Disaster management is a crucial field that focuses on preparing for, responding to, and recovering from natural or man-made disasters. It involves a range of activities, including risk assessment, emergency planning, and coordination of relief efforts.
This pathway might be right for you if you’re interested in mitigating the impact of disasters and keeping communities safe or if you can remain calm and respond effectively in times of crisis.
What do careers in this pathway involve?
By implementing effective strategies and utilising resources efficiently, disaster management aims to minimise the impact of disasters on communities and save lives. People in this field work to ensure the safety and wellbeing of individuals and communities in times of crisis.
There is expected to be steady growth in this field due to the increasing frequency and intensity of natural disasters related to climate change and a greater emphasis on community resilience.
What are some important human skills for this pathway?
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Making decisions
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Innovation
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Adaptability
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Communication
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Collaboration
What are some of the tasks involved?
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Develop, review & update disaster plans
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Manage emergency communication systems
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Oversee teams of workers & volunteers
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Implement hazard mitigation measures
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Coordinate search & rescue operations
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Deploy resources & supplies as needed
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Keep communities updated
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Conduct damage assessments
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Implement recovery initiatives
What kind of work environment and conditions can I expect?
Jobs in disaster management include a mix of office-based planning work and hands-on field work. In some roles you can work remotely during normal operations, but expect to work in-person during active incidents.
Working hours can be unpredictable – the nature of disasters means you could potentially be needed at any time, including overnights, weekends, and holidays.
Where can a disaster management pathway take me?
Interested in a career in disaster management? There are many roles you might like to consider – here are just a few.
Entry level roles
These jobs can be started with little or no training or experience, and can be great as a stepping stone towards more senior roles in the pathway.
Disaster Response Officer
Coordinate local response activities and provide direct assistance to impacted people and communities.
Emergency Services Operator
Receive emergency calls and provide initial guidance to callers in crisis situations.
Disaster Administrator
Process emergency declarations paperwork, maintain incident documentation, and support other workers.
Mid-level roles
Once you have some further study or experience under your belt, you might like to consider moving into one of these roles.
Disaster Management Officer
Develop and implement emergency response plans, coordinate disaster drills, and manage resources during crisis situations.
Meteorologist
Analyse weather patterns and data to forecast severe weather events and provide critical information to emergency management teams.
Disaster Recovery Project Manager
Oversee specific recovery projects following disasters, coordinating contractors and ensuring compliance with regulations.
Senior level roles
These jobs will require extensive further education or many years of experience, but are also highly rewarding.
Environmental Manager
Develop mitigation strategies for environmental hazards and coordinate recovery efforts to minimise ecological impact.
Disaster Policy Advisor
Shape high-level government policy to reduce disaster risks at regional, national, or international levels.
Chief Resilience Officer
Develop and implement long-term strategies to help communities prepare for, withstand, and recover from crises.
Similar pathways
If these careers in disaster management aren’t quite right for you, you might like to explore some other similar pathways instead.
Environmental Management
Analyse, develop, and implement strategies to protect and sustain our environment.
Government
Manage policies, enforce regulations, provide public services, and promote citizen welfare.
Policy and Planning
Analyse, develop, and implement strategies to shape and guide organisational policies.
How can I build experience in this pathway?
If you’re still in high school and want to find out if a career in disaster management is right for you, here are some activities you can do:
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Study disaster response plans to understand emergency procedures
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Research case studies of effective disaster management
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Participate in a virtual emergency preparedness workshop or simulation exercise
We recommend studying these subjects in high school:
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English
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Mathematics
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Geography
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Civics
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IT
Here are some suggestions of places you might like to try and find work experience:
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Non-profit organisations specialising in disaster relief and recovery
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Government agencies involved in emergency management and response
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Environmental organisations
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Humanitarian aid organisations
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Research institutions studying disaster management
Where can I find out more?
You can explore other career pathways and find in-depth information on specific jobs on our website.
Source: Study Work Grow
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