BUILDING COMM FLOODPLAIN MGR

Floodplain Manager

Incumbent serves as Floodplain/GIS Assistant Administrator to the City of Evansville/Vanderburgh County Building Commission to proactively manage floodplain issues in our community located in the main watershed (~2,000 sq. mi. upstream drainage) adjacent to the Ohio River tributary. The Building Commission is the primary source of knowledge to make floodplain decisions to assess and protect our families, homes, and businesses.

DUTIES

• Researches property addresses for flood determination for staff, contractors, developers, realtors, lenders, insurance agencies, and citizens.
• Administers all areas of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) related to the permitting process for existing and new structures to maintain compliance with FEMA certification and documentation to maintain acceptable standards of practice for property owners and insurance providers.
• Evaluates new and existing Base Flood Elevations (BFE) per FEMA recommendations.
• Reviews Certified Site Grade Plans and Elevation Certificates to confirm accurate documentation.
• Assists contractors, inspectors, engineers, surveyors, realtors, lenders, and citizens on the applications of City/County websites, FEMA (NFIP), and IDNR networks to obtain information and floodplain evaluation review.
• Develops and conducts public outreach education relating to NFIP applications.
• Creates public correspondence, floodplain geological mapping, and digital information systems for reporting and documentation.
• Frequently consults with inspectors, contractors, developers, and owners on matters of noncompliance and recommends remedial actions for resolution.
• Assists the Building Commissioner in maintaining floodplain management standards of practice and record-keeping methods in compliance with the NFIP and Community Rating System (CRS).
• Assists the Building Commissioner in maintaining City/County website floodplain updates and general information.
• Attends weekly Site Review, Subdivision Review, and additional project meetings as needed pertaining to floodplain matters.
• Attends user group meetings and continued education courses pertaining to GIS and floodplain management in accordance with local/State/Federal certification requirements.

JOB REQUIREMENTS AND DIFFICULTY OF WORK

• Advanced computer skills and knowledge.
• Minimum of three years college education or equivalent experience in GIS, GPS, geology, hydrology, and/or elevation/topography mapping background.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license.
• Possess the ability to obtain, within one year of employment, accreditation and licensure as a Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM) from a nationally accredited FEMA organization.
• Ability to communicate effectively with public officials, emergency teams, building contractors, lenders, appraisers, engineers, architects, homeowners, and the general public.
• Knowledge of Aeronautical Reconnaissance Coverage Geographic Information System (ArcGIS), INFO, spatial analysis software, and geodatabase systems.
• Knowledge of State Flood Control Act, FEMA (NFIP), and local floodplain rules and regulations.
• Background in soil, geology, hydrology, and basic software associated with these areas.

RESPONSIBILITY

• Incumbent exercises independent judgment and follows general procedures with minimal assistance to accurately respond to unsupervised phone calls and site visitations.
• Makes independent judgment decisions on building locations in flood zones which may influence the cost of required insurance to landowners.
• Maintains detailed documentation to accompany action taken in response to complaints and concerns.

PHYSICAL WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Performs duties in a modern office environment and may involve extended periods of time at a keyboard or workstation.
• Tasks may involve some physical exertion, walking, and moderate climbing to properly assess site plans and related properties.

PERSONAL WORK RELATIONSHIPS

• Reports to Building Commissioner, Floodplain Administrator for Evansville and Vanderburgh County.
• Works closely with the public, contractors, homeowners, attorneys, and several governmental offices including EMA, IDHS, FEMA, DNR, CUSEC, Area Plan Commission, Assessor’s Office, Police, Fire, Computer, and Health departments.
• Works closely with insurance companies, real estate companies, citizens, and contractors to assure all floodplain management requirements are met.