TWDB - 25-87: Flood Outreach Specialist (Program Specialist II-IV)

The mission of the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) is to lead the state's efforts in ensuring a secure water future for Texas and its citizens. Our mission is a vital part of Texas' overall vision and the state's mission and goals that relate to maintaining the viability of the state's natural resources, health, and economic development.

To accomplish our goals of planning for the state's water resources and providing affordable water and wastewater services, the TWDB provides water planning, data collection and dissemination, financial assistance, and technical assistance services to the citizens of Texas. The tremendous population growth that the state continues to experience and the recurrent threat of severe drought only intensify the need for the TWDB to accomplish its goals in an effective and efficient manner.

Only applicants who apply with a State of Texas application via the CAPPS online application system will be considered for this position. First time applicants will need to create an account https://tinyurl.com/CAPPS-Login in the CAPPS online application system at https://tinyurl.com/CAPPS-Jobs. Please visit our job opportunities page at https://tinyurl.com/How-to-Apply-in-CAPPS for more information about the Texas Water Development Board and answers to frequently asked questions. To view this position in greater detail, visit the CAPPS online application system.

Texas Water Development Board’s Mission - Leading the state’s efforts in ensuring a secure water future for Texas. 

The Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) offers competitive compensation and benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401(k), flexible spending, and flexible work alternatives so you can have a work/life balance! For more information about these benefits and more visit http://www.twdb.texas.gov/jobs/benefits.asp.

The Texas Water Development Board does not discriminate on basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, sexual orientation, age, or disability in employment or provision of services, programs, or activities. 

***Must meet agency in-office requirements***

**Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications***

Salary Ranges:

• Program Specialist II: $5,000.00/month - $5,250.00/month**
• Program Specialist III: $5,251.00/month - $5,550.00/month**
• Program Specialist IV: $5,551.00/month - $6,000.00/month**

Job Description Summary

Performs moderately complex (journey-level) to highly complex (senior-level) outreach, training, and technical assistance to support floodplain management and flood outreach programs in Texas. Work involves serving as a liaison between federal and local governments and giving presentations/conducting training concerning floodplain management, planning, and mitigation. Communicates directly with other state or federal agency personnel, the general public, and elected and appointed officials. Assists and evaluates communities participating or seeking participation in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or seeking to enhance floodplain management standards. Participates in special projects, such as training development, contract management, communications, and strategic planning. Travels extensively to support community assistance needs and program activities. May train others. Works under general to limited supervision, with limited to moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Reports to the Manager of the Community Assistance Program Department. 

Essential Job Functions

• Develops and maintains business relationships with community leaders.
• Provides technical and administrative support to communities and applicants participating in or seeking assistance with agency flood programs, including the NFIP.
• Conducts reviews of local floodplain management programs within Texas to determine compliance with local, state, and federal regulations. 
• Conducts community assistance contacts and audits to support the NFIP.
• Provides presentations, training, and workshops to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Provides technical assistance on the NFIP, floodplain management, and grant funding opportunities.
• Assists political subdivisions in making applications to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for participation in the NFIP and the Community Rating System (CRS).
• Compiles and prepares technical information or maps related to the NFIP and floodplain management.
• Provides specialized assistance to communities undergoing post-disaster recovery.
• Serves as a liaison for the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) at meetings with federal, state, and local entities or the public.
• Writes and reviews memos, meeting notes, study reports, work processes, and other documents.
• Maintains confidential and sensitive information.
• Ensures individual and team files (electronic and hard versions) are appropriately maintained and timely disposed of in accordance with the agency’s records retention procedures and schedule.
• Maintains required certifications and licenses and meets the continuing education needs and requirements of the position to include, attending mandatory training courses.
• May be required to operate a state or personal vehicle for business purposes.
• Performs other duties as assigned. 

Minimum Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor's degree in Natural/Physical/Environmental Science or Engineering, Planning, Public Administration, Communications, or a related field.
• Work experience:
  • Program Specialist II – One year of relevant work experience in floodplain management, natural resources, environmental analysis, planning, or a related field.
  • Program Specialist III – Three years of relevant work experience in floodplain management, natural resources, environmental analysis, planning, or a related field.
  • Program Specialist IV – Five years of relevant work experience in floodplain management, natural resources, environmental analysis, planning, or a related field.
• Relevant experience and education may be substituted for each other on a year-for-year basis.

Preferred Qualifications

• Graduate degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in Natural/Physical/Environmental Science or Engineering, Planning, Public Administration, or a related field.
• Previous experience as a floodplain administrator or with floodplain management.
• Experience developing and conducting training and workshops for technical and non-technical audiences.
• Experience in outreach, including interacting with customers/stakeholders, creating educational content, and presenting at public meetings.
• Experience in using Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
• Certified as a Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM), or willing to obtain within six months of hiring.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)

• Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations relevant to the Community Assistance Program Department.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of public administration.
• Knowledge of floodplain management, and the NFIP.
• Knowledge of the NFIP and FEMA flood grant programs as well as knowledge of floodplain management, flood insurance or floodplain mapping.
• Knowledge of hydrologic/hydraulic principles and procedures as applied to floodplain management.
• Knowledge of disaster response.
• Skills in using Microsoft Office programs such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Forms, and Teams.
• Skills in use of internet, email, word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, and database software.
• Skills in giving presentations to elected bodies, public officials, and the general public.
• Skills in providing training and workshops to a variety of technical and non-technical professionals.
• Skills in writing and preparing reports and presentations.
• Skills in explaining complicated technical problems in simple, non-technical language.
• Ability to adhere to work schedules, follow procedures with respect to leave and submit accurate timesheets by prescribed deadlines.
• Ability to make mature, objective decisions and identify areas of potential problems.
• Ability to perform effectively and willingly when changes occur in scope and nature of the work and work environment.
• Ability to perform routine and non-routine work assignments accurately and on-time with little or no supervision.
• Ability to perform assigned duties and improve work habits and/or output.
• Ability to complete assigned work, on time, neatly, and with infrequent errors.
• Ability to interpret policies, procedures, and regulations. 
• Ability to provide prompt, courteous and accurate assistance, and clear and concise communication to internal and external stakeholders both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to work and cooperate with others in a team environment.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks.
• Ability to meet in-office schedule requirements.
• Ability to stand/sit/move to perform activities such as retrieve/replace files in a large file system for boxes up to 30 lbs.
• Ability and willingness to travel 50% of the time, primarily within the State of Texas.
• Ability to operate a vehicle (state or personal) for state business and maintain a driver’s license and driving record that complies with state and agency requirements.
• Ability to work shifts that may exceed 8 hours, including early mornings, nights, and weekends.
• Ability to train others.

All interested candidates should apply with a State of Texas application via the CAPPS online application system. First time applicants will need to create an account https://tinyurl.com/CAPPS-Login in the CAPPS online application system https://tinyurl.com/CAPPS-Jobs. Please visit our job opportunities page https://tinyurl.com/How-to-Apply-in-CAPPS for more information about the Texas Water Development Board and answers to frequently asked questions. To view this position in greater detail, visit the CAPPS online application system.

Texas Water Development Board, Stephen F. Austin Building

1700 North Congress Ave., Room 670, Austin, Texas 78701

Please contact Human Resources for accommodation requests.

Phone: (512) 475-2142

Email: HR(AT)twdb.texas.gov