Hazard Mitigation Planning Specialist

Who We Are
The Institute for a Disaster Resilient Texas (IDRT) at Texas A&M University brings together research, data, and collaboration to strengthen communities against natural hazards. Established to bridge the gap between science and decision-making, IDRT delivers cutting-edge analytics, tools, and evidence-based solutions that support state agencies, partners, and local communities in preparing for, responding to, and recovering from disasters. Through innovative research and a commitment to public impact, we help build a more resilient Texas for the long term. To learn more, visit https://idrt.tamu.edu 

What We Want

We are seeking a candidate who is an exceptional technical writer, skilled facilitator, and innovative problem solver with expertise in hazard mitigation planning, community resilience, and the development of practical solutions that strengthen disaster preparedness and recovery.

What You Need to Know

• This position is funded from grant and/or contract funding, which is renewed through provisions of the grantor of the contract. Therefore, this position is contingent upon continuation of funding from these grants and/or contracts, as well as satisfactory job performance.
• This position may require work beyond normal office hours and/or work on weekends.
• May travel as required.

Essential Duties/Tasks

• Master’s degree in urban planning, Emergency Management, Geography, Public Administration, Environmental Science, Engineering, Natural Resources, or a closely related field.
• Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM), American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP), Certified Emergency Manager (CEM), and/or related professional certification. 
• 3-year experience serving as a lead author, primary contributor, project manager, or technical lead for FEMA-compliant hazard mitigation plans. 
• 3-year experience of working on FEMA Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA), Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP), Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA), Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC), or similar programs.

• Development and update of FEMA-compliant Hazard Mitigation Plans.
• Serve as principal contributor, for planning documents and resilience assessments.
• Conduct and document hazard identification, vulnerability assessments, and risk analyses.
• Develop mitigation goals, objectives, and action strategies that support long-term community resilience.
• Ensure planning products comply with FEMA Mitigation Planning Policy Guide requirements and applicable state and federal standards.
• Coordinate plan development through stakeholder review, adoption, and FEMA approval.
• Prepare technical reports, planning documents, white papers, and related deliverables.

• Facilitate planning committee meetings, workshops, and public engagement activities.
• Coordinate with local governments, emergency managers, councils of governments, nonprofit organizations, and state and federal agencies.
• Present project findings and recommendations to technical and non-technical audiences.

• Apply AI and advanced analytical tools to support planning, research, technical writing, data analysis, document review, and project management activities.
• Evaluate emerging technologies that improve the efficiency and effectiveness of resilience planning and applied research.
• Contribute to the development of best practices for responsible AI use in hazard mitigation and resilience planning.
• Support training activities related to innovative planning and research methods.

• Support proposal development for federal, state, and private-sector funding opportunities.
• Assist with project reporting and sponsor deliverables.
• Contribute to the growth of the Institute's hazard mitigation planning portfolio.

• Conduct hazard, vulnerability, resilience, climate, and flood risk assessments.
• Integrate demographic, environmental, and geospatial datasets into research products.
• Collaborate with faculty, research scientists, and graduate students on research initiatives.
• Contribute to the development of innovative approaches to disaster resilience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in urban planning, Emergency Management, Geography, Public Administration, Environmental Science, Engineering, Natural Resources, or a closely related field.
• Eight years of related experience in hazard mitigation planning, resilience planning, emergency management, climate adaptation, or related field.

• Ability to effectively utilize a computer and applicable software for technical writing, editing and print production.
• Ability to utilize Geographic Information System (GIS) and geospatial analysis to support planning and decision-making. 
• Ability to use Python, R, machine learning, large language models, natural language processing, or other advanced analytical methods. 
• Familiarity with using artificial intelligence tools or advanced analytical technologies in professional planning, research, technical writing, data analysis, or project management workflows. 
• Skilled in utilizing various learning and active listening strategies.
• Ability to orally comprehend and express information and use inductive and deductive reasoning.
• Ability to positively and professionally interact with clients and staff, groups of various sizes.
• Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others.

Why Texas A&M University?  

We are a prestigious university with strong traditions, Core Values, and a community of caring and collaboration.  Amenities associated with a major university, such as sporting and cultural events, state-of-the-art recreation facilities, the Bush Library and Museum, and much more await you.  Experience all that a big city has to offer but with a reasonable cost-of-living and no long commutes.  

• Medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, life and AD&D, flexible spending accounts, and long-term disability insurance with Texas A&M contributing to employee health and basic life premiums 

• 12-15 days of annual paid holidays  

• Up to eight hours of paid sick leave and at least eight hours of paid vacation each month 

• Automatic enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas

• Health and Wellness: Free exercise programs and release time 

• Professional Development: All employees have access to free LinkedIn Learning training, webinars, and limited financial support to attend conferences, workshops, and more  

• Educational release time and tuition assistance for completing a degree while a Texas A&M employee 

• Living Well, a program at Texas A&M that has been built by employees, for employees

Our Commitment  

Texas A&M University is committed to enriching the learning and working environment by promoting a culture that respects all perspectives, talents & lived experiences. Embracing varying opinions and perspectives strengthens our core values which are: Respect, Excellence, Leadership, Loyalty, Integrity, and Selfless Service.  

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.