Public Assistance Technical Specialist

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Participate in the Exploratory Call and then attend and participate in the Recovery Scoping Meeting.
• Schedule, attend, and participate in all Recovery Transition Meetings with applicants.
• Provide programmatic and technical assistance, perform program reviews, and project analysis as required.
• Development of federal grant applications (FEMA Project Worksheets) for all Categories of Work, providing review and quality assurance as to damage descriptions, scope of work, cost estimates, and general content.
• Collect, analyze, organize, and summarize financial data.
• Formulate large and small projects and perform validations.
• Aid in the preparation of change of scope requests, alternate project requests or improved project requests. Guide applicants through the entire grant process, with experience using Grants Portal and/or Grants Manager.
• Provide project reviews for partial and final payment requests.
• Participate in scheduling and conducting site inspections.
• Prior experience performing financial closeout duties related to the FEMA PA Program.
• Follow all safety guidelines in performance of work activities.
• Complete all required training.

Required Skills and Competencies

• High proficiency with Adobe Acrobat and Microsoft Office Suite applications, and ability to quickly learn new computer software, programs, and utilize various video conferencing tools.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Possess an in-depth understanding of FEMA’s Public Assistance Program and Policy Guide.
• Must be self-motivated, responsible, and confident with a commitment to integrity.
• Must be detail oriented, very organized, and able to prioritize multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Must have a proficient understanding of concepts from applicant intake through project and subrecipient closeout.
• Experience working with Federal, State and Local Governments on the PA program.

Required Education and Experience

• A bachelor’s degree is preferred.
• Minimum of 3 years of professional experience working in the FEMA Public Assistance grant program.
• Project management or personnel/team management experience preferred.
• Must have a valid driver's license and acceptable driving record.
• Must be able to perform work for extended periods/durations of time in outdoor weather conditions.
• Must be able to walk/stand extended periods and negotiate terrain impacted by natural disasters.
• Must be able to bend and stretch.
• Must be able to travel on small aircraft, ATV’s and off-road vehicles.
• Must weigh less than 250 lbs. to meet requirements for traveling on small aircraft.
• Modified lodging and accommodations may be required given limited availability of traditional lodging.