Project Specialist, Community Flooding

Job Description Summary & Additional Information

PROJECT OVERVIEW: Operationalizing Flood Inundation Mapping (FIMs) in Maryland Through a Social Science Approach

This project is closely aligned with the rollout of NOAA’s Flood Inundation Mapping (FIMs) tools, providing a unique opportunity to ensure these tools are informed by and responsive to the needs of both emergency professionals and the communities they serve.

This project aims to evaluate how emergency management professionals access and utilize flooding-related information and tools, and how this information informs their planning and response strategies. It also seeks to assess how flood information is communicated to community members, identify their needs across the preparedness, response, and recovery phases, and explore opportunities to improve communication methods and incorporate 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 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.

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

To address the project’s objectives, some combination of the following activities may be undertaken:

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
Analyze flooding information dissemination practices
- Map current channels (e.g., 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 flooding 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 (e.g., 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 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

Physical Demands:

Work is performed in an office environment and requires the ability to operate standard office equipment and keyboards. Must have the ability to lift and carry small parcels, packages, and other items (up to 25 lbs.), to walk short distances, and/or drive a vehicle to deliver and/or pick up materials. Repetitive motion. Substantial movements (motions)of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers. The worker is required to have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as: preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal; and extensive reading. Ability to travel periodically to both field offices and campus to attend meetings and/or training required.

Licenses/ Certifications: N/A

Required Application Materials:

A complete application packet includes:

a cover letter
resume or CV
three (3) professional references, including name, mailing address, telephone number, and e-mail address.

Best Consideration Date: 12/15/2025

Posting Close Date: n/a

Open Until Filled: Yes

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.

Experience: Five years of progressively responsible experience in project management and complexity. Three (3) years of experience in a lead or supervisory role.

Other: Additional work experience as defined above may be substituted on a year-for-year basis for up to four (4) years of the required education.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

Knowledge of project management best practices.

Skill in oral and written communication.

Skill in Microsoft Office and Google Suite products.

Ability in project planning, execution, and risk management.

Ability to management deadlines and budgetary guidelines.

Job Risks

Not Applicable to This Position

Department

AGNR-UME-Sea Grant Extension

Worker Sub-Type

Staff Contractual (C2) (Fixed Term)

Salary Range

$72,863.00 – $85,000.00

Benefits Summary

For more information on Staff Contractual CII benefits, select this link .

Background Checks

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.

Employment Eligibility

The successful candidate must complete employment eligibility verification (on Form I-9) by presenting documents that establish identity and work authorization within the timeframe required by federal immigration law, and where applicable, to 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.

EEO Statement

The 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.