Planner IV - Floodplain Administrator

Overview

Basic Function Under the direction of the Deputy Director, the primary responsibility of this position is to administer the floodplain management program (FNSBC Title 15) for the Borough and maintain compliance in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). This position will be the lead in permitting for development within the special flood hazard area (SFHA). This position is also responsible for preparing and monitoring grant proposals, reports, and agreements.

• Administer the Boroughs Floodplain Management Program (FNSBC Title 15). Advise members of the public on the technical aspects of floodplain management planning.
• Provide the public with technical interpretations of primarily the FNSBs floodplain regulations, but also regulations regarding zoning, land use, comprehensive plan, subdivisions and other related codes. This will include interfacing with real estate professionals for property sale within the special flood hazard area.
• Administer the Boroughs floodplain permit process including the review and issuance of floodplain permits, floodplain determinations letters, FEMA letters of Map Amendment (LOMA's) and base flood elevation determinations.
• Complete the post construction review of all development in the special flood hazard area including review of elevation certificates and issuance of certificates of compliance.
• Perform field inspections and gather field data to be used in enforcing and/or monitoring development in the floodplain and to ensure compliance with floodplain permits and after flood activity review.
• Investigate floodplain-related complaints; develop corrective recommendations for identified problems and determine action needed to effect compliance with established program standards.
• Review and provide floodplain comments on all proposed subdivisions in the FNSB ensuring that they meet federal floodplain requirements and the FNSB’s Floodplain Management Regulations (FNSBC Title 15).
• Maintain/update a post disaster flood response program satisfying state requirements and FEMA guidelines, including a substantial damage determination process, post disaster permitting process, repetitive loss analysis, documentation of flood elevations, etc.
• Create and implement a formal floodplain management public awareness and outreach plan, including occasional public open houses and yearly awareness mailings to all properties in the special flood hazard area.
• Maintain and update floodplain information on Borough website.
• Act as the main Borough contact and representative for floodplain management matters with FEMA and the State of Alaska. Provide floodplain coordination between state, local and federal agencies to ensure legal requirements are met. Recommend improvements to the program or regulations as needed to ensure compliance.
• Draft ordinances and resolutions to further implement the requirements of the NFIP in the Borough.
• Secure funding for program by writing and securing grants and working with other agencies. Provide project management and grant coordination. Provide periodic status reports as required by grant provisions.
• Create and implement plans to prepare for FEMA Community Assistance Visits (CAV) and to resolve floodplain management issues identified in the CAV report.
• Maintain databases and files pertaining to floodplain permits and other floodplain management activities.
• Maintain the current and past digital data and maps of the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) for the Borough.
• Coordinate revisions and major studies to the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) for the Borough.
• Work with land management agencies to review land disposal efforts to reduce or limit development of property within the floodplain.
• Participate in any matters related to the recertification of the Tanana River levee system.
• Act as staff support for boards and commissions as needed.
• Prepare written and oral presentations for the Planning Commission, Assembly, and other boards/commissions as necessary.
• Provide backup for other planning and zoning staff on the administration of the zoning code including issuing zoning permits and advising members of the public on the FNSB's zoning regulations (Title 18).
• Perform other tasks and projects, as assigned.

• MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
  
  Bachelors degree in planning, natural resources, hydrology, geography, engineering, surveying, or closely related field and two (2) years of experience in floodplain management, planning, engineering, hydrology, surveying, or closely related field. A graduate degree in planning, natural resources, hydrology, engineering, or a closely related field of study may be substituted for one (1) year of the experience requirement.
• Have (or the ability to obtain within twelve (12) months of hire) and maintain Association of State Floodplain Managers (ASFPM) "Certified Floodplain Manager" (CFM) certification.
• Demonstrated ability to operate a personal computer. Proficient with MS Word, MS Access (or other database), MS Excel, MS…