University of Maryland, College Park - University of Maryland Extension - Project Specialist, C[...]

Project Overview: Operationalizing Flood Inundation Mapping (FIMs) in Maryland Through a Social Science Approach This project aligns with NOAA’s FIM tools rollout, ensuring they are informed by emergency professionals and the communities they serve. It evaluates how emergency management professionals access and use flood information and how this informs planning and response strategies. The project also examines how flood information is communicated to community members, identifies needs across preparedness, response, and recovery phases, and explores improvements in communication methods and incorporation of community knowledge into emergency response planning to strengthen local flood resilience. The ultimate goal is to integrate NOAA’s flood mapping tools, emergency preparedness strategies, and local knowledge to strengthen emergency response efforts and foster more resilient, well‑informed communities across Maryland. Position Description – Community Flooding Social Science Liaison Summary: The Community Flooding Social Science Liaison serves as a bridge between flood mapping experts, emergency management professionals, and Maryland communities. Using research in social and behavioral sciences, this role ensures flood mapping tools are accessible, relevant, and useful, strengthens local networks and communication pathways, enhances understanding of local flood risks, and shares lessons learned with partners across the state, region, and federal agencies—including the National Weather Service. This role offers flexibility and space for the individual to apply unique expertise, skills, and creativity in shaping program development, community engagement, and research activities to meet evolving project goals. The position is housed within the University of Maryland Extension, working in the Maryland Sea Grant Extension Program. The contractor reports directly to the FIMS Principal Investigator on the approved NOAA grant and collaborates closely with colleagues and project partners. Key Responsibilities Provide project-wide leadership to ensure grantee expectations are met timely. Incorporate completed work into project scoping, planning, and execution. Connect and engage with established funders, project partners, and pre‑identified audiences and community members in selected geographic areas. Familiarize with NOAA’s Flood Inundation Mapping (FIMs) tools and the rollout process. To address the project’s objectives, activities may include: Investigate professional use of flooding information and tools: Conduct interviews, surveys, and informal conversations with emergency management professionals and other key stakeholders. Understand how professionals access, interpret, and apply flooding‑related data and tools. Identify how this information informs emergency planning and response strategies. Map current channels (websites, alerts, meetings, media) used by agencies to communicate flood risk to the public. Evaluate the effectiveness, accessibility, and inclusivity of these communications. Identify gaps or disconnects between agency messaging and community understanding. Assess community needs and experiences related to flooding, and evaluate community communication channels: Organize listening sessions, focus groups, community workshops, or surveys to assess community needs and flood experiences. Determine how residents currently receive flood‑related information before, during, and after events. Identify the support, resources, and information residents feel they lack or need. Identify trusted messengers, communication platforms, and barriers to access. Recommend improvements based on community feedback and equity considerations. Explore the role of community science and local contributions: Investigate ongoing initiatives where residents report flood impacts or observations (photos, water levels). Analyze how local knowledge and data are currently integrated into agency planning. Identify opportunities to expand community science efforts to support local flood resilience. Facilitate the sharing of results, approaches, and practical insights across National Weather Service offices and the Sea Grant Network, and to key stakeholders, including emergency management professionals and Maryland communities. Preferences Bachelor’s degree in a relevant social or behavioral science discipline. 3+ years of professional experience in a related field. Strong understanding of flooding impacts and community resilience concepts. Experience with social science research methods, including surveys, focus groups, and data analysis. Experience in community engagement, stakeholder collaboration, and interdisciplinary research, particularly with BIPOC and underserved communities. Demonstrated ability to translate complex scientific concepts into accessible information for diverse audiences. Ability to work independently in a dynamic and evolving field. Proven effectiveness working with diverse communities and stakeholders. Strong project management skills, including planning, budgeting, and evaluation. Strong facilitation and public speaking skills. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Proficiency with computer technology and digital communication tools. Advanced degree in a relevant social or behavioral science discipline. Experience working with emergency management professionals. Familiarity with or connections to the state of Maryland. Knowledge of flooding adaptation strategies, emergency preparedness, and response. Physical Demands Work is performed in an office environment and requires the ability to operate standard office equipment and keyboards. Must be able to lift and carry small parcels, packages, and other items up to 25 lbs., walk short distances, and/or drive a vehicle to deliver and/or pick up materials. Repetitive motion and substantial wrist, hand, and/or finger movements are required. The worker needs close visual acuity to prepare and analyze data and figures, transcribe, view a computer terminal, and perform extensive reading. Travel to field offices and campus for meetings and training may be required periodically. Required Application Materials Resume or CV. Three (3) professional references, including name, mailing address, telephone number, and e‑mail address. Best Consideration Date: 12/15/2025 Minimum Qualifications Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. Advanced degree is a plus. Experience: Five years of progressively responsible experience in project management and complexity; three (3) years in a lead or supervisory role. Additional work experience may be substituted on a year‑for‑year basis for up to four (4) years of the required education. Knowledge of project management best practices, oral and written communication, Microsoft Office and Google Suite products. Ability in project planning, execution, risk management, deadline, and budgetary guidelines management. Background Check and Employment Eligibility Offers of employment are contingent on completion of a background check. Information reported by the background check will not automatically disqualify anyone from employment. Before any adverse decision, the finalist will have an opportunity to provide information to the University regarding disclosable background check information. The University reserves the right to rescind the offer of employment or otherwise decline or terminate employment if the information reported by the background check is deemed incompatible with the position, regardless of when the background check is completed. Successful candidates must complete employment eligibility verification (Form I‑9) by presenting documents that establish identity and work authorization within the timeframe required by federal immigration law, and where applicable, demonstrate renewed employment authorization. Failure to complete employment eligibility verification or reverification within the timeframe set forth by law may result in suspension or termination of employment. Equal Opportunity Statement University of Maryland, College Park is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment. Please read the University’s Equal Employment Opportunity Statement of Policy. 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