Water Planner

State of Indiana•Indianapolis, IN

10d

About The Position

The Water Planner is a member of the Indiana Department of Natural Resources’ Floodplain Management Section and serves as the primary point of contact for National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) communities in an assigned region. The position reviews or provides opinions on construction permit applications in floodways and manages reviews and audits of community permitting programs and processes. It also guides community officials in implementing local floodplain ordinances, resolving compliance issues, and addressing floodplain management concerns. The role supports floodplain management, water rights, water use, and water resource projects across Indiana. It interprets relevant federal and state requirements, fulfills FEMA grant responsibilities for NFIP implementation, maintains program records and databases, provides technical analysis and assistance, and coordinates projects with communities, agencies, and other stakeholders. The position also develops and delivers training and public education, administers specified water-related licensing and registration programs, and may assist with disaster response and recovery operations. The role may be used in a supervisory capacity depending on agency needs. A degree is not required; relevant education may substitute for equivalent years of experience. The position is exempt from overtime compensation and may require work beyond normal hours to complete essential duties.

Requirements

Certification as a Floodplain Manager (CFM).
Practical knowledge of basic principles and practices of hydraulics, hydrology, geology, environmental science, water conservation and efficiency, and water well construction.
Knowledge of and ability to interpret relevant federal and state water resource laws, rules, procedures, and policies regarding floodplain management.
Broad knowledge of and ability to apply planning principles, theories, practices, and concepts to water planning.
Ability to prioritize multiple projects and complete assignments within limited time schedules.
Ability to read and interpret USGS topographic maps, floodplain maps, state and county road maps, county plat books, construction plans, surveys, specifications, design reports, and technical supporting data.
Ability to observe and accurately record hydrologic data in the field and compile and plot data in usable formats.
Ability to use computers for database entry and maintenance, research, presentations, tracking, composition, and GIS software.
Ability to create and develop policies, ideas, scopes, and plans for projects and programs in areas of responsibility.
Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with associates, consultants, government representatives, and the public.
Effective verbal and communication skills.
Ability to travel overnight or occasionally work beyond normal workday hours.
Superior interpersonal skills, strong professional judgment, and a customer-service orientation.
A degree is not required; at least 8 years of experience applying the outlined knowledge, skills, and abilities in a similar role may be considered.
Relevant education in public affairs, natural resource management, biology, geology, geography, or environmental science may substitute for equivalent years of experience.
Ability to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Responsibilities

Interpret federal and state water resources laws, rules, regulations, procedures, policies, programs, and objectives relevant to floodplain management, water rights, and project development.
Fulfill FEMA federal grant requirements for implementing the National Flood Insurance Program throughout Indiana.
Review local floodplain management ordinances for compliance with NFIP requirements.
Update federal and state databases for reporting, grant accountability, community activity records, and compliance.
Develop workshops, floodplain management training, and external media content.
Conduct public outreach and training through written materials and presentations.
Educate community officials on NFIP requirements and state floodplain management regulations.
Respond to inquiries, data requests, and complaints from citizens, regulated communities, environmental groups, attorneys, engineers, and government officials.
Administer statutory well driller and pump installer licensing and continuing education, significant water withdrawal registration and use, and water sales programs, including conducting public meetings.
Provide technical assistance regarding compliant floodplain management and development.
Collect or evaluate hydrologic information, groundwater data, water withdrawal facility data, and streamflow data.
Analyze and interpret field data from inspections and investigations, well complaints, observation well networks, water use reports, and annual water use data.
Maintain and review water well records and related databases, including USGS observation well network, water resources, groundwater and surface water rights investigations, and registered water use location maps.
Assist with compiling or analyzing data for the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River Basin Water Resources Council.
Prepare reports and correspondence on findings, including submissions to the Natural Resources Commission concerning groundwater conflicts.
Lead water resource project teams to identify and implement solutions to water resource problems.
Review construction plans, specifications, deeds, permits, and data for technical elements related to conservancy districts, flood control revolving fund matters, state water resource projects, watershed districts, and supporting technical and financial elements.
Review submitted materials and prepare technical recommendations regarding Conservancy Districts, the Flood Control Revolving Fund, and Watershed Districts.
Serve as a liaison and technical advisor to steering committees, River Basin Commissions, and Watershed Districts.
Assist FEMA and the Department of Homeland Security with disaster response and recovery operations.
Travel overnight or occasionally work beyond normal workday hours as needed.
Report at least 75 hours per pay period of work hours and/or paid leave taken to receive the base biweekly salary.

Benefits

Three medical plan options, including prescription coverage, plus vision and dental plans.
Wellness Rewards Program with gift card rewards for completing wellness activities.
Health savings account with bi-weekly state contributions.
Deferred compensation 457(b) account with employer match.
Two fully funded pension plan options.
Leave policies, including 150 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers.
Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave.
Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave.
12 paid holidays, or 14 in election years.
Education Reimbursement Program.
Group life insurance.
Referral Bonus program.
Employee assistance program with covered behavioral health visits.
Eligibility as a qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Free parking for most positions.
Free LinkedIn Learning access.