Looking for a temporary job that makes a difference? FEMA is hiring in NM

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced it was seeking local applicants to help fill positions in its New Mexico Wildfire Recovery team.

New hires will assist the agency with disaster response and recovery efforts in a number of different positions, according to a news release from the agency. The New Mexico Wildfire Recovery team tackles survivor assistance, verification and damage assessment and some financial and logistical support in regions impacted by wildfires.

Lincoln County - along with Colfax, Mora, San Miguel and Valencia counties - were included in a June 6 disaster declaration by the agency which qualified those impacted by wildfires and wind events for federal assistance. In April, President Joe Biden signed an amended disaster declaration for New Mexico to include funding for emergency work in response to the disasters. The original declaration was issued May 4.

"Local hire employees are local residents who aid in the recovery of the community and help their fellow citizens in the recovery process," the news release read.

Most of the position are located in Santa Fe, but a search of usajobs.gov showed 102 jobs were open with the agency in New Mexico.

The available positions in need of immediate filling include a logistics specialist, mitigation grants specialist and voluntary agency liaison specialist.

Applications can be found at usajobs.gov along with job descriptions. Most job applications close at the end of this week.

According to FEMA, the hiring process for local temporary hires is streamlined.

The jobs last 120 days - though some may be extended the agency said. Compensation for each position varies but match local pay rates.

Any applicant must be a U.S. citizen, pass a background check and, if male, have registered for selective services.

Among postings for other long-term job positions at the Agency are supply management, program analysts, IT and data positions and several supervisory positions.

Applications for for state, federal assistance due soon

According to the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions, the state's deadline to apply for Disaster Unemployment Assistance is June 15.

The program is for those impacted by the 2022 wildfires. Applications can be found www.dws.state.nm.us/DUA or submitted at any Workforce Connection Center across the state. The assistance is available through Nov. 5.

The assistance includes weekly payments based on prior tax year reports and are meant to fill the gap left by loss of income as a direct result of wildfires.

Homeowners and renters in the five counties listed in the disaster declaration were eligible to begin applying for FEMA individual and public assistance April 5. To apply for assistance from FEMA visit disasterassistance.gov.

Financial help for temporary lodging and home repairs, along with other programs for families, are available.

Follow Jessica Onsurez on Twitter at @JussGREAT. Email her at jonsurez@gannett.com or call at 575-628-531.

This article originally appeared on Carlsbad Current-Argus: Looking for a temporary job that makes a difference? FEMA is hiring in NM