Public Assistance Technical Specialists (Reservist On Call)

Disaster Recovery Public Assistance Technical Specialist – Reservist On Call

ICF's Disaster Management Division seeks Disaster Recovery Public Assistance Technical Specialists – Reservist On Call to join our team. This ON-CALL position will require travel to client offices, disaster recovery sites, and deployable for multiple week assignments. This is a U.S. based position.

About On-Call Employment with ICF: Due to the seasonal or project-specific nature of our disaster and emergency management work, ICF hires professionals as "On-Call" employees. On-Call employees are scheduled for work as it becomes available, with the freedom to accept or decline hours. They can work on concurrent projects outside of their ICF assignment, provided there's no conflict of interest.

Definition: FEMA Public Assistance (PA) is a program provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) that provides financial and direct assistance to states, tribes, and territories when authorized as part of a presidential declaration under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act. The program provides supplemental grants to state, tribal, territorial and local governments, and certain types of private non-profits so communities can quickly respond to and recover from major disasters or emergencies. PA can fund the repair, restoration, reconstruction or replacement of eligible public or certain nonprofit facilities or infrastructure damaged or destroyed by a disaster. This is not health or social services.

As part of the Public Assistance Technical Specialist Reservist (On Call) Cadre, you will coordinate with senior and technical specialists and project team members to ensure performance of tasks. Responsibilities may include providing comprehensive disaster recovery, grant monitoring services to sub-recipients, and working with (possibly overseeing) disaster recovery staff and assisting with project management tasks.

At ICF we make BIG things happen. Let's work together to help Hurricane victims and communities recover and re-build for future resilience. ICF's growing Disaster Management division is assembling an outstanding team equipped to offer expert advisory services, bringing the strength of past performance and a hands-on integrated multidisciplinary approach. Join the ICF team and help make a difference.

Compensation: While the range below is broader, this position will offer an hourly pay range between $25-$40 per hour, based upon % match to job description, location, etc., as determined by the hiring team. Higher education and experience will not change this salary range.

Key Responsibilities:

• Work on scopes of work, cost alignments and building projects.
• Evaluate facility damages, documents, and photographs pursuant to scope of service consultations.
• Work on damaged component inventory and detailed estimate of damage.
• Cost estimation during project development and project formulation.
• Applying program requirements, policies, procedures and protocols.
• Provide accurate repair cost information to help build competitive estimates.
• Provide detailed review of FEMA project sub-grant applications (project worksheets) for completeness and preparation of version requests.
• Support project team members with technical interpretations and assistance.
• Attend meetings with agencies and applicants to establish assessment of proposed recovery projects, discuss project objectives, and construction budget as requested.
• Consult on Hazard Mitigation, 428 Alternative Procedures, and other FEMA Public Assistance rules and regulations.
• Applying knowledge of design, construction procedures, zoning and building codes, and building materials. Will create damage component inventory and detailed estimate of damages.
• Will work on significant and unique issues where analysis of situations or data requires evaluation of intangibles.
• Exercises independent judgement in methods, techniques and evaluation criteria for obtaining results.
• Coordinate and participate in resolution of project related issues and concerns.
• Optimize procedures and maintain communication and focus.
• Maintain and track each case as required in project report management information system.
• Measure performance with key metrics.
• Keep management team informed on issues, problems & resolutions.
• Superior customer service skill set, ability to listen, facilitate and negotiate problems.
• Expertise in area in which you are assigned. Carry out timely and accurate duties as requested.
• Travel as required to client recovery and ICF sites as required and requested by ICF management.

Must Have Qualifications:

• 3+ years of construction experience, including 3+ years working in disaster recovery and grant monitoring through the federal and state levels of government with emphasis on the FEMA Public Assistance program.
• 2+ year's working knowledge of RS Means, Xactimate, FEMA Cost Estimate or applicable web-based cost estimator software.
• 5+ years of experience with FEMA Public Assistance programs, Hazard Mitigation 404, 406, Alternate and Improved Project requirements.
• Must be able and willing to travel (flight and vehicle) as required for project work with minimal notice.
• Must have a valid driver's license and successfully pass a Motor Vehicle Records (MVR) check.

Professional Skills:

• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, MS Excel and computer use.
• High attention to detail and accuracy in documentation and reporting "on-time" and professionally, including ability to follow directions.
• Strong organizational skills, with the ability to effectively plan, prioritize and manage multiple tasks and activities, independently and collaboratively.
• Strong written and oral communication, including interpersonal and presentation skills.
• Excellent critical thinking skills to help resolve project constraints and make decisions, paired with a desire to take initiative.
• Ability to work well under continually changing deadlines and priorities.
• Awareness and appreciation of applicant situations, socioeconomic backgrounds, and community dynamics.

Preferred Skills:

• Bachelor's degree in environmental, disaster management, construction, infrastructure, energy, finance or related area.
• Experience working active disasters with CDBG-DR, CDBG-MIT, 406/404-HMGP.
• Experience addressing strategic issues in disaster recovery operations including issues that have complex political and programmatic elements.
• Strong background in various types of construction.
• Experience addressing FEMA Public Assistance policy and guidance technical issues in regard to current law and regulations.
• Knowledge and skill in applying analytical and evaluative techniques to the identification, consideration, and resolution of a wide variety of grants administration issues and problems.
• FEMA Certifications.