TWDB - 26-100: Flood Outreach Specialist (Program Specialist III)

About the role

The Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) seeks a Journey-Level Floodplain Manager to support floodplain management and flood outreach programs in Texas. This position serves as a liaison between federal and local governments, conducts reviews, and provides training and technical assistance.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a liaison between federal and local governments and give presentations/conduct training concerning floodplain management, planning, and mitigation.
• Communicate directly with other state or federal agency personnel, the general public, and elected and appointed officials.
• Assist and evaluate communities participating or seeking participation in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or seeking to enhance floodplain management standards.
• Participate in special projects, such as training development, contract management, communications, and strategic planning.
• Travel as needed to support community assistance needs and program activities.
• Train others.

Requirements

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor's degree in Natural/Physical/Environmental Science, Engineering, Planning, Public Administration, Communications, or a related field.
• Three years of professional experience in floodplain management, natural resources, environmental, planning, or a related field.
• Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations relevant to floodplain management, the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), and the Community Assistance Program Department.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of public administration.
• Knowledge of the NFIP and FEMA flood grant programs as well as knowledge of floodplain management and floodplain mapping.
• Knowledge of hydrologic/hydraulic principles and procedures as applied to floodplain management.
• Skills in giving presentations to elected bodies, public officials, and the general public.
• Skills in providing training and workshops to a variety of technical and non-technical professionals.
• Skills in writing and preparing reports and presentations.
• Skills in explaining complicated technical problems in simple, non-technical language.
• Skills in using Microsoft Office programs such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Forms, and Teams.
• Ability to maintain the security or integrity of critical infrastructure within Texas.
• Ability to meet agency in-office requirements.
• Ability to provide prompt, courteous and accurate assistance, and clear and concise communication to all stakeholders both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to adhere to work schedules, follow procedures with respect to leave and submit accurate timesheets by prescribed deadlines.
• Ability to make mature, objective decisions and identify areas of potential problems.
• Ability to perform effectively and willingly when changes occur in scope and nature of the work and work environment.
• Ability to perform routine and non-routine work assignments accurately and on-time with little or no supervision.
• Ability to perform assigned duties and improve work habits and/or output.
• Ability to complete assigned work on time, neatly, and with infrequent errors.
• Ability to interpret policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Ability to work and cooperate with others in a team environment.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks.
• Ability to stand/sit/move to perform activities such as retrieving/replacing files in a large file system for boxes up to 30 lbs.
• Ability and willingness to travel 50% of the time, primarily within the State of Texas.
• Ability to operate a vehicle (state or personal) for state business and maintain a driver's license and driving record that complies with state and agency requirements.
• Ability to work shifts that may exceed 8 hours, including early mornings, nights, and weekends.

Qualifications

• Minimum Qualifications: Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor's degree in Natural/Physical/Environmental Science, Engineering, Planning, Public Administration, Communications, or a related field. Three years of professional experience in floodplain management, natural resources, environmental, planning, or a related field.
• Preferred Qualifications: Graduate degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in Natural/Physical/Environmental Science, Engineering, Planning, Public Administration, or a related field. Previous experience as a floodplain administrator or with floodplain management. Experience developing and conducting training and workshops for technical and non-technical audiences. Experience in outreach, including interacting with customers/stakeholders, creating educational content, and presenting at public meetings. Experience in using Geographic Information Systems (GIS).

Skills

• Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations relevant to floodplain management, the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), and the Community Assistance Program Department.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of public administration.
• Knowledge of the NFIP and FEMA flood grant programs as well as knowledge of floodplain management and floodplain mapping.
• Knowledge of hydrologic/hydraulic principles and procedures as applied to floodplain management.
• Knowledge of disaster response.
• Skills in giving presentations to elected bodies, public officials, and the general public.
• Skills in providing training and workshops to a variety of technical and non-technical professionals.
• Skills in writing and preparing reports and presentations.
• Skills in explaining complicated technical problems in simple, non-technical language.
• Skills in using Microsoft Office programs such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Forms, and Teams.
• Skills in using internet, email, word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, and database software.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation and benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401(k), flexible spending, and flexible work alternatives.
• Visit TWDB Career Page for more information.