Job Listings Title:
FIMS / Community Flooding Project Specialist

Post Date
11/20/2025

Expiration Date
12/15/2025

Details:

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 position ensures flood mapping tools are accessible, relevant, and useful. It 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.

Importantly, this role offers flexibility and space for the individual hired to apply their unique expertise, skills, and creativity in shaping program development, community engagement, and research activities to best meet project goals and evolving needs.

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 will collaborate closely with colleagues and project partners to execute the work.


Project Objectives

  • Investigate professional use of flooding information and tools

  • Analyze flooding information dissemination practices

  • Assess community needs and experiences related to flooding, and evaluate community communication channels

  • Explore the role of community science and local contributions

  • 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

Key Responsibilities

  • Provide project-wide leadership to ensure grantee expectations are met in a timely fashion.

  • Incorporate work completed to date 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

  • Familiarization with NOAA’s Flood Inundation Mapping (FIMs) tools and the rollout process 



Qualifications:
  • 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 in 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


Comments:
https://umd.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/UMCP/job/UMCES-Maryland-Sea-Grant-College/Project-Specialist--Community-Flooding_JR102671

Employer:
University of Maryland, Maryland Sea Grant
Contact:
Amanda Rockler

Address:
5825 University Research Ct
Suite 1350

Email:
arockler@umd.edu

Website:
https://umd.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/UMCP/job/UMCES-Maryland-Sea-Grant-College/Project-Specialist--Community-Flooding_JR102671

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