The FEMA Disaster Housing Inspection Services Program provides emergency grants, often within hours of inspection, for property owners whose dwellings have been damaged by natural disasters. Deployments may occur nationwide and outside of the continental United States. In performing the work under contract to FEMA, WSP USA Inspection Services calls on a large network of pre-qualified part-time temporary inspectors that are able to complete inspections within 24 hours of being deployed. Inspectors use tablets loaded with government-provided software to document damages to the property. This data generates a report that allows FEMA to make an award determination, often within hours of the completed application.

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The tasks and functions of the FEMA Housing Inspector (T-07 Inspector II Service Contract Act FEMA Housing Inspector) are as stated, but not limited to, the following:

Disaster Inspector Readiness Responsibilities:

• Maintain ALL issued equipment, including FEMA contractor badge, in accordance with FEMA and WSP USA policy.
• Stay current with and adhere to all clauses of Code of Conduct, Safety Policy, company training, availability, timekeeping and travel reimbursement policies.
• Update deployment availability at least once a month using the WSP Inspector Webpage.
• Inspectors must satisfactorily complete all required mission and duty ready training to be eligible to conduct disaster housing damage assessments.
• Acquire sufficient safety attire to work in declared disaster areas, tools for measuring, and a mobile device (phone) for communicating with home office and disaster survivors.

Disaster Inspector Deployment Responsibilities:

• Arrive at disaster field office at appointed date and time and receive briefing and equipment as necessary. Expected arrival onsite is within 24 hrs of deployment, dependent on travel method and flight availability.
• Perform damage and loss assessments with the FEMA disaster survivor on a first-in, first-out basis.
• Conduct damage assessments according to FEMA specifications and FEMA Inspection Guidelines.

Job duties include but are not limited to:

• The inspector must meet with the FEMA disaster survivor (or approved designee) at the damaged dwelling whenever possible.
• Explain FEMA-provided documents and answer basic questions from applicants about the FEMA process.
• Verify ID, Insurance status, Ownership (only for owners), Residency, and Household Composition.
• Determine and record a level of damage based on evaluation of damages to the home.
• Assess damage to the roof from the ground; assess damage in the crawlspace from the exterior.
• Assess damages to personal property and furnishings.
• Measure the total square footage of the dwelling.
• Address all data fields required within the FEMA software.
• Complete and return inspections to WSP USA within 5 (five) days of the date issued.
• Submit accurate timesheets and travel reimbursement forms on a weekly basis.
• Respond promptly to WSP USA staff inquiries within 12 hours, including phone, text, and email.
• Other Technical Assistance duties as assigned.

Qualifications & Experience:

• High School diploma or GED equivalent preferred. Candidate must pass a pre-employment assessment that evaluates baseline comprehension of residential construction principles. 
• Fluent in speaking, reading, and comprehending English.
• Demonstrated proficiency in basic math and computer skills required.
• Professional demeanor, business writing, and documentation needed.
• Must have valid driver’s license.
• Candidate must have a valid major credit card in their name, with sufficient credit available to cover hotel expenses, rent a vehicle, and sustain themselves in the field for up to 21 days before expense report reimbursements begin. Note: A debit card that can be used as a credit card is NOT a credit card. Typically, incurred charges can range from $3,000-6,000 before initial reimbursement.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements: 

• On-call, intermittent employment that is dependent on disaster activity and client needs.
• When deployed, our inspectors typically work long hours and are expected to work seven days a week. Conditions may be challenging in areas affected by disasters, including limited lodging availability.
• Deployment opportunities and duration are determined by the size of the response needed. There is no guarantee of deployment to the field and no minimum number of days for which a deployment may last.
• Ability to work in a stressful environment yet capable of delivering exemplary customer service with professionalism.
• Ability to walk up and down stairs to access all levels of dwelling and on uneven terrain.
• Attire must be clean and professional while working.
• Personal hygiene must be maintained while working.
• Extended travel required. Inspectors will be required to travel to the disaster site to complete damage assessments.

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Interested Applicants:

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U.S. Citizenship required for all project positions. Candidates must submit information for pre-screening and undergo a FEMA-required criminal background investigation, credit check, and fingerprint analysis. Candidates must have physically resided in the U.S. or a U.S. territory for at least 3 of the last 5 years at the time of the FEMA background investigation. 

WSP USA is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity in the workplace. EOE Minorities/Females/Protected Veteran/Disabled.