Emergency preparedness can also be a pathway to employment, service, and skill-building. Across Tennessee, people with disabilities can explore training, volunteer opportunities, mentoring, and careers connected to public safety, emergency response, community support, communication, planning, and recovery.
These experiences can help strengthen problem-solving, teamwork, leadership, communication, and decision-making skills while creating meaningful ways to contribute to the community. Whether through a job, internship, volunteer role, or training program, preparedness-focused opportunities can open doors to new skills, connections, and career possibilities.
Employment Opportunities
The State of Tennessee currently lists a Southeast Region Emergency Management Planner 3 position serving the Chattanooga/Hamilton County area, with applications open through September 24, 2026.
Search current “Tennessee Emergency Management” jobs
Mentoring & Career Development
My Preparedness Initiative (MyPI) – Tennessee prepares teens through CERT-based emergency preparedness training, CPR/AED education, disaster simulations, leadership development, and community service. Volunteer instructors help mentor young people in preparedness, civic responsibility, and leadership, making this an opportunity for adults who want to help develop the next generation of emergency-preparedness leaders.
Explore MyPI and Tennessee participation
Tennessee Department of Health – Emergency Preparedness Internship Opportunities give college students hands-on exposure to public health and emergency preparedness. The department’s Academic Health Department places interns in programs including the Communicable and Environmental Diseases and Emergency Preparedness Division, where work can involve disease surveillance, outbreak response, prevention, and preparedness for disease and non-disease emergencies. Spring 2027 applications are currently open through September 30, 2026, and some placements are paid.
Explore Tennessee Department of Health internships
Emergency Management Association of Tennessee (EMAT) offers a professional-development pathway for people already working or volunteering in emergency management.
Members can access training, networking, leadership opportunities, certification programs, and collaboration with TEMA. EMAT’s instructor-recognition program also specifically encourages experienced emergency-management instructors to mentor newer applicants as they work toward professional recognition.
Explore EMAT professional development and membership
Volunteer Opportunities
Tennessee Medical Reserve Corps welcomes both healthcare professionals and people without medical backgrounds. Tennessee has 13 MRC units across the state, and volunteers may support public-health emergencies, vaccination or medication distribution sites, survivor assistance, floods, tornadoes, ice storms, and other emergencies. Volunteers also receive emergency-response training and opportunities to participate in drills.
Join Tennessee’s Medical Reserve Corps
Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) programs provide free preparedness and response training in communities across Tennessee. Training can include disaster preparedness, fire safety, disaster medical operations, light search and rescue, communications, team organization, and disaster simulations. CERT volunteers may later assist with neighbor check-ins, preparedness education, emergency operations, volunteer coordination, and other community needs.
Find a Tennessee CERT program
American Red Cross – Tennessee Region offers several disaster-focused volunteer roles, including Disaster Action Team, Disaster Shelter Volunteer, Disaster Health Services, and Disaster Preparedness Presenter. Preparedness volunteers can also educate adults and youth about practical steps they can take before emergencies happen.
Explore Red Cross volunteer opportunities in Tennessee
Tennessee Serves Network / Volunteer Tennessee connects Tennesseans with disaster-related volunteer opportunities statewide. Volunteer Tennessee strongly encourages people who want to assist after disasters to train and affiliate with an established organization before an emergency, rather than arriving at a disaster site on their own.
Explore Volunteer Tennessee disaster opportunities
Jarrett Concrete is hiring Production Laborers! This full-time opportunity offers competitive pay, weekly pay, steady work, and opportunities for growth within the company. Applicants should be able to perform outdoor, physical labor, lift 50+ pounds, work well with a team, and be eligible to work in the U.S.
Interested applicants can call or text 615-887-3982 or email a resume to careers@jarrettconcrete.com.
We’re looking for experienced operators who are ready to put their skills to work. Candidates must have at least 1 year of recent Reach Truck experience.
Position Details:
• Reach Truck Operator
• Mt. Juliet, TN
• $20.13/hr
• Full-time opportunity
• Experience required
• Weekly pay
If you have the experience and are ready for your next opportunity, apply today!
Apply online: jobs.verstela.com
Use ZIP code 37122 to find the Mt. Juliet openings.
Know someone with Reach Truck experience who’s looking for work? Send this their way!
Interested applicants can call 423-639-0900, visit ElwoodStaffing.com, or scan the QR code on the flyer to apply.
View job details and apply online at: https://cookevilletn.mysmarthire.com/jobs/