Planner IV - Floodplain Administrator

Floodplain Management Program Administrator

Under the direction of the Deputy Director, the primary responsibility of this position is to administer the floodplain management program for the Borough and maintain compliance in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). This position will be the lead in permitting for development within the special flood hazard area (SFHA). This position is also responsible for preparing and monitoring grant proposals, reports, and agreements.

Typical duties include administering the FNSB Floodplain Management Program, advising members of the public on the technical aspects of floodplain management planning, providing technical interpretations of FNSB floodplain regulations, administering the Borough’s floodplain permit process, completing post construction reviews of all development in the special flood hazard area, performing field inspections and gathering field data, investigating floodplain-related complaints, reviewing and providing floodplain comments on all proposed subdivisions, maintaining and updating a post disaster flood response program, creating and implementing a formal floodplain management public awareness and outreach plan, maintaining and updating floodplain information on Borough website, acting as the main Borough contact and representative for floodplain management matters with FEMA and the State of Alaska, drafting ordinances and resolutions to further implement the requirements of the NFIP in the Borough, securing funding for program by writing and securing grants, creating and implementing plans to prepare for FEMA Community Assistance Visits (CAV) and to resolve floodplain management issues identified in the CAV report, maintaining databases and files pertaining to floodplain permits and other floodplain management activities, maintaining the current and past digital data and maps of the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) for the Borough, coordinating revisions and major studies to the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) for the Borough, working with land management agencies to review land disposal efforts to reduce or limit development of property within the floodplain, participating in any matters related to the recertification of the Tanana River levee system, acting as staff support for boards and commissions as needed, preparing written and oral presentations for the Planning Commission, Assembly, and other boards/commissions as necessary, providing backup for other planning and zoning staff on the administration of the zoning code including issuing zoning permits and advising members of the public on the FNSB’s zoning regulations (Title 18), and performing other tasks and projects, as assigned.

Minimum qualifications include a Bachelor’s degree in planning, natural resources, hydrology, geography, engineering, surveying, or closely related field and two (2) years of experience in floodplain management, planning, engineering, hydrology, surveying, or closely related field. A graduate degree in planning, natural resources, hydrology, engineering, or a closely related field of study may be substituted for one (1) year of the experience requirement. The ability to obtain and maintain Association of State Floodplain Managers (ASFPM) “Certified Floodplain Manager” (CFM) certification within twelve (12) months of hire is required. Demonstrated ability to operate a personal computer. Proficient with MS Word, MS Access (or other database), MS Excel, MS PowerPoint, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are required. Prefer experience with Global Positioning Systems (GPS) and floodplain modeling/hydrology software programs. Must have and be able to maintain a valid driver’s license. Must meet insurance standards and maintain insurability under the Borough’s insurance program. If personal automobile is used for Borough business, proof of automobile insurance at statutory limits must be provided. A current copy of driving record will be required upon request.

Knowledge of land use planning theory, practice, process, ordinances and their applications. Knowledge of the principles and practices of planning and Federal and State laws and guidelines relates to the floodplain management process, the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and floodplain mapping. Ability to deal with the public and all employees at the borough in a pleasant and courteous manner under adverse and stressful conditions. Ability to work independently, set priorities and organize workload. Demonstrated ability to prepare, evaluate and implement plans, studies and statistical data and to present facts and conclusions clearly and effectively in oral, written and graphic form.

Continuous contact with employees at all levels of the Borough; continuous routine public contact and frequent contact involving outside organizations/agencies. Does not supervise; experiences very little routine and often major problems with little immediate supervision. The consequences of error, carelessness or mistaken judgment require serious effort to recover. General office where conditions are pleasant; while performing field work experiences somewhat disagreeable conditions with minor accident probability and undesirable elements or factors; requires short periods of light lifting, pushing or pulling (1-25 lbs.); stooping, walking on uneven terrain in inclement weather conditions, bending, crouching are other physical elements of the position.