Senior Scientific Specialist, Hazard Mitigation Planning at University of Illinois in Urbana, Illinois

Job Description:

Hazard Mitigation Planning
Illinois State Water Survey
Prairie Research Institute
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign


The Illinois State Water Survey (ISWS) is seeking to hire an experienced Hazard Mitigation Planner (Official Title: Senior 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. A minimum of three years (MS/MA) or five years (BS/BA) of progressive work in public engagement. Professional planning experience. Experience with communications related to floodplain management and mitigation. Project management experience. 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.
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). Solid understanding of overall plan development processes and ability to lead a diverse team through the process. Demonstrated ability to perform with a professional demeanor in a diverse and fast-paced work environment consisting of multiple and changing priorities, under minimal supervision. Demonstrated ability to perform detail-oriented functions. Effective personal relations, communication, organizational, and leadership skills. Demonstrated ability to secure grant funding and manage grant funds.

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 $70,000 to $85,000. 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



Application Procedures & Deadline Information



Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on Friday, September 27th 2024 (Extended). Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. Application materials must include a 1) a cover letter that clearly articulates how your qualifications and experience make you a viable candidate for this position and should address the qualifications listed above, 2) a CV or resume, and 3) the names and contact information including e-mail addresses of three professional references. All requested information and documentation must be submitted for applications to be considered. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. Interviews may occur before the close date but no decisions or offers will be made until after.


For further information about this specific position, please contact Jon Freiman HR Business Partner at jcf@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.


The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify .


Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal , or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing accessibility@illinois.edu .



Requisition ID: 1026202
Job Category: Research
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu
Apply Now