TWDB - 26-100: Flood Outreach Specialist (Program Specialist III)

**Must meet agency in-office requirements**

***Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications***

TEXAS WATER DEVELOPMENT BOARD’S MISSION

Leading the state’s efforts in ensuring a secure water future for Texas.

WORKING AT THE TWDB

See why our work makes an impact!

Find out why the TWDB is a great place to work.

Make a positive difference for the state of Texas. We encourage you to apply for positions that match your qualifications.

The Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) offers a 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.

Please visit TWDB Career Page: http://www.twdb.texas.gov/jobs/ for more information.

MILITARY EMPLOYMENT PREFERENCE

Veterans, Reservists or Guardsmen with an MOS or additional duties that fall in the fields of OS Operations Specialist, 16GX Air Force Operations Staff Officer, 612X LDO - Operations, Surface, or other related fields pertaining to the minimum experience requirements may meet the minimum qualifications for this position and are highly encouraged to apply.

Additional Military Crosswalk information can be accessed at  
https://hr.sao.texas.gov/Compensation/MilitaryCrosswalk/MOSC_ProgramManagement.pdf

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Performs complex (journey-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 as needed to support community assistance needs and program activities. May train others. Works under general supervision, with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Reports to the Manager of the Community Assistance Program.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Develops relationships with community leaders.
• Provides technical and administrative support to communities and applicants participating in or seeking assistance with agency flood programs, including the National Flood Insurance Program (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, Engineering, Planning, Public Administration, Communications, or a related field.
• Three years of professional experience in floodplain management, natural resources, environmental, planning, or a related field.
• Relevant education and experience can 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, 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 ability to obtain within six months of hiring.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES (KSAs)

• Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations relevant to floodplain management, the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), and the Community Assistance Program Department.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of public administration.
• Knowledge of the NFIP and FEMA flood grant programs as well as knowledge of floodplain management and floodplain mapping.
• Knowledge of hydrologic/hydraulic principles and procedures as applied to floodplain management.
• Knowledge of disaster response.
• 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.
• 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.
• Ability to maintain the security or integrity of critical infrastructure within Texas.
• Ability to meet agency in-office requirements.
• Ability to provide prompt, courteous and accurate assistance, and clear and concise communication to all stakeholders both verbally and in writing. 
• 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 work and cooperate with others in a team environment.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks.
• 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.

REMARKS

• A copy of required academic transcripts and/or licensures and driving record must be submitted at the time of hire. Failure to provide required documentation will result in no further consideration for employment.
• Important Notice: Otherwise qualified candidates who are ultimately considered for potential employment with the Texas Water Development Board may be the subject of a request for any criminal history record information maintained by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). Evidence of a criminal conviction or other relevant information obtained from the DPS shall not automatically disqualify an individual from employment with the Texas Water Development Board.

APPLICATIONS SUBMITTED THROUGH WORK IN TEXAS

• Work In Texas (WIT) applicants must complete the supplemental questions to be considered for the posting. To complete the supplemental questions please go to CAPPS Recruit to register or login and access your profile.

REFERENCE CHECKS

• Reference checks will be conducted on top candidate for the position and may include outreach to current and/or former supervisors. Reference checks for top candidates currently employed by the TWDB will include outreach to current supervisors.

CONSENT OF CRIMINAL HISTORY CHECKS

• All interviewed candidates must complete the HR-101 - Consent to Obtain Criminal History Record Information and the GA-48 Consent form to obtain continuous criminal history and review forms once extended an offer to interview. The consent forms will be sent by Human Resources (HR) and retained with HR. Only candidates extended a conditional offer will have their criminal history checked by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) system. Candidates who refuse to complete both consent forms will no longer be considered for the vacancy with the Texas Water Development Board. If adverse findings are found, candidates will be afforded 10 business days to provide a response prior to a final determination on hiring eligibility.

JOB LOCATION

• Candidate must be able to report to and work from the noted work location and comply with the agency’s Return to Office (RTO) requirements.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

• 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.

SELECTIVE SERVICE

• Males born on or after January 1, 1960, will be required to present proof of Selective Service registration on the first day of employment or proof of exemption from Selective Service registration requirement.

FINAL EMPLOYMENT OFFERS

• All offers of employment are contingent upon the candidate having legal authorization to work in the United States. Failure to present such authorization within the time specified by the U.S. Department of Labor will result in the offer being rescinded.

FOREIGN CREDENTIALS

• An evaluation of your coursework must be uploaded if you have obtained a degree(s) from a school outside of the United States; otherwise, you will not receive credit for degree progress and completion.

SPONSORSHIP

• Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States without requiring sponsorship.

STATE OF TEXAS APPLICATION

• Resumes will not be accepted in place of a completed State of Texas application unless indicated.

E-VERIFY

• TWDB participates in E-Verify!  Information from each new employee’s Form I-9 will be provided to the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to confirm work authorization.

EMPLOYMENT AT-WILL

• Employment with the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) is on an at-will basis.

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT

• The TWDB is in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits of employment, please contact the Human Resources Division for assistance at (512) 475-2142. Deaf and hard of hearing applicants may contact our office via Relay Texas at 1-800-735-2989 (TTY/TDD).

HEADQUARTER LOCATION AND CONTACT INFORMATION

Texas Water Development Board
Stephen F. Austin Building
1700 North Congress Avenue
Austin, Texas 78701
[email protected]
Phone: (512) 475-2142