Position Job Responsibilities The specialist will develop a plan of work and logic model to address the targeted priorities of various communities within riverine areas where current National Weather Office flood inundation maps are available or will be available by the end of the project. The specialist will identify key communities and audiences as well as conduct priority assessments that will result in activities to address high-capacity areas and smaller or more rural municipalities with lower capacities in the riverine (non-tidal) regions of Maryland. The specialist will serve as part of a team supervised by the Program Leader for Environmental, Natural Resources and Sea Grant Programs, University of Maryland Extension. The specialist will share common methods and tools where appropriate but will develop unique pathways based on the individual needs of stakeholders, and the new tools and technologies available to each community. The specialist will work closely with the NOAA Weather Program Office (WPO) to integrate Flood Inundation Mapping Service (FIMS) and other tools and technologies into Extension programming activities.
Specific activities outlined in the Federal scope of work - Implementing an outreach plan that incorporates stakeholder intersections of climate, flooding, health, socioeconomic vulnerability, and social inequity;
- Building and enhancing relationships with respect to data (including data needs and possible data partners) to identify locally-relevant data gaps, including new data pathways with a focus on community-relevancy, timelines and scale (e.g., social vulnerability metrics, infrastructure vulnerability, public health, flood inundation mapping services (FIMS) verification, etc.);
- Identifying opportunities and pathways to socialize, promote, and evaluate end-user relevance of FIMS;
- Connecting with community groups, NGOs, academia and other organizations to co-produce, test, and implement communication and education strategies with and for diverse and underserved audiences;
- Developing an evaluative framework for FIMS information, products and tools inclusive of end-user application and societal outcome measures;
- Understanding and addressing equity challenges for populations at risk of high impacts from flooding;
- Facilitating the transfer of project impacts, methodologies, and operational outcomes across the Sea Grant network and National Weather Service offices (e.g., Weather Forecast Offices, River Forecast Centers, and the National Water Center).
Salary and Benefits Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications with a base salary starting at $70,000. The University of Maryland offers an extensive benefits package. The position is a 1.0 FTE, equivalent to 40 hours per week. The position is a 12-month full-time contract that may be renewed annually, based on performance and funding for the duration of the grant project (ending 09/30/2026). |
| Qualifications Education A Bachelor of Science in a relevant social or behavioral science discipline such as sociology, social psychology, anthropology, community planning and development, or related field.
Experience Experience in social science research methods including surveys, interviews, focus groups, and data analysis.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities - Knowledge and use of computer technology for educational programming, data analysis, survey collection, and management is required.
- Documented experience and results in communicating the ability to translate complex scientific concepts into accessible information for diverse audiences.
- At least two years experience in community engagement, stakeholder collaboration, and interdisciplinary research, especially in BIPOC and underserved, marginalized and disadvantaged communities.
- At least two years of experience in education or outreach in related fields.
Preferences - Advanced degree (Master’s or PhD) in fields such as sociology, social psychology, anthropology, community planning and development, or related field.
- Expertise in a systematic, watershed-based approach to stormwater management, including an understanding of the general function of green and gray stormwater management systems, and policy frameworks associated with riverine flooding issues.
- Demonstrated leadership and management abilities with evidence of being able to work well with diverse clientele.
- Capacity to work independently in a dynamic and rapidly changing field.
- Evidence of excellent teaching & oral and written communication skills.
Physical Demands - Personal transportation and a driver’s license that is valid in the State of Maryland are required.
- Must be willing and able to travel within the state.
- Flexible work schedule required for delivering evening and weekend educational programs and activities as determined by clientele availability and needs.
Background Checks This position is subject to a Criminal History Record Check. Offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion and clearance of the Criminal History Record Check. Information reported by the background check will not automatically disqualify you from employment.
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