Hazard Mitigation Specialist III

IEM•Lafayette, LA

19h•Hybrid

About The Position

IEM is looking for a Full-Time Hazard Mitigation Specialist III who will support our hazard mitigation team by developing and implementing mitigation strategies for FEMA HMA and PA programs, assessing damaged infrastructure, preparing proposals, conducting Benefit-Cost Analyses, and providing technical guidance to state and local partners to ensure compliance and promote resilient rebuilding efforts.

Requirements

Experience: Five (5) years of experience with FEMA’s Public Assistance Program, including strong knowledge of FEMA 406 mitigation measures. Proven ability to assess damaged public infrastructure and develop cost-effective mitigation solutions. Familiarity with FEMA policies and funding processes for post-disaster recovery.
Five (5) years of substantially continuous experience in FEMA’s HMA programs: the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP); Flood Mitigation Assistance Program (FMA); and Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) Program, formerly the Pre-Disaster Mitigation Program (PDM); similar Federal or state mitigation or resilience programs; federally funded disaster recovery programs; or some combination thereof.
Three (3) years of substantially continuous experience providing direct programmatic and technical assistance, performing program reviews, and project analysis.
Experience with estimating project timelines and tracking application development, project implementation, and the expenditure of funds for any federal grant/sub-grant.
Advance to expert-level experience with grants management workflow software and documentation management systems at the Federal, State, or local level; training and experience with FEMA Disaster Systems, including Grants Portal, eGrants, EMMIE, and preferably FEMA GO.
The ability to speak knowledgably and effectively about the FEMA community lifelines.
Effective listening and communication skills, including strong writing and speaking skills and extensive public speaking experience.

Nice To Haves

Education: Bachelor’s Degree or higher in Planning, Engineering, Architecture, Environmental Sciences, or related fields.
Certifications: Relevant professional licenses and certifications, such as Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM) or Certified Emergency Manager (CEM).
Experience: Three (3) years of experience working specifically with the FEMA HMGP:
Conducting applicant briefings.
Understanding hazard mitigation plans and strategies, including plan development, update, and review.
Project scoping to develop mitigation actions and applications.
Preparing amendments, scope change requests, and the like.
Review applications for completeness and developing clear, concise, and technically accurate Requests for Information (RFIs).
A clear understanding of the purpose of BCAs, and how to review and incorporate BCRs into project viability and application reviews.
Proficiency conducting BCAs in the FEMA BCA tool.
Experience with assessing, documenting, and addressing significant Economic, Environmental, Social, Health & Public Safety, Transportation, and Emergency Access impacts.

Responsibilities

Assist in developing mitigation strategies and viable, cost-effective mitigation actions for state, local, tribal, and territorial (SLTT) partners and eligible private non-profit entities for both HMA and PA programs.
Work closely with SLTTs and federal agencies to identify opportunities to enhance infrastructure resilience following disasters through 406 mitigation measures.
Collaborate with SLTTs and eligible private non-profits to identify and implement FEMA mitigation measures as part of disaster recovery efforts in the HMA and PA programs.
Review and assess damaged infrastructure and develop cost-effective mitigation measures to reduce future disaster risk.
Prepare and submit mitigation proposals in alignment with FEMA 406 guidelines to secure funding through the Public Assistance program.
Provide technical assistance and guidance to municipalities and state agencies on implementing 406 mitigation measures during infrastructure repair projects.
Ensure compliance with FEMA regulations and promote resilience in rebuilding efforts.
Scope projects, compliance reviews, technical research, application development and review, prepare concise responses to FEMA Requests for Information (RFIs), and develop BCAs, BC Ratios (BCRs) and BCA methodologies to ensure project compliance and eligibility.
Function with limited supervision, working with or managing teams, and interacting directly with Senior staff, clients, and teaming partners.
The position requires extensive grant management experience with HMA programs and Global Match strategies, such as FEMA’s Public Assistance (PA) program, HUD’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) programs (e.g., CDBG-MIT, CDBG-DR), and others.