24-53 - Flood Grant Coordinator (Grant Specialist I)

Only applicants who apply with a State of Texas application via the CAPPS online application system will be considered for this position. First time applicants will need to create an account https://tinyurl.com/CAPPS-Login in the CAPPS online application system at https://tinyurl.com/CAPPS-Jobs. Please visit our job opportunities page at https://tinyurl.com/How-to-Apply-in-CAPPS for more information about the Texas Water Development Board and answers to frequently asked questions. To view this position in greater detail, visit the CAPPS online application system. 

Texas Water Development Board’s Mission 

     Leading the state’s efforts in ensuring a secure water future for Texas. 

The Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) endorses telecommuting and hybrid workplace plans, in addition to other flexible work alternatives. We offer competitive compensation and benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401(k), flexible spending, and flexible work hours so you can have a work/life balance! For more information about our employee benefits and more, visit http://www.twdb.texas.gov/jobs/benefits.asp.

The Texas Water Development Board does not discriminate on basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, sexual orientation, age, or disability in employment or provision of services, programs, or activities. 

***Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications***

Job Description Summary

Performs routine (journey-level) grant development and coordination, technical assistance, and administration work to plan, administer, implement, and closeout federal and state-funded grants within Texas. Work involves marketing, developing, implementing, and closeout of FEMA’s Flood Mitigation Assistance and state flood grant programs, both programmatically and financially. Provides technical assistance to political subdivisions, other agencies, and the public to ensure effective implementation of grant programs. Assists in preparing, coordinating, reviewing, and evaluating the applications to be included in the state’s annual Flood Mitigation Assistance grant application to FEMA. Assists in reviewing, evaluating, and implementing state flood grants. May serve as a contract manager of the flood grants. Maintains information required to perform grant program responsibilities and assists in the coordination of program requirements between state, federal, and local communities. Serves as a liaison and gives presentations, or conducts training concerning floodplain planning, management, and mitigation. Works under moderate supervision, with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Reports to the Manager of the Grant Coordination Department.

Essential Job Functions

• Assists in the administration of FEMA’s Flood Mitigation Assistance grant program and state flood grant programs.
• Provides technical and administrative assistance on state and federal flood grant and financial assistance programs, including assistance to political subdivisions in developing grant applications.
• Promotes federal and state flood grant and financial assistance by explaining resources, eligibility, and performance requirements to elected officials, community representatives, the public, and other interested parties.
• Conducts site visits, inspections, and monitoring reviews to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations.
• May serve as a contract manager for grant contracts related to state and federal flood grants to include the submission of grant applications, monitoring contract agreements and grant activities.
• Reviews and approves grant expenses, quarterly reporting, performance and financial reports, deliverables, and grant contract closeouts to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations.
• Assists in the development of presentations, training, workshops, and grant implementation guidance for technical and non-technical audiences on floodplain management, planning, and mitigation funding opportunities offered by the TWDB and other state agencies to local and state officials, professional organizations, and other interested parties.
• Serves as a liaison for the TWDB at public meetings and meetings related to flood grants with federal, state, and local entities or the public.
• May coordinate and support cross-functional work groups composed of internal and external stakeholders to develop grant program objectives, work plans and budgets.
• Assists, prepares, and reviews grant closeout materials for federal flood grant funding programs.
• Maintains confidential and sensitive information.
• Ensures individual and team files (electronic and hard versions) are appropriately maintained and timely disposed of in accordance with the agency’s records retention procedures and schedule.
• Maintains required certifications and licenses and meets the continuing education needs and requirements of the position to include, attending mandatory training courses.
• May be required to operate a state or personal vehicle for business purposes.
• Assists with maintaining master hard copies and electronic copies of TWDB personnel information, policies, procedures, guidelines, checklists, forms, and reference materials.
• Assists with any special projects as assigned.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university, or will complete degree by May 2024, with major course work in Hydrology, Water Resources, Natural/Physical/Environmental Science, Geography, Planning, Business Administration, Emergency Management, Finance, or a related field.
• Work experience in any combination of grant management, public or business administration, insurance management, emergency management, financial or program compliance, environmental management, floodplain management, flood or hazard mitigation, project management, or planning.
• Able to travel up to 25% and work outside of normal business hours.
• Relevant education and experience may be substituted on year-for-year basis.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience assisting in project management, mitigation projects, or contract administration.
• Experience or knowledge of Floodplain Management
• Experience in administering or assisting state or federal financial assistance programs.
• One or more of the following certificate or certifications: 
  • Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM).
  • Certified Texas Contract Manager (CTCM).
  • Certified Texas Contract Developer (CTCD)
  • Grants Management Certificate or Certification.
  • Project Management 
  • Equivalent certification with reciprocity in Texas on a case by case basis.
• Experience working with federal or state programs.
• Experience interacting with governmental officials and stakeholders.
• Experience presenting technical information in public or collegiate settings.
• Experience in using Geographic Information Systems (GIS).

***Please ensure you include a description of the above preferred qualifications in job experience section of your state application. Also, attach resume, transcript, or other supporting documentation if applicable.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)

• Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations relevant to the Grant Coordination Department.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of public administration.
• Knowledge of FEMA National Flood Insurance Program and Floodplain Management regulations.
• Knowledge of FEMA Hazard Mitigation Assistance programs.
• Knowledge of hydrologic/hydraulic principles and procedures as applied to floodplain management.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of grant administration including project management and contract administration.
• Knowledge of Geographic Information Systems.
• Knowledge of grant preparation, development, evaluation, and monitoring in reporting writing, in budget development and monitoring, and in the use of federal grant administration programs.
• Skills in writing technical memos, reports, and work process and policy documents.
• Skills in using Microsoft Office programs such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Skills in use of internet, email, word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, and database software.
• Ability to rapidly assimilate, information related to state and federal regulations, legislation, guidelines, policies, procedures, grant eligibility, and reporting requirements.
• Ability to interpret guidelines, policies, procedures, and regulations, to evaluate financial data for reasonableness, necessity, and conformity with grant requirements.
• Ability to communicate effectively and to supervise the work of others.
• Ability to learn and effectively apply working knowledge of government organizations, operations, and flood mitigation funding programs at the federal, state, and local levels.
• Ability to exercise poise, tact, diplomacy, and an ability to establish and maintain positive, working/professional relationships with internal and external customers.
• Ability to adhere to work schedules, follow procedures with respect to leave and submit accurate timesheets by prescribed deadlines.
• Ability to make mature, objective decisions and identify areas of potential problems.
• Ability to perform effectively and willingly when changes occur in scope and nature of the work and work environment.
• Ability to perform routine and non-routine work assignments accurately and on-time with little or no supervision.
• Ability to perform assigned duties and improve work habits and/or output.
• Ability to complete assigned work, on time, neatly and with infrequent errors.
• Ability to interpret policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Ability to provide prompt, courteous and accurate assistance, and clear and concise communication to internal and external stakeholders both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to work and cooperate with others in a team environment.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks.
• Ability to stand/sit/move to perform activities such as retrieve/replace files in a large file system for boxes up to 30 lbs.
• Ability and willingness to travel 25% of the time, primarily within the State of Texas.
• Ability to operate a vehicle (state or personal) for state business and maintain a driver’s license and driving record that complies with state and agency requirements.
• Ability to work shifts that may exceed 8 hours, including early mornings, nights, and weekends.
• Ability to train others.