Hazard Mitigation Specialist I

IEM

16h•$65,000 - $80,000•Remote

About The Position

IEM is looking for a Full-Time Hazard Mitigation Specialist I to join our growing team. The Hazard Mitigation Specialist I supports FEMA mitigation programs by helping communities develop effective, cost‑efficient strategies to reduce long‑term disaster risk. The role includes researching hazards, assessing damaged infrastructure, preparing technical documentation, conducting BCAs, and assisting with grant applications. Working both independently and with project teams, the Specialist ensures all work meets federal program requirements and helps SLTT partners strengthen resilience and rebuild safely.

Requirements

One (1) year of substantially continuous experience in FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA) programs—including the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP), Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) Program, and Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) Program (formerly the Pre‑Disaster Mitigation Program); similar federal or state mitigation or resilience programs; federally funded disaster recovery programs; or a combination thereof.
One (1) year of continuous experience providing direct programmatic and technical assistance, performing program reviews, and conducting project analysis in one or more of the programs noted above.
Experience estimating project timelines and tracking application development, project implementation, and expenditures of funds for federal grants or sub‑grants.
Basic understanding of FEMA’s Community Lifelines and the principles behind them.
Strong reading, comprehension, and computer/data‑entry skills, including training and experience with FEMA disaster systems such as Grants Portal, eGrants, and EMMIE.
Strong writing and communication skills, including public speaking experience.

Nice To Haves

Degree: Bachelor’s degree in Emergency Management, Engineering, Architecture, Environmental Sciences, or a related field.
Experience: One (1) year of continuous experience working specifically with FEMA’s HMGP, including: Conducting applicant briefings Understanding hazard mitigation plans and strategies, including plan development, updates, and reviews Project scoping to develop mitigation actions and applications, preparing amendments, scope‑change requests, and similar documentation Reviewing applications for completeness and developing clear, concise, technically accurate RFIs Ability to explain and/or perform Benefit‑Cost Analyses (BCA)
Experience using FEMA GO disaster system.
Relevant professional licenses and certifications, such as Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM) or Certified Emergency Manager (CEM).
Basic understanding of economic, environmental, social, health and public safety, transportation, and emergency access impacts and how these factors influence project development.

Responsibilities

Assist with developing mitigation strategies and viable, cost‑effective mitigation actions for state, local, tribal, and territorial (SLTT) partners and eligible private non-profit entities, working closely with SLTTs and federal agencies to identify opportunities to enhance infrastructure resilience following disasters.
Provide project support services to implementation teams and senior staff, ensuring coordinated input, high‑quality deliverables, and alignment with Customer SOW requirements.
Conduct project‑related research to support mitigation planning, risk evaluation, resilience strategy development, and technical analysis.
Review and assess damaged infrastructure and assist in developing technically feasible and cost‑effective mitigation measures that reduce long‑term disaster risk.
Compile, track, and analyze project data, including information related to damages, mitigation options, risk‑reduction benefits, and project feasibility.
Assist in analyzing solution requirements, including regulatory compliance considerations, hazard‑specific needs, and potential mitigation pathways.
Develop project documentation, including scoping materials, compliance reviews, technical research, application components, and concise responses to Requests for Information (RFIs).
Independently plan and execute project tasks and activities in accordance with the Customer SOW, ensuring timely, accurate, and compliant work products.
Ensure compliance with applicable mitigation program regulations and support resilient rebuilding and long‑term risk‑reduction efforts.
Develop Benefit‑Cost Analyses (BCAs), Benefit‑Cost Ratios (BCRs), and BCA methodologies to support project eligibility, cost‑effectiveness, and alignment with federal requirements.
Provide grant management and technical assistance for Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA) and other mitigation‑focused programs supporting planning, project development, and project implementation.