Flood Recovery & Water Resource Specialist

Salary Range: $65,000 - $90,000Flood Recovery & Water Resource SpecialistSouthern Tier Central Regional Planning and Development Board (STC) is growing and seeking a Senior Flood Recovery & Water Resources Specialist to lead highly technical flood recovery, flood mitigation, and water resource programming across a three-county region.This senior-level position plays a regional leadership role in flood recovery planning, watershed management, hazard mitigation, and grant-funded infrastructure and resilience programs. The Specialist will work closely with counties, municipalities, state and federal agencies, and partner organizations to develop, implement, and coordinate complex flood recovery and risk-reduction efforts.This is a full-time civil service position, with a civil service exam to be administered at a later date. Regular attendance at evening meetings is required (average two per month).About the RoleSTC seeks a highly experienced and technically skilled professional with demonstrated expertise in floodplain management, flood recovery, water resources, environmental planning, and intergovernmental coordination. This role requires the ability to exercise independent judgment, manage complex regulatory and grant requirements, and serve as a technical resource and mentor within a multidisciplinary planning organization.Strong written and oral communication skills are essential, as this position frequently represents STC in technical discussions with municipal leaders, agency staff, consultants, and the public.Essential Duties and ResponsibilitiesThe Senior Flood Recovery & Water Resources Specialist will:Serve as STC’s technical lead for flood recovery, flood mitigation, and water resource planningCollaborate with local, state, and federal partners to identify, evaluate, and prioritize flood recovery and mitigation projectsCompile, manage, and analyze flood, hydrologic, environmental, and spatial data, and prepare technical documentation, statistics, plans, maps, and reportsDevelop written and oral materials explaining flood recovery strategies, flood risk management approaches, and mitigation best practicesEngagement with water quality groups concerned with the Finger Lakes, the Upper Susquehanna River and Chesapeake Bay watershed and associated tributariesProvide high-level technical assistance to counties, municipalities, water quality groups, and environmental organizationsReview and provide expert input on floodplain-related studies, plans, and projects initiated by FEMA, NYS agencies, federal partners, non-profits, and consultantsLead grant seeking, writing, administration, and compliance for flood recovery, flood mitigation, water quality, and resilience funding programsMonitor and interpret federal and state regulations and policy related to flooding, wetlands, levees, stormwater, and water qualityDeliver training, outreach, and public presentations on floodplain management, flood recovery, hazard mitigation, and stream processesCoordinate with emergency management, land use, and public works partners to assist in updating flood recovery plans, mitigation strategies, warning systems, and response proceduresMaintain active participation in regional, statewide, and national professional organizations focused on flooding, stormwater, and water resourcesProvide technical planning input on drainage improvements, flood protection infrastructure, floodplain restoration, and resilience projectsQualificationsThe minimum qualifications include: A bachelor’s or master’s degree in planning, environmental studies, geography, public administration, engineering, or a related field, along with relevant professional experience of 2 or more years. Regular attendance at evening meetings is required (average of two per month).This is a highly technical role. Strong candidates will demonstrate experience in the following areas: Advanced knowledge of floodplain management, flood recovery, and hazard mitigation (CFM or close alignment with ASFPM standards) Technical experience working with FEMA, NYS DHSES, Army Corps of Engineers, and other federal and state agencies Extensive experience with federal and state grant programs, including writing, budgeting, reporting, and compliance Proficiency with GIS, spatial analysis, and flood-related mapping Familiarity with hydrology, geomorphology, watershed processes, and flood risk modeling concepts Strong data analysis, problem-solving, and technical writing skills Proven ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously Skilled public speaker with experience presenting technical concepts to non-technical audiences Demonstrated ability to work independently while also leading collaborative, multi-partner efforts Experience stepping into a technical leadership role within an organization or programPreferred Certifications & Technical SkillsThe following are not required, but are considered significant assets for this senior-level role:Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM)Advanced GIS expertise (ArcGIS, geodatabases, spatial analysis)Experience with hazard mitigation plans, flood recovery action plans, or watershed implementation plansFamiliarity with environmental permitting and regulatory coordinationExperience supporting Climate Resilience, CDBG‑MIT, HMGP, BRIC, or similar programsWork Environment at STCSTC is a small friendly team of professionals who work closely together to meet the needs of our region. Our collaborative office environment provides a flexible 35-hour work week and extensive benefits such as NYS Retirement System, 457 plans and platinum-level health insurance. While staff generally report to the office daily, regular travel throughout the region and occasional night meetings can also be expected. Policies allowing for a 4-day work week exist and an accommodating family-friendly flexible schedule is allowed. How to ApplyPlease apply by submitting a resume, relevant work samples and a cover letter to: Chelsea Robertson, Executive Director at crobertson@stcplaning.org