Hazard Mitigation Planning Specialist

Texas A&M • College Station, TX

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Institute for a Disaster Resilient Texas (IDRT) at Texas A&M University brings together research, data, and collaboration to strengthen communities against natural hazards. Established to bridge the gap between science and decision-making, IDRT delivers cutting-edge analytics, tools, and evidence-based solutions that support state agencies, partners, and local communities in preparing for, responding to, and recovering from disasters. Through innovative research and a commitment to public impact, we help build a more resilient Texas for the long term.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in urban planning, Emergency Management, Geography, Public Administration, Environmental Science, Engineering, Natural Resources, or a closely related field.
• Eight years of related experience in hazard mitigation planning, resilience planning, emergency management, climate adaptation, or related field.
• Ability to effectively utilize a computer and applicable software for technical writing, editing and print production.
• Ability to utilize Geographic Information System (GIS) and geospatial analysis to support planning and decision-making.
• Ability to use Python, R, machine learning, large language models, natural language processing, or other advanced analytical methods.
• Familiarity with using artificial intelligence tools or advanced analytical technologies in professional planning, research, technical writing, data analysis, or project management workflows.
• Skilled in utilizing various learning and active listening strategies.
• Ability to orally comprehend and express information and use inductive and deductive reasoning.
• Ability to positively and professionally interact with clients and staff, groups of various sizes.
• Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in urban planning, Emergency Management, Geography, Public Administration, Environmental Science, Engineering, Natural Resources, or a closely related field.
• Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM), American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP), Certified Emergency Manager (CEM), and/or related professional certification.
• 3-year experience serving as a lead author, primary contributor, project manager, or technical lead for FEMA-compliant hazard mitigation plans.
• 3-year experience of working on FEMA Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA), Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP), Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA), Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC), or similar programs.

Responsibilities

• Development and update of FEMA-compliant Hazard Mitigation Plans.
• Serve as principal contributor, for planning documents and resilience assessments.
• Conduct and document hazard identification, vulnerability assessments, and risk analyses.
• Develop mitigation goals, objectives, and action strategies that support long-term community resilience.
• Ensure planning products comply with FEMA Mitigation Planning Policy Guide requirements and applicable state and federal standards.
• Coordinate plan development through stakeholder review, adoption, and FEMA approval.
• Prepare technical reports, planning documents, white papers, and related deliverables.
• Facilitate planning committee meetings, workshops, and public engagement activities.
• Coordinate with local governments, emergency managers, councils of governments, nonprofit organizations, and state and federal agencies.
• Present project findings and recommendations to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Apply AI and advanced analytical tools to support planning, research, technical writing, data analysis, document review, and project management activities.
• Evaluate emerging technologies that improve the efficiency and effectiveness of resilience planning and applied research.
• Contribute to the development of best practices for responsible AI use in hazard mitigation and resilience planning.
• Support training activities related to innovative planning and research methods.
• Support proposal development for federal, state, and private-sector funding opportunities.
• Assist with project reporting and sponsor deliverables.
• Contribute to the growth of the Institute's hazard mitigation planning portfolio.
• Conduct hazard, vulnerability, resilience, climate, and flood risk assessments.
• Integrate demographic, environmental, and geospatial datasets into research products.
• Collaborate with faculty, research scientists, and graduate students on research initiatives.
• Contribute to the development of innovative approaches to disaster resilience.

Benefits

• Medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, life and AD&D, flexible spending accounts , and long-term disability insurance with Texas A&M contributing to employee health and basic life premiums
• 12-15 days of annual paid holidays
• Up to eight hours of paid sick leave and at least eight hours of paid vacation each month
• Automatic enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas
• Free exercise programs and release time
• All employees have access to free LinkedIn Learning training, webinars, and limited financial support to attend conferences, workshops, and more
• Educational release time and tuition assistance for completing a degree while a Texas A&M employee
• Living Well, a program at Texas A&M that has been built by employees, for employees

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior