Position Website and Application Information
The Illinois State Water Survey (ISWS) is seeking to hire an entry level Hazard Mitigation Planner (Official Title: Scientific Specialist, Hazard Mitigation Planning ) to conduct research related to hazard mitigation projects as well as perform outreach for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Risk Mapping, Assessment, and Planning (Risk MAP) grants and other projects as assigned within the Coordinated Hazard Assessment and Mapping Program (CHAMP). Produce and prepare technical reports for FEMA regulatory and Risk MAP products and other projects and communicate and disseminate technical reports and research data
The ISWS CHAMP group has many funded projects that assess local flood hazards, identify high-risk areas, and engage community partners to inform, educate, and empower others to take action in preventing losses from natural hazards. CHAMP is a Cooperating Technical Partner with the Federal Emergency Management Agency creating maps and products as reflected on https://illinoisfloodmaps.org/.
ISWS is part of the Prairie Research Institute at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, which is centrally located between Chicago, St. Louis, and Indianapolis. Our research and service programs provide citizens, industries, and government agencies at all levels with timely, science-based information and analyses necessary to manage our water resources wisely for economic development and a sustainable environment. Learn more at go.illinois.edu/PRIjobs.
Job Summary
Conduct research related to hazard mitigation projects as well as perform outreach for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Risk Mapping, Assessment, and Planning (Risk MAP) grants and other projects as assigned within the Coordinated Hazard Assessment and Mapping Program (CHAMP). Produce and prepare technical reports for FEMA regulatory and Risk MAP products and other projects and communicate and disseminate technical reports and research data
Duties & Responsibilities
- Research – Project Mitigation & Outreach (50%) o Assist with mitigation related projects and outreach for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Risk Mapping, Assessment, and Planning (Risk MAP) grants and other projects as assigned. o Assist with community and stakeholder engagement activities associated with various planning projects including identifying and gathering contacts for project stakeholders, drafting stakeholder communication and outreach materials, developing and delivering presentations, and supporting project reporting. o Engage fellow Professional Planners at the local, state, and federal level to develop initiatives to inform government officials and the general public about flood hazards and alternatives for mitigating risk. o Assisting with planning and facilitating meetings and workshops.
- Research – Publications & Data Dissemination (25%) o Preparing written technical documents pertaining to hazard risk and vulnerability, land use, and demographics, among others. o Communicate and disseminate technical reports and research data regarding floodplain management and mitigation for the purpose of educating the general public and local officials. o Technical report production including background research and data review. o Creating and maintaining databases in Excel and GIS formats. o Developing maps, graphics and templates associated with written plans and reports. o Monitor updates to FEMA standards, technical references, and guidance documents
- Research – Data Analysis (20%) o Collect, gather, and analyze floodplain management and mitigation data.
- Other – 5% o Keep abreast of developments in this discipline. o Perform other duties as needed in order to further the mission and goals of PRI. o Moderate travel required to support community meetings..
Additional Physical Demands
The work of this position takes place primarily in an office setting. The work is sedentary and involves remaining in a stationary position for extended periods of time working at a computer, using a keyboard and mouse. Travel is required to attend meetings, workshops, conferences, and conduct site visits.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in planning, Geography, Community Development, Emergency Management, Public Policy, Engineering, Natural Resource Management, or related field. Alternate degree fields will be considered depending on the nature and depth of the experience as it relates to this position. BS/BA with work experience in public engagement. Professional planning experience. Experience with communications related to floodplain management and mitigation. Technical writing experience. Valid driver’s license. Expected to obtain Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM) certificate within one year of employment.
Preferred Qualifications
MA/MS degree in Planning, Engineering, Emergency Management, Natural Resource Management, Public Policy, or related field.
MS/MA with multiple years of work experience in public engagement. Professional experience with a focus on hazard mitigation, community resilience, climate change, economic development or watershed planning. Public sector experience, working for local government. Training or teaching experience.
American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP), Geographic Information Systems Professional (GISP), Professional Engineer (PE), or Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM).
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Proficiency with ArcGIS Pro, Python, and other commonly employed software (e.g. MS Word, Excel). Knowledge of overall plan development processes. Ability to perform with a professional demeanor in a diverse and fast-paced work environment consisting of multiple and changing priorities, under minimal supervision. Ability to perform detail-oriented functions. Effective personal relations, communication, organizational, and leadership skills.
Appointment Information
This is a 100% full-time Academic Professional position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible. The budgeted amount for this position is $58,656 to $75,000. The salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the full range for a position
Benefits: The University of Illinois offers a wide variety of benefits https://www.hr.uillinois.edu/benefits, including paid leave https://www.hr.uillinois.edu/leave and holidays https://www.hr.uillinois.edu/leave/holidays
