Program Manager Iii; Flood Management Program Division Chief

Introduction

This is a Management Service position which serves at the pleasure of the Appointing Authority ("at‑will"). We encourage you to consider an exciting career with the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE). If you are dedicated to protecting and preserving Maryland's air, water, land resources, and safeguarding the health of all its citizens, we invite you to apply and become a part of our team.

MDE is committed to a mission of protecting and restoring the environment for the health and well‑being of all Marylanders, with a vision of healthy, vibrant, and sustainable communities and ecosystems throughout the state.

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Maryland Department of the Environment
Water and Science Administration
Stormwater, Dam Safety, and Flood Management Program
1800 Washington Blvd., Baltimore MD 21230

The Program Manager III (Flood Management Program Division Chief) will be responsible for managing the State’s Flood Management Program. The position provides technical assistance, guidance, and training to a diverse staff of senior and lower‑level Regulatory and Compliance Engineers and Natural Resource Planners responsible for the administration of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). It oversees staff that administers FEMA’s Community Assistance Program (CAP) for over 130 Maryland communities, guiding them on technical assistance, outreach, and training.

The Division Chief also supervises staff that administers FEMA’s Cooperating Technical Partners (CTP) Program for mapping the State’s 100‑year floodplain, including preparation of applications and securing annual grant funding from FEMA Region III. The position provides strategic oversight of Maryland’s flood‑related watershed studies and flood management plans and partners with other state agencies – MD‑Emergency Management, MD‑Planning, MD‑Natural Resources, MD Insurance Agency, MD‑Transportation – on flooding and related programs.

Working Conditions:

Exposure to uncomfortable or unpleasant surroundings, including outdoor environments and inclement weather; contact with insects, poisonous plants, snakes, or animals; hazardous conditions that may result in injury; walking on uneven terrain; physical demands such as lifting 50 pounds or more, climbing ladders, and carrying equipment; required use of protective equipment such as goggles, gloves, and masks. The position requires driving a State vehicle;

drivers must maintain a driving record with no more than 5 points.

Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university that includes at least 30 credits in the biological, environmental, or physical sciences, or a degree in Environmental Law or Environmental Public Policy.

Experience: Five (5) years of experience supervising professional staff in an environmental field or working as an environmental project manager, including assigning tasks, setting priorities, and reviewing work products.

Notes: (1) Professional or scientific experience related to natural resources, environment, or public health may be substituted on a year‑for‑year basis for education. (2) One additional year of experience in professional scientific, natural resources, or environmental or public health may be substituted for the 30 specialized academic credits.

Experience:

• Significant experience (2–5+ years) in floodplain management, hazard mitigation, or NFIP administration.
• Experience in federal grants management, including monitoring and fiscal control.
• Experience in policy development, interpreting, and applying state and federal regulations.

Technical

Skills:

• Proficiency in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) mapping software.
• Knowledge of flood risk mapping, hydrology, and hydraulic modeling.
• Understanding of FEMA Community Rating System (CRS) and Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs).

Interpersonal & Management

Skills:

• Ability to communicate complex technical information to the public, local officials, and stakeholders.
• Experience in providing training, workshops, or public education.
• Strong organizational skills to handle multiple projects and meet tight deadlines.