Emergency Management Careers in Burlington, Vermont

In the 1990s, emergency management responsibilities were placed upon the Fire Chief of the Burlington, Vermont Fire Department. The Burlington Fire Department carries the onus of coordinating all activities and discharging authority and responsibilities in the event of an emergency in the city. This includes community incident planning, establishing common radio channels, raising program funds, and updating the city’s Emergency Operations Plan. Duties also include contributing to Vermont’s Statewide Response Network for urban search and rescue, national radio channels, fire mutual aid and multiple casualty/mass care incidents.

Large-scale public emergency drills are held, as are classes at Burlington public schools to train the community on what to do in the event of an emergency. Some of the emergencies that the city of Burlington has responded to in recent years include the 2011 Lake Champlain shoreline floods, the 1998 ice storm, and the aftermath of September 11, 2001. Burlington emergency management professionals contribute to the city’s efforts in preparing and planning for and responding to emergencies such as these.


Degrees in Emergency Management in Burlington

Burlington citizens who are not yet in emergency management careers but would like to be should seek education in emergency management or a related discipline. A certificate or degree is necessary for most Burlington, Vermont emergency management jobs. Opportunities for such training in the Burlington area and online that may lead to careers in emergency management include:

  • Master of Science in Business Continuity Management
  • Master of Science in Management in Homeland Security
  • Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice: Human Services
  • Master of Public Administration – Homeland Security Policy and Coordination
  • Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice

Burlington residents who already work in the emergency management field may seek training through the Vermont Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security. Courses offered include first aid, Red Cross trainings, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) radiological courses, and emergency management institute courses through FEMA.

Emergency Management Organizations with a Presence in Burlington

Burlington, Vermont houses many government agencies and their satellite offices, some of which are involved in emergency management functions. In addition, some private companies in the Burlington area contribute to these government organizations and perform emergency management operations. Careers in emergency management in Burlington may be begun through:

  • 15th Civil Support Team (National Guard) – Potential emergency management jobs here include Chemical Weapons Specialist and Communications Specialist.
  • Burlington Resident Agency of the FBI (Federal Bureau of Intelligence) – Possible emergency management jobs here could include Special Agent.
  • Burlington Field Office of the ATF (Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms) – Weapons inspector is one of the possible emergency management jobs here.
  • United States Secret Service, Burlington Office – Potential emergency management jobs here include Secret Service Agent.
  • Burlington Office of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) – Customs enforcement officer, imports specialist and investigator are some of the possible emergency management jobs here.
  • State of Vermont  – possible emergency management jobs include Homeland Security Program Planner, Public Safety Radio Technology Specialist and Public Guardian.

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