Flood Recovery & Water Resources Specialist

Position Overview

Southern Tier Central Regional Planning and Development Board (STC) is growing and seeking a Senior Flood Recovery & Water Resources Specialist to lead highly technical flood recovery, flood mitigation, and water resource program across a three-county region.

This senior-level position plays a regional leadership role in flood recovery planning, watershed management, hazard mitigation, and grant-funded infrastructure and resilience programs. The Specialist will work closely with counties, municipalities, state and federal agencies, and partner organizations to develop, implement, and coordinate complex flood recovery and risk-reduction efforts.

This is a full-time civil service position, with a civil service exam to be administered at a later date. Regular attendance at evening meetings is required (average two per month).

About the Role

STC seeks a highly experienced and technically skilled professional with demonstrated expertise in floodplain management, flood recovery, water resources, environmental planning, and intergovernmental coordination. This role requires the ability to exercise independent judgment, manage complex regulatory and grant requirements, and serve as a technical resource and mentor within a multidisciplinary planning organization.

Strong written and oral communication skills are essential, as this position frequently represents STC in technical discussions with municipal leaders, agency staff, consultants, and the public.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The Senior Flood Recovery & Water Resources Specialist will:

• Serve as STC’s technical lead for flood recovery, flood mitigation, and water resource planning
• Collaborate with local, state, and federal partners to identify, evaluate, and prioritize flood recovery and mitigation projects
• Compile, manage, and analyze flood, hydrologic, environmental, and spatial data, and prepare technical documentation, statistics, plans, maps, and reports
• Develop written and oral materials explaining flood recovery strategies, flood risk management approaches, and mitigation best practices
• Provide high-level technical assistance to counties, municipalities, water quality groups, and environmental organizations
• Review and provide expert input on floodplain-related studies, plans, and projects initiated by FEMA, NYS agencies, federal partners, non-profits, and consultants
• Lead grant seeking, writing, administration, and compliance for flood recovery, flood mitigation, water quality, and resilience funding programs
• Monitor and interpret federal and state regulations and policy related to flooding, wetlands, levees, stormwater, and water quality
• Deliver training, outreach, and public presentations on floodplain management, flood recovery, hazard mitigation, and stream processes
• Coordinate with emergency management, land use, and public works partners to assist in updating flood recovery plans, mitigation strategies, warning systems, and response procedures
• Maintain active participation in regional, statewide, and national professional organizations focused on flooding, stormwater, and water resources
• Provide technical planning input on drainage improvements, flood protection infrastructure, floodplain restoration, and resilience projects
• For senior level: mentor staff, guide project priorities, and support program development

Desired Experience and Technical Skills

This is a highly technical role. Strong candidates will demonstrate experience in the following areas:

• Advanced knowledge of floodplain management, flood recovery, and hazard mitigation (CFM or close alignment with ASFPM standards)
• Technical experience working with FEMA, NYS DHSES, Army Corps of Engineers, and other federal and state agencies
• Extensive experience with federal and state grant programs, including writing, budgeting, reporting, and compliance
• Proficiency with GIS, spatial analysis, and flood-related mapping
• Familiarity with hydrology, geomorphology, watershed processes, and flood risk modeling concepts
• Strong data analysis, problem-solving, and technical writing skills
• Proven ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously
• Skilled public speaker with experience presenting technical concepts to non-technical audiences
• Demonstrated ability to work independently while also leading collaborative, multi-partner efforts
• Experience stepping into a technical leadership role within an organization or program

Preferred Certifications & Technical Expertise

The following are not required, but are considered significant assets for this senior-level role:

• Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM)
• Advanced GIS expertise (ArcGIS, geodatabases, spatial analysis)
• Experience with hazard mitigation plans, flood recovery action plans, or watershed implementation plans
• Familiarity with environmental permitting and regulatory coordination
• Experience supporting Climate Resilience, CDBG‑MIT, HMGP, BRIC, or similar programs

Minimum Qualifications

Applicants must meet one of the following:

• Master’s degree in Planning, Geography, Environmental Science, Geology, Architecture, Engineering, or a closely related field and a minimum of two (2) years of professional experience in flood recovery, floodplain management, water resources, or related work; or
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field and a minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible professional experience in flood recovery, mitigation, or environmental planning; or
• Associate’s degree and a minimum of ten (10) years of directly related professional experience.

Special Requirement

Possession of a valid New York State driver’s license, or the ability to otherwise meet the transportation needs of the position.

Why Work at STC?

STC offers the flexibility and mission-driven culture of a small organization with the stability and benefits of public-sector employment. Our eight-member team includes planners, economic developers, and flood mitigation professionals working together to advance resilient communities throughout the Southern Tier.

Benefits include:

• 35-hour flexible work week
• Occasional remote work (primarily in-person position)
• New York State Retirement System
• Platinum health insurance plan

If you are a highly technical professional seeking a leadership role with real regional impact, we encourage you to apply.

Starting Date

Interviews will begin in April. Flexible start date.

Salary: Commensurate with experience; approximately $65,000–$90,000 annually.

How to Apply

Please submit a resume along with applicable writing, mapping samples or examples of your work to: Chelsea Robertsoncrobertson@stcplanning.org. We strongly recommend all applicants review our website at: STCPlanning.org to learn more about the work we do!

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $65,000.00 - $90,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Corning, NY 14830: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person