Regional Floodplain Coordinator

The Androscoggin Valley Council of Governments (AVCOG) located in Auburn, Maine, a regional planning organization serving Androscoggin, Frankin and Northern Oxford Counties, is seeking to fill the role of Regional Floodplain Coordinator. The position will expand the region’s capacity to assist Maine communities in reducing flood risk, improving resiliency, and supporting participation in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). This position provides technical assistance, training, public engagement, and support for mitigation planning as part of Maine’s Regional Floodplain Assistance Partnership. The role focuses on building long‑term community resilience and implementing “An Act to Increase Storm Preparedness for Maine’s Communities, Homes and Infrastructure.”

Key Responsibilities

1. Technical Assistance: Provide direct support to municipalities, including:

• Responding to community questions related to floodplain management via phone, email, and in‑person meetings.
• Offering guidance on permitting, regulation interpretation, mapping, insurance, mitigation, and general floodplain management.
• Using FEMA’s reporting template to document technical assistance activities.
• Maintaining a quarterly log of all communications and support provided.

2. NFIP Compliance & Participation: Support communities in meeting NFIP requirements and increasing enrollment:

• Conduct a first‑year inventory of community NFIP status, needs, and ordinance conditions.
• Review and provide feedback on local floodplain ordinances.
• Promote updated mapping information and help communities understand flood risk.
• Be a technical advisor to communities and help with permit reviews, ordinance updates, and enforcement guidance—while maintaining that all authority at the community level.

3. Resiliency Planning & Mitigation: Help communities identify and advance flood‑resilience strategies:

• Educate municipal officials on flood‑specific grant opportunities.
• Identify priority mitigation projects and existing higher standards already in use.
• In future years, assist communities in identifying achievable Community Rating System (CRS) activities.
• Coordinate with other regional planning and mitigation programs where appropriate.

4. CFM Training & Professional Development: Participate in structured training to achieve and maintain CFM certification:

• Attend monthly Lunch & Learn sessions with rotating topics.
• Complete knowledge checks provided by the State Resilience Office (SRO).
• Complete ASFPM NFIP 101 (15‑hour online course).
• Attend quarterly ASFPM CFM Exam Study Webinars.
• Aim to take the CFM exam within six to twelve months of hiring.

Additional Expectations:

• Coordinate work with related municipal functions such as code enforcement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Planning, Environmental Science, Geography, Public Administration, Engineering, Emergency Management, or a related field required. Experience in municipal planning, environmental management, emergency management, or related fields
• Familiarity with FEMA, NFIP, and floodplain management principles (or willingness to learn through provided training); Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM) preferred; candidates will need to obtain certification within 6-12 months.
• Strong communication skills and comfort working with municipal officials and the public.
• Ability to interpret regulations, maps, and technical documents.
• Ability to manage concurrent tasks efficiently, manage one's own time and work in a team and independently.
• Ability to participate and lead meetings – both virtual and in-person, including workday and evening meetings.
• Ability to travel throughout the region regularly.

Desirable Qualifications

• Analyzing spatial data using ESRI ArcGIS

Work Environment

This position is part of the statewide Regional Floodplain Assistance Partnership and will work closely with the Maine Office of Community Affairs, the State Resilience Office, and municipal partners across the region. Work includes field visits, community meetings, virtual consultations, and structured reporting.

AVCOG is an equal opportunity employer. We offer a competitive salary and excellent benefits to include medical insurance, health savings account with company contribution, health reimbursement account with deductible reimbursement; dental and vision insurance; life and voluntary disability insurance; medical and dependent care flexible spending; member of Maine Public Employees Retirement System; paid time off including vacation and sick time, 13 paid holidays and a hybrid-remote work schedule (three days in office). Starting salary range $60,000 - $65,000 per year. Applicants should submit a cover letter outlining their qualifications and interest along with a resume to avcog@avcog.org

Job Type: Full-time

Ability to Commute:

• Auburn, ME 04210 (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $60,000 - $65,000