Principal Floodplain Engineer & Program Lead

City of Durham

Durham (NC)

On-site

USD 87,000 - 135,000

Full time

7 days ago

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Job summary

City of Durham’s Environmental and Street Services Department seeks a Principal Engineer/Senior Engineer to lead the Stormwater Infrastructure Group’s Drainage & Floodplain Unit, overseeing floodplain management, grants, contracts, and customer service. The role requires hydrology and hydraulics expertise, strong project management, and excellent communication.

You will coordinate with agencies, manage NFIP/HMGP/CRS programs, and supervise staff and budgets.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, environmental science, earth science, or related field.
Five years of related engineering experience.
Valid North Carolina Class C Driver’s License with a satisfactory driving record or acquired within 60 days of hire.
North Carolina Professional Engineer (PE) license or equivalent as determined by the City.
Certified Floodplain Manager certification.
Experience with hydrologic and hydraulic analysis and modeling of drainage systems and floodplains.
Two years of supervisory experience (such as a team lead, supervisor, manager, etc.).
Knowledge of regulatory requirements for the City of Durham, the North Carolina Department of Transportation, the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Division of Water Resources, the United States Army Corps of Engineers, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
Experience working in or with municipalities.
Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Responsibilities

Serves as a lead worker by assigning tasks, monitoring progress, establishing individual and unit goals, and supervising engineering technicians and specialists.
Manages the City’s response to drainage concerns on private property and within public rights-of-way, coordinating closely with Stormwater Maintenance and Infrastructure Projects teams.
Coordinates with state and federal agencies on floodplain mapping for FIRM revisions and ensures the City’s web content and GIS mapping remain accurate and up to date.
Oversees the City’s participation in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP), and Community Rating System (CRS).
Proactively advances Durham’s flood resiliency across prevention, mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery. Provides floodplain technical assistance to the Floodplain Administrator and City staff.
Manages City-County Flood Warning Systems, including software administration, observation assessment and reporting, gage network improvements, and training of critical end users.
Represents the City at Durham County Emergency Management’s Emergency Operations Center during flooding events. Actively participates in Local Emergency Planning Committee meetings and other assigned committees and boards, leading efforts to strengthen the City’s flood resiliency.
Provides input on proposed amendments to floodplain development regulations.
Manages programs, projects, and assigned departmental operations; develops and administers contracts; prepares project scopes, budgets, and schedules; develops and maintains operational policies and procedures; trains staff; improves operational processes; and assists with grant applications and grant management.
Prepares, reviews, and analyzes engineering plans, drawings, reports, bids, contracts, agreements, specifications, RFQs/RFPs, ordinances, and City Council communications.
Assists with organizing and attending public meetings; provides technical expertise and consultation to City departments and external agencies; and delivers training as needed.