Job Details

Coastal Resilience Specialist, Town of Falmouth, MA

Organization/Grantor:Town of Falmouth, MA

Position/Title/Fund:Coastal Resilience Specialist

Location:Falmouth, Massachusetts

Salary:$89,752 - $102,606 annually

Description:

The Town of Falmouth seeks a highly motivated, experienced professional to serve as our first Coastal Resilience Specialist. The Coastal Resilience Specialist will take the lead in advancing the Town's efforts to protect our community's coastal resources and infrastructure and address the current and future impacts of sea level rise and climate change. This is a year-round, permanent salaried position with full benefits that will enjoy strong support from our Select Board, Town Administration, and scientific community.

Responsibilities:

Under the administrative direction of the DPW Director, the Coastal Resilience Specialist will advance these efforts by identifying and coordinating the implementation of new and existing strategies for managing our at-risk coastal resources. Additional essential functions include, but are not limited to:

• Oversees consultants and serves as the project manager for coastal projects, including beach nourishment;
• Researches and performs field inspections and site evaluations and prepares reports as necessary or required;
• Seeks out and applies for grants pertaining to coastal and marine issues; ensures complete and competitive applications;
• Prepares reports, correspondence, presentations, and other written material for Town officials and maintains electronic files in an organized manner to facilitate use by other staff members;
• Reviews information requests from Town departments, boards, or agencies for information, guidance, or recommendations regarding coastal impacts; acts as a liaison with other Town departments, boards, and the general public; and provides technical assistance to these groups regarding coastal matters;
• Develops relationships with landowners, neighborhood associations, and agencies such as MEMA/FEMA, EPA, ACOE, DCR, EEA, DEP, and CZM to promote coastal resilience initiatives.
• Coordinates, compiles, conducts, and submits reports for the Coastal Rating System annual program on behalf of the Town;
• Responsible for all aspects of the FEMA Flood Hazard Mitigation Program; works with the homeowners on filings, schedules and conducts educational sessions, and reviews and approves applications; works with federal and state officials on funding and reimbursements;
• May recommend changes to bylaws and regulations relative to coastal issues;
• Attends seminars, workshops, training sessions, and staff meetings to remain knowledgeable and current on applicable laws and regulations and proper procedures and methods of operation. Some attendance at evening meetings is required.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in environmental science, natural resources, coastal geology, or related field and five (5) years of related professional experience; or master's degree in a related field and three (3) years of related experience; or any equivalent combination of education and experience which demonstrates possession of the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the essential functions of the position.
• Applicants must have knowledge of the State Clean Water Act (Sections 401 and 404), M. G. L. Chapter 91, the Coastal Zone Management Act, local zoning bylaws, FEMA Flood Mitigation and Hazard Mitigation Grant Programs, and coastal processes such as erosion, deposition, and sediment transport. Applicants must have the ability to work independently; read, understand, and interpret technical specifications and site plans; prepare technical reports and grant applications; and conduct independent research and interpret the results. The successful candidate also has strong technology and interpersonal skills.

Apply online. The position will remain open until filled, but candidates who apply by Monday, February 24, 2025 by 4:30 p.m. will be given preference. Candidates are encouraged to upload a cover letter and resume to the online application portal.