WSP USA Inspection Services plays a crucial role in supporting the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Disaster Housing Inspection Services Program. This program provides rapid financial assistance to property owners whose homes have been damaged by natural disasters across the United States and its territories. WSP deploys a network of qualified inspectors to assess damage and provide critical information for FEMA to determine aid eligibility, often within hours of inspection.
The Role of WSP in FEMA Disaster Response
WSP USA Inspection Services utilizes a large network of pre-qualified, part-time temporary inspectors who are ready to deploy within 24 hours. These inspectors utilize specialized software on tablets to thoroughly document property damage, enabling FEMA to swiftly process aid applications. This rapid response is vital in providing timely relief to disaster survivors. WSP responds to a wide range of disasters, including:
- Drought
- Earthquake
- Explosion
- Fire
- Flood
- High Water
- Hurricane
- Landslide
- Mudslide
- Snowstorm
- Storm
- Tidal Wave
- Tornado
- Tsunami
- Volcanic Eruption
- Wind-Driven Water
Responsibilities of a WSP Disaster Inspector
WSP Disaster Inspectors have critical responsibilities in both preparing for and deploying to disaster zones. Readiness responsibilities include maintaining issued equipment, adhering to FEMA and WSP policies, staying current with training, and ensuring personal preparedness with necessary safety attire and tools. Deployment responsibilities encompass timely arrival at disaster field offices, conducting thorough damage assessments according to FEMA guidelines, and submitting accurate documentation within specified timeframes.
Specific job duties include:
- Meeting with disaster survivors to explain the FEMA process.
- Verifying applicant information (ID, insurance, ownership, residency).
- Assessing damage to the home, including roof and crawlspace (from exterior).
- Documenting damage to personal property.
- Measuring the dwelling’s square footage.
- Completing all required data fields in FEMA software.
- Submitting timely and accurate reports, timesheets, and expense forms.
- Maintaining consistent communication with WSP staff.
Qualifications and Requirements for WSP Inspectors
Qualified candidates for Wsp Inspection Services typically possess a high school diploma or equivalent and must demonstrate proficiency in residential construction principles, basic math, and computer skills. Excellent communication, documentation, and customer service skills are essential. Applicants must hold a valid driver’s license and a major credit card with sufficient credit to cover initial expenses (estimated between $3,000-$6,000) before reimbursements begin.
Working Conditions for WSP Disaster Inspectors
WSP Disaster Inspector positions are on-call and intermittent, based on disaster activity. Deployments often involve long hours, seven days a week, in challenging conditions with potentially limited resources. The duration of deployments varies depending on the scale of the disaster. The ability to work in stressful environments while providing professional customer service is crucial. Physical demands include walking on uneven terrain and accessing all levels of dwellings.
Joining WSP Inspection Services
Interested individuals can apply online. U.S. citizenship is required, along with successful completion of a FEMA-required background check, credit check, and fingerprint analysis. Candidates must have resided in the U.S. or a U.S. territory for at least three of the past five years. WSP USA is an equal opportunity employer.
