Madden said. “This is an exciting opportunity for us to do some immediate hiring.”