Once I submit my new employee paperwork will I be a Dewberry employee?

When we receive your completed new employee paperwork you will be contacted and added to the Dewberry Disaster Cadre in an inactive status meaning that you do not currently have an assignment. When we call on you for an assignment you will be activated in our accounting system which will provide you with access to the Dewberry intranet and time sheet system. When you demobilize we will switch you to an inactive status. We have established a Dewberry Disaster Cadre team services site at Team.DewberryDisasterCadre.com to facilitate information sharing.

When will I be called for an assignment?

FEMA utilizes their technical assistance contractors to provide surge capacity in their response to Presidentially declared disaster events. When the requirements of a disaster exceed FEMA’s capabilities to respond, they request technical support from their technical assistance contractors. When FEMA desires support under our contract(s), we identify individuals who meet FEMA’s criteria for the specific disaster and submit a roster of personnel whose background and experience matches FEMA’s needs. We make every effort to find opportunities for our staff.

What benefits will I, as a disaster cadre member, be eligible for?

You are eligible to participate in our 401k program, and you qualify for holiday pay on Dewberry-recognized holidays when you are deployed on assignment.

Will I be reimbursed for travel expenses when on assignment?

Yes, you will be reimbursed for eligible expenses while on assignment. Eligible expenses include travel costs (airfare and rental car), lodging and per diem in accordance with the Federal Travel Regulations, and miscellaneous expenses such as fuel, laundry, and parking. Specific instructions regarding reimbursable expenses are typically provided in the Dewberry Deployment memorandum which you will receive prior to your assignment. Airfare and rental car costs are typically direct billed to the company, but each employee must have a drivers license and a credit card with a credit limit sufficient to sustain lodging, per diem, and miscellaneous expenses for up to one month. After you deploy, you may request a cash advance to mitigate potential financial hardships.

How long is the typical disaster field assignment?

Disaster field assignments are typically 90 day commitments but can be extended or reduced depending on ever changing conditions in the field. You will be eligible for short trips home during your deployment. Typically these are long weekends taken every 4+ weeks of deployment.

What is the job description?

Job descriptions vary by contract, but traditionally involve providing technical analysis, programmatic determinations, and/or monitoring of activities. Employees are expected to be knowledgeable in their respective disciplines and will receive training on specific contract/assignment requirements. All assignments require the ability to utilize a computer and Microsoft Office applications and to work in a team environment.

How much will I be paid?

Your hourly rate is determined by your skills, education and experience.