Hazard Mitigation Planning Specialist

Texas A&M University System • College Station, TX

3d • $70,000 - $80,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Hazard Mitigation Planning Specialist at the Institute for a Disaster Resilient Texas (IDRT) at Texas A&M University develops hazard mitigation plans, resilience assessments, and related technical products that help communities prepare for and recover from natural hazards. The role combines technical writing, hazard and risk analysis, stakeholder facilitation, project management, applied research, and support for sponsored projects. The position is grant- and/or contract-funded and contingent on continued funding and satisfactory performance. Travel may be required, and work beyond normal office hours or on weekends may be necessary.

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 a related field.
• Ability to use a computer and applicable software for technical writing, editing, and print production.
• Ability to use 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 using learning and active listening strategies.
• Ability to orally comprehend and express information and use inductive and deductive reasoning.
• Ability to interact positively and professionally with clients and staff, including 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.
• Three years of experience serving as a lead author, primary contributor, project manager, or technical lead for FEMA-compliant hazard mitigation plans.
• Three years of experience 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

• Develop and update FEMA-compliant Hazard Mitigation Plans and serve as a principal contributor to planning documents and resilience assessments.
• Conduct and document hazard identification, vulnerability assessments, and risk analyses.
• Develop mitigation goals, objectives, and action strategies to support long-term community resilience.
• Ensure planning products meet 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 planning, research, technical writing, data analysis, document review, and project management activities.
• Evaluate emerging technologies that may improve resilience planning and applied research, contribute to best practices for responsible AI use, and support training in innovative planning and research methods.
• Support proposals for federal, state, and private-sector funding opportunities and 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 and contribute to innovative approaches to disaster resilience.

Benefits

• Medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, life and AD&D, flexible spending accounts, and long-term disability insurance; Texas A&M contributes 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 for health and wellness.
• 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.
• Access to the Living Well employee program.

What This Job Offers

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