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23-40 Flood Outreach Specialist (Program Specialist II-IV)

Only candidates who apply via email to (HR “at” TWDB.texas.gov) with an official State of Texas Application or through the WorkInTexas.com website will be considered for this position. View this position and apply at https://tinyurl.com/2jtxvxsb
 
Texas Water Development Board’s Mission - Leading the state’s efforts in ensuring a secure water future for Texas and its citizens.
  
The Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) endorses telecommuting and hybrid workplace plans, in addition to other flexible work alternatives. We offer competitive compensation and benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401(k), flexible spending, and flexible work hours so you can have a work/life balance! For more information about these benefits and more visit: http://www.twdb.texas.gov/jobs/benefits.asp.

The Texas Water Development Board does not discriminate on basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, sexual orientation, age, or disability in employment or provision of services, programs, or activities.

*Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Job Description Summary

Performs moderately complex (journey-level) to highly complex (senior-level) outreach and technical assistance to support floodplain management and flood outreach programs in Texas. Work involves serving as a liaison between federal and local governments, giving presentations/conducting trainings concerning floodplain management, planning, and mitigation in Texas. Communicates directly with other state or federal agency personnel, the general public, and elected and appointed officials. Work specifically focuses on assisting and evaluating communities participating or seeking participation in, the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), or seeking to enhance floodplain management standards by participating in the Community Rating System (CRS) Program. Assists in maintaining information and in coordinating floodplain management requirements between state, federal, and local communities. May train others. Works under general to limited supervision, with limited to moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Reports to the Manager of the Community Assistance Program Department.

Essential Job Functions

• Develops relationships with community leaders.
• Provides technical and administrative support to communities and applicants participating in or seeking assistance with agency flood programs, including the NFIP.
• Conducts reviews of local floodplain management programs within Texas to determine compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.
• Conducts community assistance site visits and community assistance contacts to support the NFIP.
• Provides training and technical assistance on the NFIP, floodplain management, and grant funding opportunities.
• Assists political subdivisions in making applications to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for participation in the NFIP and CRS.
• Compiles and prepares technical information or maps related to the NFIP and floodplain management.
• Provides specialized assistance to communities undergoing post-disaster recovery.
• Provides presentations to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Serves as a liaison for the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) at meetings with federal, state, and local entities or the public.
• Writes and reviews memos, meeting, study reports, work process, and other documents.
• Maintains confidential and sensitive information.
• Ensures individual and team files (electronic and hard versions) are appropriately maintained and timely disposed of in accordance with the agency’s records retention procedures and schedule.
• Maintains required certifications and licenses and meets the continuing education needs and requirements of the position to include, attending mandatory training courses.
• May be required to operate a state or personal vehicle for business purposes.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in Natural/Physical/Environmental Science or Engineering, Planning, Public Administration, Communications, or a related field.
• Program Specialist II – one to two years of professional experience in a floodplain management, natural resources, environmental analysis, planning, or a related field.
• Program Specialist III – three to five years of professional experience in a floodplain management, natural resources, environmental, planning, or a related field.
• Program Specialist IV – six or more years of professional experience in a floodplain management, natural resources, environmental, planning, or a related field.
• Relevant experience and education may be substituted for one another on a year-for-year basis.

Preferred Qualifications

• Graduate degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in Natural/Physical/Environmental Science or Engineering, Planning, Public Administration, or a related field.
• Previous experience as a floodplain administrator.
• Certified as a Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM), or willing to obtain within six months of hiring.
• Experience in outreach, including interacting with customers/stakeholders, creating educational content, and teaching or presenting at public meetings.
• Experience in using Geographic Information Systems (GIS).

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)

• Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations relevant to Floodplain Management, the National Flood Insurance Program, and 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 using Microsoft Office programs such as Word, Excel, and Access.
• Skills in use of internet, email, word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, and database software.
• Skills in giving presentations to elected bodies, public officials, and the general public.
• Skills in writing and preparing reports and presentations.
• Skills in explaining complicated technical problems in simple, non-technical language.
• 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 with no physical limitations or aids to perform activities such as retrieve/replace 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 days that may exceed 8 hours, including early mornings, nights, and weekends.
• Ability to train others.