Program Specialists and Delivery Managers: The Program Specialist is a customer service manager who works with the applicant to resolve disaster-related needs and ensure that the applicants projects are processed as efficiently and expeditiously as possible. The Program Specialist is intimately familiar with the PA Program and other arms of the Federal disaster recovery effort; works with State counterparts; and ensures that the PA Program is operating in compliance with all laws, regulations, and policies. The Program Specialist is a strong manager and ensures continuity of service throughout the delivery of the PA Program. Program Specialists typically are project managers with extensive engineering, project management experience and advanced degrees in management and/or PMI (project manager institute) certifications.

Cost Estimators: Cost Estimators will work through the various FEMA assistance programs. Estimators will perform field inspections of damaged facilities to gain an understanding of the probable scope of work, including means and methods of construction. Estimators will conduct both parametric and detailed cost analysis on a variety of public and municipal infrastructure including, but not limited to; schools, libraries, police and fire stations, water treatment facilities, public transit systems, medical and educational facilities, bridges, road construction, and capital projects. Estimators will prepare estimates using a variety of documented data sources. Estimators will develop detailed project worksheets, identify scope of eligible work for projects, including cause and dimensions of damage, and the work necessary to repair the damage, and produce efficient, traceable, verifiable and defendable cost estimates meeting the quality review requirements of FEMA. Experience with FEMA’s Cost Estimating Format is preferred. Professional certifications in cost estimating is a plus.

Technical / Project Specialist: Project Specialists are responsible for assisting with the development of projects and cost estimates. While a Project Specialist is generally knowledgeable with regard to the PA Program, a Technical Specialist usually has a defined area of expertise that a Project Specialist may call upon in the development of a specific project. Technical Specialists assigned to a JFO may have experience in such areas as roads and bridges, utility infrastructure, debris removal and disposal, environmental and historic preservation compliance, insurance, and cost estimating. Typical disciplines for the project specialist include: engineering (civil, structural, mechanical, and environmental preferred), construction cost estimator, environmental scientist, insurance specialist, GIS/computer analyst.