Public Assistance Manager - Austin, TX

Safework specializes in providing all aspects of construction management, project management, safety management and construction inspection. From the beginning of a project to the very end the Safework professionals are committed to the success of each project on which we work.

Our employees are the key to our success in providing professional services. What they contribute to our projects and to the company is much more than just doing a "job." In return we are committed to providing our employees with a great place to give their talents, an inclusive environment, and projects that make a difference in the lives of others.

We work hard to provide an unparalleled experience for our clients. To do this we understand that people are the backbone of our company. For this reason, we offer industry leading benefits and competitive salaries for professionals who are passionate about serving their clients.

JOB SUMMARY: Responsible for managing FEMA Public Assistance programs for state, local, tribal, and territorial (SLTT) clients following declared disasters. This role oversees the full PA grant lifecycle—from damage assessment and project formulation through obligation, compliance, and closeout—while ensuring adherence to FEMA regulations and policies.

The ideal candidate has deep FEMA PA experience, strong client-facing skills, and the ability to manage complex recovery projects involving multiple stakeholders, large funding amounts, and strict compliance requirements.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities

• Manage FEMA Public Assistance programs in accordance with the Stafford Act, 2 CFR, 44 CFR, and FEMA PA policy guidance
• Oversee PA activities including Damage Assessments, Project Formulation, Scoping, Cost Estimating, Obligation, and Closeout
• Manage Categories of Work A–G, including Permanent and Emergency Work
• Coordinate and oversee 406 Hazard Mitigation opportunities within PA projects
• Serve as the primary point of contact for clients, state agencies, FEMA staff, and partner consultants
• Ensure compliance with EHP, Insurance, Procurement, Labor (Davis-Bacon), and Force Account requirements
• Review and approve scopes of work, cost estimates, and supporting documentation for eligibility and compliance
• Track project schedules, funding status, deliverables, and reporting requirements
• Lead and mentor PA staff, consultants, and sub-consultants
• Support applicant briefings, recovery meetings, and on-site field operations
• Travel to disaster-impacted areas as required
• Bachelor’s degree in Emergency Management, Engineering, Construction Management, Public Administration, or a related field
• 5 years of FEMA Public Assistance experience
• Demonstrated experience managing FEMA PA projects through obligation and closeout
• Strong knowledge of 2 CFR, 44 CFR, FEMA PA policies, and disaster recovery procedures
• Experience working directly with state, local, tribal, or territorial governments
• Excellent written, verbal, and organizational skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects in fast-paced, high-pressure environments
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a related field
• FEMA training and certifications (e.g., G270, G318, G393, EEMI PA courses)
• Professional certifications such as PMP, PE, CCM, or CEM
• Experience working for FEMA, a state emergency management agency, or a disaster recovery consulting firm
• Familiarity with large-scale disasters and complex recovery programs
  
  

BE CHALLENGED, BE INSPIRED

With Safework, you'll play a part in solving complex technical challenges with innovative, sustainable, and dependable solutions. If you're a driven professional looking to build your skills while building a better world, you could be a great fit for Safework.

GROW PROFESSIONALLY

We recognize that our employees are the most valuable asset of the company, so Safework makes an investment in human resources and technologies. We assist employees in developing successful career goals as we believe positive and confident employees are a key source of competitive advantage for Safework in the marketplace.

Comprehensive Benefits

Wherever you are in your career – just starting out or a seasoned professional – your benefits represent an important part of your overall compensation. Safework is proud to offer a comprehensive, competitive benefits package.

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

Safework is an equal opportunity employer and makes employment decisions on the basis of merit. We want to have the best available persons in every job. We prohibit unlawful discrimination based on race, color, creed, gender, religion, marital status, registered domestic partner status, age, national origin or ancestry, physical or mental disability, and medical conditions including genetic characteristics, sexual orientation, or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state or local laws. This includes unlawful discrimination based on the perception that anyone having any of those characteristics or is associated with a person who has or is perceived as having any of those characteristics. Safework, Inc. is committed to complying with all applicable laws providing equal employment opportunities. This commitment applies to all persons involved in Safework, Inc. operations and prohibits unlawful discrimination by any employee of Safework, including supervisors and co-workers.