Substantial Damage Assessor

About the role

The Substantial Damage Estimator (SDE) Inspector is responsible for evaluating structures in disaster‑affected areas to determine the extent of damage and assess whether the building is substantially damaged or in need of substantial improvement, according to the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) regulations. This role is critical in supporting post‑disaster recovery efforts and ensuring compliance with floodplain management requirements. The SDE Inspector works closely with local officials, property owners, and other stakeholders to collect and analyze data necessary for damage assessments, and is guided by ACDC’s Corporate Values Platform (competent, caring, connected).

Responsibilities

• Perform on‑site inspections of residential and non‑residential structures in Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs) to determine damage from floods, fires, and other disasters.
• Use the FEMA Substantial Damage Estimator (SDE) tool to collect detailed information about building conditions, including structural components, utilities, and other elements.
• Document damage through photographs, field notes, and measurements, ensuring all necessary data is captured for accurate assessments.
• Input collected field data into the SDE software to generate damage assessments for structures.
• Ensure data accuracy by cross‑referencing local building records, tax assessments, and other resources to determine pre‑damage market values and estimated repair costs.
• Update and maintain records in the SDE database, ensuring data is properly organized and geo‑referenced.
• Ensure all damage assessments comply with NFIP regulations, specifically determining if structures meet the threshold for substantial damage (repair costs equal or exceed 50% of pre‑damage market value).
• Generate detailed reports for local authorities and property owners, summarizing findings and providing information on required steps for compliance with floodplain management ordinances.
• Work with local and state officials to communicate findings and assist in developing recovery plans that meet regulatory requirements.
• Serve as a liaison between property owners and local government officials to explain inspection findings and regulatory requirements.
• Assist in answering public questions about the damage assessment process, NFIP regulations, and options for rebuilding or mitigating future flood risk.
• Support local floodplain management programs by providing technical assistance and guidance on mitigation strategies and compliance measures.
• Participate in disaster response operations by conducting rapid assessments of widespread damage, often coordinating with FEMA and other emergency response agencies.
• Assist local communities in managing recovery operations, including permit issuance for repairs, inspections, and coordination of disaster assistance programs such as Increased Cost of Compliance (ICC) coverage.
• Travel required around Florida gulf counties; up to 100% travel expected; must be willing to travel and deploy to client sites for extended periods.
• Physical demands include mobility around sites, climbing, lifting/carrying (up to 50 lbs. repetitively), bending, kneeling, crouching, sitting or standing for hours, and driving site to site.
• Ability to work at a computer for extended periods if needed.
• Work may be performed outdoors in adverse weather conditions, on‑site with clients (e.g., EOC, hospital, debris sites, local government buildings), or in a remote/home office environment as agreed upon at hire.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• Knowledge of FEMA’s NFIP regulations and experience with floodplain management principles.
• Two years of experience in building inspections, damage assessments, or related fields, with a solid understanding of construction techniques and materials.
• Proficiency in using the FEMA SDE tool, or similar damage estimation software.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively with property owners, government officials, and contractors.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage large amounts of data.

Qualifications

• A bachelor's degree in construction management, engineering, or a related field is preferred.
• Years of experience may substitute for the education requirement on a year‑for‑year basis, in addition to the minimum requirements.
• Four or more years of experience in building inspections, damage assessments, or related