What are the responsibilities and job description for the Program Manager - Disaster Recovery Programs (Puerto Rico) position at Tetra Tech Careers?
Position Overview
Tetra Tech Inc. Disaster Recovery (TDR) is seeking a seasoned Program Manager to support and lead large-scale disaster recovery and mitigation programs in Puerto Rico. This role is primarily focused on program execution, operational management, regulatory compliance, and client coordination for federally funded disaster recovery initiatives, including FEMA and HUD programs.
The successful candidate will work closely with the Program Lead, client leadership, and TDR senior management to ensure programs are implemented efficiently, compliantly, and in alignment with client objectives. While the position may provide limited support to strategic growth initiatives, its core responsibility is delivery excellence and program oversight, not business development.
This is a Section 3 eligible job opportunity, and applications from low-income individuals and/or residents of Public Housing are encouraged.
Location: Puerto Rico (Guaynabo Office or project-based locations)
Travel: Local travel within Puerto Rico.
Key Responsibilities:
- Program Leadership & Operations
- Oversee the overall management and daily operations of disaster recovery and mitigation projects.
- Direct and coordinate day-to-day activities related to staffing, scheduling, communications, training, deliverables, and performance management.
- Oversee logistics and operational procedures to ensure alignment with program goals, timelines, and client expectations.
- Lead and support operational human resources activities, including staff assignments, evaluations, and workforce planning.
- Identify, assess, and manage program risks, resolving issues and conflicts in a timely and effective manner.
- Perform special projects and additional duties as assigned by the Client, Program Manager, or TDR senior leadership.
- Regulatory Compliance & Oversight
- Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulatory and statutory requirements, including:
- FEMA Public Assistance (PA) and Individual Assistance (IA)
- FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP)
- HUD CDBG-DR and CDBG-MIT
- U.S. Treasury and other applicable funding sources
- Oversee standards of performance, safety policies, and internal procedures, recommending adjustments as necessary.
- Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulatory and statutory requirements, including:
- Client & Stakeholder Coordination
- Serve as a primary or secondary point of contact with current or potential clients.
- Maintain regular communication with client leadership, subrecipients, and key stakeholders, including elected officials.
- Support public meetings, presentations, and coordination activities related to program implementation.
- Foster productive working relationships with federal, state, and local officials to support client needs.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited institution.
- Minimum 7–10 years of experience working with federally funded disaster recovery programs, including FEMA PA, HMGP, CDBG-DR, CDBG-MIT, and related programs.
- At least 3 years of experience in a program or project management role, with demonstrated responsibility for federally funded programs.
- Professional licenses and/or certifications related to the required degree, valid in Puerto Rico (as applicable).
- Strong written and verbal communication skills; public speaking and meeting facilitation experience preferred.
- Fluency in English and Spanish, both written and verbal.
- Experience working directly with government agencies, elected officials, and program stakeholders.
- Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work locally within Puerto Rico and travel as required.
Preferred Qualifications
- 5 years of experience managing large, complex, federally funded disaster recovery programs.
- 4 years of experience overseeing infrastructure construction and/or reconstruction projects.
- Prior experience serving as a Program Manager or senior operational lead.
- Experience developing or implementing standard operating procedures (SOPs).
- Familiarity with FEMA Match Programs.
- Experience managing multidisciplinary teams of professionals.
- Ability to multitask, work under pressure, and meet strict deadlines.
- High attention to detail and ability to work with minimal supervision.
- Willingness to work extended hours or weekends when required by program demands.
- Ability to learn and adapt to new software systems and program tools.
About Tetra Tech:
Tetra Tech is a leading provider of high-end consulting and engineering services for projects worldwide. We combine the resources of a global, multibillion dollar company with local, client-focused delivery in more than 400 locations around the world. We are Leading with Science® to provide sustainable and resilient solutions for our clients.
At Tetra Tech, we provide a collaborative environment that supports individual performance, innovation, and creativity. We are proud to offer competitive compensation and benefits. Learn more by visiting http://www.tetratech.com/en/benefits.
For more information on our company, please visit our website at www.tetratech.com. To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter on the Careers portion of our website at www.tetratech.com/careers.
We thank all applicants for their interest; however only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Tetra Tech is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We invite resumes from all interested parties including women, minorities, veterans and persons with disabilities.
Tetra Tech is a VEVRAA federal contractor and we request priority referral of veterans for available positions.
EOE AA M/F/Vet/Disability - No calls or agencies.