Description

Senior Emergency Management Consultant - Fire & Law Enforcement SME - ON-CALL ROLE

The ICF Workforce Innovation, Emergency Preparedness, and Poverty Solutions (WIPPS) practice partners with federal, state, and local governments to enhance their ability to prepare for, respond to, recover from, and mitigate the impacts of complex hazards and disasters, address economic and community development, and develop innovative workforce solutions. Our team provides rigorous technical assistance, strategic consulting, and comprehensive analysis, specializing in After-Action Reports and Improvement Plans that drive tangible improvements in public safety and resilience. Our work is conducted in a professional, collegial, and intellectual environment that fosters innovation and impactful contributions to critical national and local challenges.

We are seeking a highly experienced candidate for an On-Call consultant position to contribute to our growing portfolio of emergency management projects, specifically focusing on After-Action Reports for major incidents. The successful candidate will join our team remotely and in an on-call capacity.

Key Responsibilities:

Serve as a primary Subject Matter Expert (SME) for After-Action Reports (AARs) and Improvement Plans (IPs), focusing on large-scale fire suppression, law enforcement operations, and inter-agency coordination during major natural disasters (e.g., wildfires, windstorms).Lead and conduct sensitive data collection efforts, including structured interviews and debriefings with fire, police, and other public safety personnel who participated in real-world incident responses.Analyze complex operational data, incident timelines, and critical decision-making processes from both fire and law enforcement perspectives to identify strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for improvement.Evaluate the effectiveness of preparedness efforts, emergency protocols, resource deployment (ground and air assets), evacuation planning and implementation, traffic management, and post-incident security measures related to fire and police functions.Develop clear, concise, and actionable findings, lessons learned, and recommendations that directly inform enhancements to fire and police department operations, policies, and training.Contribute significantly to the drafting, review, and finalization of comprehensive AARs and IPs, ensuring accuracy, objectivity, and strategic value.Support presentations to senior stakeholders, including City leadership and public bodies like the City Council, summarizing AAR findings and recommendations.

Basic Skills/Experience Required:

Previous POST certification as a peace officer.Completion of recognized fire academy.Minimum 12+ years of progressively responsible experience in emergency management, with significant direct operational leadership roles within a major metropolitan  or state Fire Department and/or Law Enforcement Agency.

Additional Skills/Experience Required:

Demonstrated expertise in conducting After-Action Reviews/Reports for large-scale, real-world incidents, such as major wildfires, windstorms, or multi-hazard events.Proven understanding and practical application of Incident Command Systems (ICS) and Unified Command structures in complex, multi-agency disaster environments.Specific operational experience and familiarity with California's emergency management landscape, including agencies like CAL OES and CAL FIRE, and local protocols.Expertise in critical functional areas, including but not limited to:Wildfire suppression tactics, strategy, and resource deployment.Evacuation planning, implementation, and management (including traffic flow, ingress/egress, and special needs populations).Emergency communications, alert and warning systems, and Joint Information Center (JIC) operations.Mutual aid coordination and resource visibility among fire and law enforcement agencies.Post-incident security and reentry protocols for affected areas.Familiarity with HSEEP principles and a demonstrated ability to adapt its methodologies for rigorous real-world after-action analysis.Strong analytical skills with experience collecting, synthesizing, and interpreting diverse data sources (e.g., operational logs, EOC data, interview transcripts).

Professional Skills You Will Use:

Exceptional ability to synthesize complex operational information into clear, compelling, and actionable findings.Demonstrated proficiency in leading sensitive discussions and conducting interviews with public safety stakeholders.Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills, with an ability to identify systemic issues and propose practical solutions.Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present complex information clearly and concisely to varied audiences (from field personnel to executive leadership).Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a high-performing project team.High degree of professionalism, integrity, and discretion when handling sensitive incident information.

Working at ICF

ICF is a global advisory and technology services provider, but we’re not your typical consultants. We combine unmatched expertise with cutting-edge technology to help clients solve their most complex challenges, navigate change, and shape the future.

We can only solve the world's toughest challenges by building a workplace that allows everyone to thrive. We are an equal opportunity employer. Together, our employees are empowered to share their expertise and collaborate with others to achieve personal and professional goals. For more information, please read our EEO policy.

 

Reasonable Accommodations are available, including, but not limited to, for disabled veterans, individuals with disabilities, and individuals with sincerely held religious beliefs, in all phases of the application and employment process. To request an accommodation, please email Candidateaccommodation@icf.com and we will be happy to assist. All information you provide will be kept confidential and will be used only to the extent required to provide needed reasonable accommodations.  

Read more about workplace discrimination rights or our benefit offerings which are included in the Transparency in (Benefits) Coverage Act. 

 

Candidate AI Usage Policy

At ICF, we are committed to ensuring a fair interview process for all candidates based on their own skills and knowledge. As part of this commitment, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools to generate or assist with responses during interviews (whether in-person or virtual) is not permitted. This policy is in place to maintain the integrity and authenticity of the interview process.  

However, we understand that some candidates may require accommodation that involves the use of AI. If such an accommodation is needed, candidates are instructed to contact us in advance at candidateaccommodation@icf.com. We are dedicated to providing the necessary support to ensure that all candidates have an equal opportunity to succeed.  

 

Pay Range - There are multiple factors that are considered in determining final pay for a position, including, but not limited to, relevant work experience, skills, certifications and competencies that align to the specified role, geographic location, education and certifications as well as contract provisions regarding labor categories that are specific to the position.

The pay range for this position based on full-time employment is:

$98,124.00 - $166,810.00

Nationwide Remote Office (US99)