Project Specialist - Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP)

Job Description

Job Description

Position : Project Specialist (HMGP)

Location : Guaynabo, PR

Who we are:

DCMC Partners, a Great Place to Work®-Certified company, is a leader in disaster recovery, hazard mitigation, and crisis management services. With over 30 years of experience managing response and recovery efforts for major disasters, we help clients effectively prepare for, mitigate, respond to, and recover from crises.

Overview

The Project Specialist (HMGP) supports hazard mitigation initiatives to enhance community resilience by leveraging federal grants. This full-time, in-office role involves tasks throughout the project lifecycle such as; advising clients and ensuring compliance with program requirements, assisting clients in responding to FEMA Requests for Information (RFIs), developing scope of work modification request packages, developing budget modification packages, timeline extension request packages, denial decision appeal documentation, and preparing Quarterly Reports.

Key Responsibilities

Project & Program Management

• Manage and coordinate assigned HMGP project tasks to ensure completion within established timelines and budgets.
• Assist with planning, organizing, and scheduling project activities, resources, and deliverables.
• Monitor project progress and identify potential issues, risks, or delays that may impact project success.
• Prepare quarterly progress reports, project status reports, and other required program documentation for internal and client use.
• Develop and maintain implementation and support documentation for HMGP initiatives.
• Support program activities throughout the entire project lifecycle, including project closeout.
• Analyze existing plans, documentation, and project information to identify critical requirements and support project implementation.

FEMA Program & Compliance Support

• Serve as a resource to clients and internal teams regarding HMGP program requirements, policies, and applicable regulations.
• Assist clients in preparing and submitting responses to FEMA Requests for Information (RFIs).
• Develop modification request packages for scope of work, budget, and timeline changes.
• Prepare denial decision appeal packages and supporting documentation.
• Assist clients with developing and implementing compliance programs, procedures, and processes.
• Research and interpret FEMA guidance, the Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA) Guidance, the Stafford Act, 2 CFR, and 44 CFR requirements.
• Provide recommendations and practical solutions to resolve program, compliance, and project-related issues.
• Support project implementation activities while ensuring compliance with federal regulations and grant requirements.

Client & Internal Coordination

• Serve as a primary resource for clients throughout the HMGP project lifecycle.
• Respond promptly to client inquiries and provide timely follow-up to support project objectives.
• Maintain effective communication with clients, project teams, government stakeholders, and internal departments.
• Coordinate with Project Managers and other service lines to ensure project needs and client expectations are met.
• Collaborate with the Proposals team and provide technical assistance during proposal development, as needed.
• Foster strong working relationships with clients and stakeholders to support successful project outcomes.

Administrative Responsibilities

• Coordinate task assignments and confirm time allocations with the Project Manager.
• Manage assigned workload and priorities to ensure tasks are completed on schedule and within budget.
• Complete and submit accurate daily time reports and promptly address any required revisions or corrections.
• Maintain organized project records, files, and program documentation.
• Stay current on FEMA, HMGP, and applicable federal grant program requirements.
• Prioritize multiple assignments effectively while consistently meeting deadlines.

Technical Skills & Abilities

• Demonstrated experience supporting FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) projects, including application development, project implementation, RFI responses, modification requests, quarterly progress reporting, denial decision appeals, and project closeout.
• Working knowledge of the Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA) Guidance, Stafford Act, 2 CFR, and 44 CFR.
• Strong technical writing skills with the ability to prepare clear, concise, and comprehensive program documentation.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Proficiency in document management, information analysis, and recordkeeping.
• Ability to review, analyze, and synthesize complex information from plans, policies, and technical documents.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize tasks, manage competing deadlines, and maintain attention to detail.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively with clients and project teams throughout the project lifecycle.

Technical Skills & Qualifications

Required Experience

• Minimum of 2 years of demonstrated experience supporting FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) projects, including experience with project implementation and/or grant administration.
• Experience with HMGP activities such as:
• FEMA Requests for Information (RFIs)
• Scope of work modifications
• Budget modifications
• Timeline extension requests
• Quarterly Progress Reports
• Denial decision appeals
• Project closeout
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong analytical and organizational skills with the ability to review, extract, and summarize information from complex documents.
• Ability to prioritize multiple assignments, manage deadlines, and work effectively within established project budgets.
• Proven ability to work directly with clients and internal stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle.
• Bilingual Proficiency in Spanish and English, both written and verbal is required. 
• Strong writing skills are required. Writing samples may be requested as part of the selection process. 
• Puerto Rico residency required.

Education

• Required : High school diploma or equivalent.
• Preferred : Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning, Environmental Science, Project Management, Emergency Management, Public Administration, or a related field.

Preferred Certifications & Technical Skills

One or more of the following is preferred:

• Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM)
• American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP)
• Certified Emergency Manager (CEM)
• Project Management Professional (PMP)
• Proficiency with GIS software

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health insurance, 401K, Disability, Paid Time Off, and Bonus Incentives.

Working Conditions

• Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
• This is an in-office position located in Guaynabo, Puerto Rico.
• Occasional evening, weekend, or extended-hours work may be required based on project needs.

Public Health Requirement:

• DCMC's policy requires DCMC employees to meet Federal and/or local public health protective measures, whichever are the most cautious.

DCMC Partners Commitment to Diversity:

• DCMC Partners is an equal opportunity employer. We support a diverse workforce and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veterans

For more information about DCMC Partners, please visit our website at dcmcpartners.com/careers.