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Become An Inspector

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 handheld computers loaded with government provided software to capture damages to the property. This data generates a report that allows FEMA to make an award determination, often within hours of the completed application. Find out more by watching the following presentation: https://vimeo.com/214010920.

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 any issued equipment in accordance with FEMA and WSP USA policy, including scheduled security system updates
• 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 on a monthly basis through WSP USA provided web interface
• To be eligible to conduct disaster housing inspections, inspectors must satisfactorily complete all required mission and duty ready training on an annual basis, or as necessary
• 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
• Schedule inspections with the FEMA disaster survivor on a first-in, first-out basis
• Perform inspection according to FEMA specifications and FEMA Inspections Guidelines:

These duties include but are not limited to:


• The inspector must meet with the FEMA disaster survivor (or approved designee) at the damaged dwelling and be escorted through the dwelling by the applicant or designee.
• Explain FEMA provided documents and answer basic questions from applicants about the FEMA process
• Verify ID, Insurance status, Ownership (only for owners), Occupancy, and Household Composition
• Buildings posted by local or state officials with notices such as “do not enter” or “not safe to enter” will not be entered
• Buildings that have not been evaluated for entry safety will be entered only if deemed safe to do so by the inspector
• Enter each room (whether there was damage or not) and record damages to the walls, floors ceilings, doors etc., appliances, and furnishings
• Assess damage to the roof from the ground; assess damage in the crawlspace from the exterior
• Assess appliance damages before recording them as Repair or Replace
• Measure rooms in which damage occurred and total square footage of dwelling
• Take interior and exterior photos of the dwelling and damages reflective of the habitability determination
• Address all data fields required within the FEMA software
• Complete and return to WSP USA all assigned inspections in less than 5 (five) days of the disaster survivor’s registration
• Submit accurate timesheets and travel reimbursement forms on a weekly basis
• Respond professionally to WSP USA staff inquiries within 12 hours
• Other Technical Assistance duties as assigned

Definition of Disaster Housing Inspector as determined under the Service Contract Act (SCA)


• Performs inspections and assesses damage of residences. Documents the damages sustained based on extensive knowledge of construction techniques.
• Assesses damage to dwellings and the overall habitability of homes and addresses each appropriate field using the ACE Field Software.
• Provides support in the administration of Inspection Services contracts, such as assisting in the development of emergency response plans and assisting with quality control monitoring.
• Assists in determining number of inspections needed at disaster field sites and provides guidance to other field inspectors. Typical guidance provided is assisting other inspectors with disaster specific information or technical assistance with the ACE Field Software.
• Assists the supervisor with analyzing and evaluating Inspection Services procedures in order to recommend improvements in inspection methods and techniques. Procedures are typically evaluated through physical observation of field experiences.
• Reviews, analyzes and verifies occupancy documentation provided by applicants such as mortgage payment books, deeds and various insurance documents.
• Provides disaster assistance program information to applicants.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications & Experience:


• High School diploma or GED equivalent preferred and a minimum of 1 year experience conducting home inspections, general construction experience or the equivalent of knowledge skills and abilities. Candidate must pass 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.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements:


• Part-time temporary position
• 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.
• Extensive overnight travel required.

Interested Applicants:

U.S. Citizenship required for all project positions. The selected candidates must undergo a FEMA required criminal background investigation and fingerprint analysis. Only candidates who rate favorably will be selected for employment.

WSP USA is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity in the work place. EOE minorities/Females/Protected Veteran/Disabled.