{"21856294":{"jobPath":"/jobs/21856294/extension-project-specialist-community-flood-mitigation-and-mapping","source":"naylor","job":"21856294","jobTitle":"Extension Project Specialist, Community Flood Mitigation and Mapping"}}
Loading... Please wait.
ExpandShow Other Jobs
Job SavedSave Job
Extension Project Specialist, Community Flood Mitigation and Mapping
University of Maryland
Application
Details
Posted: 24-Nov-25
Location: College Park, Maryland
Type: Full Time
Salary: $72,863.00 - $85,000.00
Categories:
Management
Operations
Project Management
Years of Experience:
Less than 2
Salary Details:
Attractive Benefits Package. Project funding is for two years if a no-cost extension can be granted from the federal government. Annual contract based on availability of funding and performance.
Required Education:
4 Year Degree
Internal Number: JR102671
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
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.
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
About University of Maryland Extension
The University of Maryland Extension (UME) is a statewide, non-formal education system dedicated to providing research-based knowledge and educational programs that improve the lives of individuals, families, communities, and businesses across Maryland. We are part of the University of Maryland College of Agriculture and Natural Resources and a vital component of the nation’s land-grant university system.
Our Mission
Our mission is to educate citizens and strengthen communities by translating the latest university and federal research into practical, accessible learning opportunities.
UME empowers Marylanders to make informed decisions that enhance their well-being, economic prosperity, and the health of our natural resources.
We achieve this mission through:
Community-based education and engagement
Partnerships with local governments, organizations, and volunteers
Practical, research-informed programs that address local and statewide needs
Our Program Areas
University of Maryland Extension offers programming in four major areas:
Agriculture and Food Systems – Supporting Maryland’s farmers, agribusinesses, and fo...od producers through research-based best practices in crop production, soil health, farm management, and food safety.
Family & Consumer Sciences – Promoting health, wellness, financial literacy, and nutrition education for individuals and families.
4-H Youth Development – Helping Maryland’s youth build leadership, citizenship, and life skills through hands-on, experiential learning opportunities.
Environment & Natural Resources – Protecting and managing Maryland’s land, water, and ecosystems through conservation education, climate-smart practices, and sustainable solutions.
The Land-Grant University System
The land-grant system was established by the Morrill Acts of 1862 and 1890, which provided federal lands to states to fund public universities that would teach agriculture, mechanical arts, and science for the benefit of all citizens.
Today, every U.S. state and territory has at least one land-grant institution — in Maryland, that’s the University of Maryland, College Park (1862 land-grant) and the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (1890 land-grant).
Through the land-grant mission, UME connects the resources of these universities with the needs of local communities, ensuring that university research directly benefits Maryland’s residents through education, outreach, and applied research.