TWDB - 26-101: Flood Outreach Specialist (Program Specialist II)

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 role involves serving as a liaison between federal and local governments, conducting presentations and training, and assisting communities with flood programs.

Responsibilities

• Develops relationships with community leaders and provides technical and administrative support to communities and applicants.
• Conducts reviews of local floodplain management programs to ensure compliance with regulations.
• Provides presentations, training, and workshops to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Assists communities in making applications to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for participation in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
• Compiles and prepares technical information or maps related to the NFIP and floodplain management.
• Serves as a liaison for the TWDB at meetings with federal, state, and local entities or the public.
• Maintains confidential and sensitive information and ensures individual and team files are appropriately maintained.
• Maintains required certifications and licenses and meets continuing education needs.
• Operates a state or personal vehicle for business purposes.

Requirements

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor's degree in Natural/Physical/Environmental Science or Engineering, Planning, Public Administration, Communications, or a related field.
• One year of relevant work experience in floodplain management, natural resources, environmental analysis, 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.
• Knowledge of floodplain management and floodplain mapping.
• Knowledge of hydrologic/hydraulic principles and procedures as applied to floodplain management.
• Skills in using Microsoft Office programs such as Word, Excel, and Access.
• Skills in using internet, email, word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, and database software.
• 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.
• Ability to maintain the security or integrity of critical infrastructure within Texas.
• Ability to meet agency in-office requirements.
• 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 provide prompt, courteous and accurate assistance and clear and concise communication to internal and external stakeholders both verbally and in writing.
• 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.
• Ability to train others.

Qualifications

• Graduate degree from an accredited college or university in Natural/Physical/Environmental Science or 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).
• Certified as a Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM) or willing to obtain within six months of hiring.

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.
• 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 using Microsoft Office programs such as Word, Excel, and Access.
• Skills in using internet, email, word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, and database software.
• 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.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation and benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401(k), flexible spending, and flexible work alternatives.

Pay

Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Schedule

Work involves serving as a liaison between federal and local governments and giving presentations/conducting training concerning floodplain management, planning, and mitigation. Work involves traveling as needed to support community assistance needs and program activities.