Lead FEMA GIS Professional - 16990

Chelmsford, MA

Lead FEMA GIS Professional - 16990

Our Business

We are a global leader in environmental consulting - made stronger with the recent acquisition of Wood’s Environment & Infrastructure business and Golder - with world-class expertise in environmental, social and governance (ESG), climate resiliency & sustainability (CRS), and earth sciences. Combined we have over 20,000 multidisciplinary professionals worldwide collaborating daily to protect and conserve natural landscapes, create firm foundations for communities to stand on, and champion sustainable development to combat climate change. 

As part of the team, you will have access to an unparalleled network of resources and endless opportunities to collaborate on exciting projects with diverse teammates from across the globe.

This Opportunity

WSP is currently seeking a motivated Lead FEMA GIS Professional with Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) experience to join our team. The successful candidate will be an experienced technical professional and project manager who can oversee the management of a portfolio of projects executed by multi-disciplinary teams across various geographic locations. This position will be an integral member supporting contracts with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), including FEMA Headquarters and Regions 1, 2, 3, and/or 5 and may be asked to support other contracts as needs arise. This position offers potential for development in a great working environment and the opportunity to apply the latest technology to help our clients solve their most challenging problems.

Your Impact

  • Manage projects related to GIS database design and management, qualitative/quantitative analysis, mapping, and data visualization
  • Supervise GIS staff, oversee FEMA projects, and allocate and review project tasks
  • Works with team members and clients to prepare scopes, schedules, budgets, assumptions, and constraints for projects 
  • Oversees adherence to project plans and established business processes, including quality and project management standards 
  • Coordinates activities of multi-disciplinary staff to ensure project delivery per schedule, on budget, and within scope parameters
  • Provides guidance to team members related successful delivery across the full project lifecycle, including developing forecasts and estimates 
  • Proactively strategizes and anticipates risks and issues 
  • Coordinate with other managers to balance workload and staffing needs
  • Engage other Subject Matter Experts and technical support staff as needed to support FEMA Regions
  • Mentor junior GIS staff, oversee, allocate, and review projects 
  • Participate in client meetings and follow through on assigned action items directly with clients and communities 
  • Communicate with project team members, government representatives (federal, state, and local), and other stakeholders to define data needs, project requirements, and desired outputs
  • Customize GIS workflow and software programs for data collection, engineering, and environmental applications
  • Cultivate and manage client relationships and guide application of services to best serve the interests of the client and WSP 

Who You Are

Required Qualifications

  • 7 to 10 years of GIS project experience 
  • Four-year Bachelor’s Degree in GIS, Geography, or related field
  • Proficiency using ESRI ArcGIS software
  • Experience with FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program
  • Creative problem-solving, multi-tasking, and organizational skills
  • Financial project management skills, including earn value management
  • Strong production management capabilities and a proven understanding of project management methodologies
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills, proactive communicator and problem-solver
  • Strong attention to detail and demonstrated ownership and accountability for work
  • Capability to work in a dynamic environment, including a demonstrated willingness to be flexible and adaptable to changing priorities 
  • Ability to work collaboratively with a wide array of individuals from various backgrounds, including engineers; planners; GIS professionals; federal, tribal, and state government officials; and the public
  • Strong multi-tasking and organizational skills
  • Strong track record of overseeing successful project delivery with a drive for quality product and financial excellence
  • Must be able to build rapport and establish positive relationships with existing and prospective WSP clients to ensure client-focused performance
  • Intermediate to advanced Microsoft Office skills, including Microsoft Word, Excel and SharePoint
  • Solid work ethic and have the drive to be a leader in the company and in the professional community

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Management of FEMA Projects and workflow
  • Experience with the NFIP and FEMA’s Risk Mapping Assessment and Planning (Risk MAP) Program 
  • Customization of GIS software using Python
  • Ability to travel periodically, as needed (less than 20% travel anticipated) 
  • Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM)

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