PROJECT OVERVIEW: Operationalizing Flood Inundation Mapping (FIMs) in Maryland Through a Social Science Approach

This project is closely aligned with the rollout of NOAA's Flood Inundation Mapping (FIMs) tools, providing a unique opportunity to ensure these tools are informed by and responsive to the needs of both emergency professionals and the communities they serve.

This project aims to evaluate how emergency management professionals access and utilize flooding-related information and tools, and how this information informs their planning and response strategies. It also seeks to assess how flood information is communicated to community members, identify their needs across the preparedness, response, and recovery phases, and explore opportunities to improve communication methods and incorporate community knowledge into emergency response planning to strengthen local flood resilience.

The ultimate goal is to integrate NOAA’s flood mapping tools, emergency preparedness strategies, and local knowledge to strengthen emergency response efforts and foster more resilient, well-informed communities across Maryland.

POSITION DESCRIPTION: Community Flooding Social Science Liaison

Summary

The Community Flooding Social Science Liaison serves as a bridge between flood mapping experts, emergency management professionals, and Maryland communities. Using research in social and behavioral sciences, this position ensures flood mapping tools are accessible, relevant, and useful. It strengthens local networks and communication pathways, enhances understanding of local flood risks, and shares lessons learned with partners across the state, region, and federal agencies—including the National Weather Service.

Importantly, this role offers flexibility and space for the individual hired to apply their unique expertise, skills, and creativity in shaping program development, community engagement, and research activities to best meet project goals and evolving needs.

The position is housed within the University of Maryland Extension, working in the Maryland Sea Grant Extension Program. The contractor reports directly to the FIMS Principal Investigator on the approved NOAA grant and will collaborate closely with colleagues and project partners to execute the work.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide project-wide leadership to ensure grantee expectations are met in a timely fashion.
• Incorporate work completed to date into project scoping, planning, and execution
• Connect and engage with established funders, project partners, and pre-identified audiences and community members in selected geographic areas
• Familiarization with NOAA’s Flood Inundation Mapping (FIMs) tools and the rollout process

To address the project’s objectives, some combination of the following activities may be undertaken:

• Investigate professional use of flooding information and tools
  • Conduct interviews, surveys, and informal conversations with emergency management professionals and other key stakeholders
  • Understand how professionals access, interpret, and apply flooding-related data and tools
  • Identify how this information informs emergency planning and response strategies
• Analyze flooding information dissemination practices
  • Map current channels (e.g., websites, alerts, meetings, media) used by agencies to communicate flood risk to the public
  • Evaluate the effectiveness, accessibility, and inclusivity of these communications
  • Identify gaps or disconnects between agency messaging and community understanding
• Assess community needs and experiences related to flooding, and evaluate community communication channels
  • Organize listening sessions, focus groups, community workshops, or surveys to assess community needs and flooding experiences
  • Determine how residents currently receive flood-related information before, during, and after events
  • Identify the support, resources, and information residents feel they lack or need
  • Identify trusted messengers, communication platforms, and barriers to access
  • Recommend improvements based on community feedback and equity considerations
• Explore the role of community science and local contributions
  • Investigate ongoing initiatives where residents report flood impacts or observations (e.g., photos, water levels)
  • Analyze how local knowledge and data are currently integrated into agency planning
  • Identify opportunities to expand community science efforts to support local flood resilience
• Facilitate the sharing of results, approaches, and practical insights across National Weather Service offices and the Sea Grant Network, and to key stakeholders, including emergency management professionals and Maryland communities

Preferences:

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant social or behavioral science discipline
• 3+ years of professional experience in a related field
• Strong understanding of flooding impacts and community resilience concepts
• Experience with social science research methods, including surveys, focus groups, and data analysis
• Experience in community engagement, stakeholder collaboration, and interdisciplinary research, particularly in BIPOC and underserved communities
• Demonstrated ability to translate complex scientific concepts into accessible information for diverse audiences
• Ability to work independently in a dynamic and evolving field
• Proven effectiveness working with diverse communities and stakeholders
• Strong project management skills, including planning, budgeting, and evaluation
• Strong facilitation and public speaking skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Proficiency with computer technology and digital communication tools
• Advanced degree in a relevant social or behavioral science discipline
• Experience working with emergency management professionals
• Familiarity with or connections to the state of Maryland
• Knowledge of flooding adaptation strategies, emergency preparedness, and response

Physical Demands:

Work is performed in an office environment and requires the ability to operate standard office equipment and keyboards. Must have the ability to lift and carry small parcels, packages, and other items (up to 25 lbs.), to walk short distances, and/or drive a vehicle to deliver and/or pick up materials. Repetitive motion. Substantial movements (motions)of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers. The worker is required to have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as: preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal; and extensive reading. Ability to travel periodically to both field offices and campus to attend meetings and/or training required.

Licenses/ Certifications: N/A

Required Application Materials:

A complete application packet includes:

• a cover letter
• resume or CV
• three (3) professional references, including name, mailing address, telephone number, and e-mail address.

Best Consideration Date: 12/15/2025

Posting Close Date: n/a

Open Until Filled: Yes