PHOTO: Tanina Jones (FEMA local hire)

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The Federal Emergency Management Agency today swore in its first local hire to assist with the recovery from the April 28 to May 5 severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds and flooding. Tanina Jones is working for FEMA Human Resources as an administrative assistant.

Jones, who started work on Wednesday, May 28, said she hasn’t worked since she came to Montgomery to attend Troy University, where she will graduate in December with a degree in Criminal Justice.

“This has been a godsend to me,” she said. “I have been out of work since 2010.”

FEMA’s Federal Coordinating Officer Albie Lewis administered the oath and said hiring local workers not only helps the area’s economy but brings in local knowledge, which is invaluable.

“These new employees bring local experience and a feeling for the community,” he said. “That’s instrumental to our work here.”

FEMA has more than two dozen full-time temporary jobs available to Alabama residents, including 24 in Montgomery and seven elsewhere in the state.

Skilled workers are being hired for jobs in a variety of areas, including human resources, information technology, couriers, engineers, communications, finance and administration.

Applicants will be required to pass a background investigation that includes finger printing and credit check, as well as able to furnish his/her own transportation to work. Employees are also required to participate in mandatory direct deposit/electronic funds transfer for salary payment, must be U.S. citizens and 18 years old.

Candidates who possess needed skills and pass a background check will be formally offered positions and sworn in, and then sent to the program areas they have been assigned.

Those interested in working for FEMA may apply at www.joblink.Alabama.gov. Enter “FEMA” into the keyword search to find available positions.

FEMA is committed to employing a highly qualified workforce that reflects the diversity of our nation. All applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, age, political affiliation, non-disqualifying physical handicap, sexual orientation and any other non-merit factor. The federal government is an equal opportunity employer.