Emergency Support Function #12

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) leads Emergency Support Function (ESF) #12 under the National Response Framework, helping coordinate the federal assistance and resources needed to restore energy to communities impacted by disasters and emergencies. 

Within DOE, the Office of Cybersecurity, Energy Security, and Emergency Response (CESER) Response and Restoration Division (R&R) Energy Response Organization leads the ESF #12 response mission. 

Learn more about ESF #12 and the important role it plays in helping the U.S. energy sector respond to and recover from energy emergencies and disruptions. 

DOE Emergency Responders 

ESF #12 responders are highly skilled, volunteer DOE federal employees who rapidly mobilize when a major disaster or emergency causes damage to energy systems.  

They come from across the DOE enterprise, national laboratories, and Power Marketing Administrations (PMAs) to help DOE coordinate response and recovery efforts. Responders possess a strong desire to serve during energy emergencies and are often called to respond with little or no notice. 

Responder Eligibility 

Permanent, full-time DOE employees are eligible to apply to be a ESF #12 responder with supervisor approval. Contractor support and retirees are considered on a case-by-case basis. Applicants must have a valid and current Homeland Security Presidential Directive-12 (HSPD-12) compliant Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card, or similar form of identification. 

Because of the unique demands placed upon responders, DOE is looking for ESF #12 team candidates who are: 

• Flexible, adaptable, and creative and can work in a noisy, fast-paced environment. 
• Willing to work 12 hours a day, 7 days a week in a response center or field office for up to 14 days. 
• Able to plan, organize, and coordinate efforts across organization lines and monitor and achieve response mission requirements in a timely manner.
• Effective oral and written communicators who can present well-considered suggestions to senior government officials and industry professionals during a crisis. 

Members of the Catastrophic Incident Response team (CIRT) have technical skills to provide damage assessment support and restoration planning assistance. DOE is looking for CIRT team candidates who have: 

• Knowledge and mastery of energy infrastructure systems (electrical, oil and natural gas, power systems engineering, cybersecurity control systems) 
• Emergency management processes. 
• The ability to advise senior management. 

Join the ESF #12 Team! 

View our brochure to learn more about becoming an ESF #12 responder.

To apply, download our form and email the completed form and your resume to doeesf#12@hq.doe.gov.