BDRS Floodplain Specialist
Category: Classified
Pay Grade: C19
Job Code: 16432
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions herein described. Since every duty associated with this position may not be described herein, employees may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out in the job description, but which may be reasonably considered to be incidental in the performing of their duties just as though they were actually written out in this job description.
JOB SUMMARY
Performs responsible clerical, technical, and customer service work in the review of commercial and residential building permit applications for compliance with Pinellas County development standards and National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) requirements and maintains records and documents that ensure the community is eligible to participate in Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)’s National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and Community Rating System (CRS). Explains floodplain development requirements to applicants and the general public as requested. Under direction of the Building Official, work is performed with considerable independence on program matters but problems encountered of an unusual nature are referred to more senior officials.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS (examples, not all inclusive)
- Assists Floodplain Administrator in the coordination of the County’s Floodplain Management Program ensuring that the county meets Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)’s minimum National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) participation requirements and compliance with Pinellas County Chapter 158 – Floodplain Management;
- Provides ongoing record management and documentation development required for participation in the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)’s National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and Community Rating System (CRS);
- Establishes Base Flood Evaluations and prohibits development within floodways;
- Reviews, and maintains floodplain-related construction certificates (i.e., elevation certificates, V-Zone certificates, etc.) in accordance with the Pinellas County Floodplain Related Construction Certificates Management Plan (FRCCMP);
- Utilizes ArcGIS web maps to make flood hazard determinations including, but not limited to, flood zone and Base Flood Elevation (BFE) determinations;
- Completes flood information reports for inquiries;
- Maintains and organizes hard-copies of flood hazard maps, letter of map changes (LOMC), floodplain-related construction certificates, flood insurance studies (FIS), and any other flood hazard related maps;
- Provides report of permitting and construction cost history for substantial damage/substantial improvement determinations;
- Assists FEMA and State Flood Manager representatives during Community Assistance Visits (CAV), CRS program reviews, and floodplain management program activities;
- Responds to inquiries from citizens and other departments regarding floodplain management principles;
- Performs other related job duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Experience:
High School diploma/GED and four (4) years’ professional experience in one or more of the following: building or construction plan review, elevation certificate review, National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) requirements, Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) interpretation or assisting in the development and implementation of other floodplain management-related programs; or Associate degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in floodplain management, emergency management, planning, environmental studies, engineering, hydrology/hydraulics, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), governmental studies or a related field and two (2) years’ experience as described above; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and/or experience.
Special Qualifications (May be required depending on area of assignment):
- Florida Driver’s License or Florida Commercial Driver’s License and endorsement, if any.
- Assignment to work a variety of work schedules including compulsory work periods in special, emergency, and/or disaster situations.
- Association of State Floodplain Managers (ASFPM) Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM) certificate within one (1) year of hire or promotion into the position.
- Other knowledge, skills, abilities, and credentials required for a specific position.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws, rules and regulations as related to floodplain management;
- Knowledge of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and the Community Rating System (CRS);
- Knowledge of applicable Florida Statutes and local resolutions and ordinances relating to floodplain permit requirements and procedures;
- Knowledge of Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) regulations, Technical Bulletins and ASCE 24-14;
- Knowledge of construction, site planning, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) terminology and design principles;
- Knowledge of County arterial road network and map reading ability;
- Skill in compiling documentation of floodplain management activities;
- Skill in presenting technical information and analysis through oral presentation or precise writing skills;
- Ability to utilize various computer software programs such as Word, Excel, GIS (Arc Map, etc.);
- Ability to formulate and present ideas and findings clearly and concisely in written, oral or graphic form;
- Ability to work independently and in a team environment on complex tasks and deal with non-routine matters;
- Ability to handle difficult situations and customer interactions with tact, patience, and courtesy;
- Ability to work with minimum supervision under broad guidelines and obtain, analyze, summarize, and maintain technical engineering data and records;
- Ability to read and interpret basic civil engineering plans, maps, aerials, and survey symbols;
- Ability to analyze and interpret data and information;
- Ability to use small office equipment, computers, and highly technical computer applications;
- Ability to communicate effectively with the general public, contractors, consultants, and County personnel.
PHYSICAL/MENTAL DEMANDS
The work is sedentary work which requires exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Additionally, the following physical abilities are required:
- Fingering: Picking, pinching, typing, or otherwise working, primarily with fingers rather than with the whole hand as in handling.
- Handling: Picking, holding, or otherwise working, primarily with the whole hand.
- Visual ability: Sufficient to effectively operate office equipment including copier, computer, etc.; and to read and write reports, correspondence, instructions, etc.
- Hearing ability: Sufficient to hold a conversation with other individuals both in person and over a telephone; and to hear recording on transcription device.
- Speaking ability: Sufficient to communicate effectively with other individuals in person and over a telephone.
- Mental acuity: Ability to make rational decisions through sound logic and deductive processes.
- Talking: Expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word including those activities in which they must convey detailed or important spoken instructions to other workers accurately, loudly, or quickly.
- Repetitive motion: Substantial movements (motions) of the wrist, hands, and/or fingers.
- Walking: Moving about on foot to accomplish tasks, particularly for long distances or moving from one work site to another.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Work is performed in a dynamic environment that requires sensitivity to change and responsiveness to changing goals, priorities, and needs.