Assistant Research Scientist, Hazard Mitigation Planning - Illinois State Water Survey, PRI, Illinoi

Duties & Responsibilities

• Research – Project Management & Outreach - 40% Lead the ResMit team, providing technical direction and mentoring to staff Develop and implement strategic vision for CHAMP's mitigation and resilience activities Lead and/or assist with mitigation related projects and outreach for FEMA HMA and Risk MAP grants and other projects as assigned, including oversight of budgeting, planning, scheduling, presenting, and communicating project status to stakeholders, staff, and leadership. Direct community engagement meetings, develop and deliver presentations, monitor feedback. Engage fellow Professional Planners and stakeholders at the local, state, and federal level to develop initiatives to inform government officials and the general public about natural hazards and alternatives for mitigating risk. Develop and maintain relationships with federal and state partners Secure future funding opportunities and grow CHAMP’s climate adaptation and resilience activities through public and private relationships, business development, and preparing proposals. Coordinate with CHAMP’s Section Head for strategic planning and growth opportunities within the program and develop and maintain the ResMit team’s business plan. Conduct capacity building activities including developing decision support tools, strategy development and community engagement Provide internal review of input/output data for Hazard Mitigation Plans and other mitigation efforts and recommend revisions to CHAMP workflow and/or improvements. Perform other duties as needed to further the mission and goals of the Prairie Research Institute (PRI).
• Research – Publications & Data Dissemination - 30% Technical report writing and oversight of technical report production including background research and data review. Communicate and disseminate technical reports and research regarding socio-economic, land use, demographic, environmental, climate, floodplain management and mitigation data for the purpose of educating the general public, local officials, and other key stakeholders. Ensure processes, methods, and communications comply with FEMA Policy Standards and best practices for mitigation adaptations. Monitor updates to FEMA Standards, Technical References, and Guidance Documents and provide review comments on behalf of CHAMP, train staff on new protocols and documentation. Coordinate with Illinois Department of Natural Resources – Office of Water Resources (IDNR-OWR) and CHAMP management to provide editorial and content review of the annual Joint Business Plan.
• Research – Data Analysis – 20% Collect, gather, and analyze floodplain management, scientific, environmental, economic and hazard data. Lead projects including coordination with engineers, GIS specialist, other CHAMP staff, editors, and graphic artists to analyze data to produce project technical reports and associated products.
• Administration – 5% Supervise assigned staff; this includes task assignment, scheduling, ongoing performance monitoring and evaluation, career/position mentoring, and leave/travel coordination.
• Professional Development – 5% Registration as a Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM) is required to maintain this position. Attend training and professional conferences for updates on information, technology, and process. Travel, including overnight(s), to deliver presentations at professional conferences and meetings. Continue education to develop/enhance skills related to project task, process, and management. Continue education to develop/enhance leadership skills to further career progression. Keep abreast of developments in the fields of mitigation and urban planning.