Job Description

AECOM is looking for  full time Technical Specialists to work on a contract with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Public Assistance (PA) Program supporting FEMA’s four Consolidated Resource Centers (CRC). This work will likely be mostly remote work but may require travel to field and disaster operations to perform site inspections as determined by the Client. PROJECT OVERVIEW:  FEMA’s PA Program provides supplemental funding to state and local governments and eligible private nonprofits, Indian tribal governments, and Alaska Native villages for disaster-related debris removal, emergency protective measures, and restoration of damaged infrastructure.  AECOM will support these efforts by providing FEMA a wide range of technical and program management services to support four CRCs processing grant applications and validating/preparing damage description and dimensions, scopes of work, and cost estimates and conducting compliance reviews across multiple disasters. POSITION DESCRIPTION: The Technical Specialist conducts site inspections and engages with PA Program Applicants on complex sites in the specialized lane within FEMA’s PA delivery model.  The Technical Specialist conducts site inspections or completes project development for complex / specialized damages, prepares the Scopes of Work (SOW) and Cost Estimate for complex / specialized projects, and/or reviews/validates Applicant-provided documents to develop the SOW and costs. Specific tasks include:

• Write SOW for complex/specialized projects based upon the provided Damage Description and Dimensions (DDD), Site Inspection Report, and other documents included with the project
• Estimates costs for complex/specialized projects, based upon the SOW
• Writes hazard mitigation SOW and estimates costs for complex/specialized projects, based on input from the Applicant and Mitigation Specialist
• Evaluates cost effectiveness of proposed hazard mitigation measures based on cost criteria for mitigation costs within 15% of repair costs and for measures listed in the PAPPG Appendix J: Cost-Effective Public Assistance Hazard Mitigation Measures
• Reviews complex/specialized projects for potential eligibility concerns
• Initiates an RFI for documentation or information needed to complete complex/specialized projects
• Reviews change in SOW requests and processes related amendments for complex projects. for Applicants transitioned to region
• Reviews requests for Alternative Procedures, Alternate or Improved Projects and process amendments
• Must be proficient with Microsoft Office (Outlook, Teams, Excel, and Word), Adobe Acrobat, Google Earth (file conversion and import/export ability required), and smart phone.

The Technical Specialist contributes to the timeliness, quality, and reliability of PA Program delivery in providing project funding based on a codified, detailed DDD The Technical Specialist must attend daily stand-up meetings and complete required daily, weekly, and monthly reports. When preparing cost estimates, the Technical Specialist will:

• Develop disaster-specific cost data when applicable
• Use the best available estimating tools
• Use the Cost Estimating Format (CEF) for large projects, in accordance with the Public Assistance CEF for Large Projects Instructional Guide, Version 2.1

The Technical Specialist will use FEMA’s Grants Manager (GM) system.  FEMA’s Grants Manager system is used to assign and track actions throughout PA project development, and to collect all PA project-related information and documents, including correspondence. Technical Specialists may fall under the following disciplines:

• Architects
• Civil Engineers
• Coastal Engineers
• Construction Inspectors/Managers
• Cost Estimators
• Electrical Engineers
• Geotechnical Engineers
• Structural Engineers

AT AECOM, WE’RE DELIVERING A BETTER WORLD. We believe infrastructure creates opportunity for everyone. Whether it’s improving your commute, keeping the lights on, providing access to clean water, or transforming skylines, our work helps people and communities thrive. Our clients trust us to bring together the best people, ideas, technical expertise, and digital solutions to our work in transportation, buildings, water, the environment, and new energy. We’re one global team – 47,000 strong – driven by a common purpose to deliver a better world. Here, you will have freedom to grow in a world of opportunity. We will give you the flexibility you need to do your best work with hybrid work options. Whether you’re working from an AECOM office, remote location or at a client site, you will be working in a dynamic environment where your integrity, entrepreneurial spirit and pioneering mindset are championed. You will help us foster a culture of equity, diversity and inclusion – a safe and respectful workplace, where we invite everyone to bring their whole selves to work using their unique talents, backgrounds and expertise to create transformational outcomes for our clients. We will encourage you to grow and develop your career with us through our technical and professional development programs and diverse career opportunities. We believe in leadership at all levels. No matter where you sit in the organization you can make a lasting impact on the projects you work on, the teams and committees you join and our business.  We offer competitive pay and benefits, well-being programs to support you and your family, and the development resources you need to advance your career. When you join us, you will connect and collaborate with a global network of experts – planners, designers, engineers, scientists, consultants, program and construction managers – leading the change toward a more sustainable and equitable future. Join us and let’s get started.  

Qualifications

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS :

• Must be a US Citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain DHS Public Trust clearance.
• Bachelor’s degree or demonstrated equivalent combination of education, skills, knowledge, abilities, and experience with 4 years of relevant experience.
• Must have technical knowledge base and experience in discipline’s standard concepts, principles and techniques as well as in the design and/or construction of public infrastructure. Valuable skill types and experience include engineers, architects, cost estimators, construction inspectors/managers. 
• Must have experience using cost estimating software.
• This job is 100% computer-based and work is completed through a web-based application, so strong computer skills are required.

Additional Information

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS :

• Prior FEMA PA and/or CRC experience preferred, but not required, including experience with and understanding of FEMA’s PA Program and Policy Guide (PAPPG), PA grant documentation review or project development experience, validating PA grant documentation, and developing or reviewing DDDs, SOWs, and cost estimates for PA grant applications
• Experience using FEMA Grants Manager is a plus
• Current DHS Public Trust clearance/badge
• Effective written and verbal communication skills with attention to detail
• Experience providing excellent customer service.
• Strong observational, decision making, analytical, critical thinking, organizational, and problem-solving skills with ability to synthesize and clearly present key disaster recovery issues and progress to resolution
• Flexible work style with the ability to immediately adapt to changing priorities
• Able to work independently, in a team environment and under stressful conditions with tight deadlines and able to handle tense situations diplomatically
• Demonstrated behavior of flexibility, adaptability, professionalism

ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS:

• This project has a heavy focus on production and quality focused project. Staff must be committed to completing the work efficiently and accurately.  Work will be monitored and reviewed regularly.
• The U. S. Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency (DHS/FEMA) Personnel Security Division requires all disaster personnel to be U.S. citizens and be able to successfully pass a background investigation. Candidates will be required to disclose personal information including criminal records, credit issues, residential, employment, social and medical history.
• As this is a fully remote position, relocation assistance is not available.
• AECOM is proud to offer a comprehensive benefits program to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D and disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absence, voluntary benefits, perks, wellness and global well-being, and global EAP, Business Travel and Service Awards programs.
• The offer of employment is contingent on Task Order requirements, your availability for the specific task order and AECOM being awarded client Task Order. If the contingency does not occur, then the offer is rescinded.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

HERE, YOU WILL HAVE FREEDOM TO GROW IN A WORLD OF OPPORTUNITY.

We will give you the flexibility you need to do your best work. Whether you’re working from an AECOM office, remote location or at a client site, you will be working in a dynamic environment where your integrity, entrepreneurial spirit and pioneering mindset are championed.

With infrastructure investment accelerating worldwide, our services are in great demand, and there’s never been a better time to be at AECOM! Join us, and you’ll get all the benefits of being a part of a global, publicly traded firm – access to industry-leading technology and thinking and transformational work with big impact and work flexibility.

We will encourage you to grow and develop your career with us through our technical and professional development programs and diverse career opportunities. We believe in leadership at all levels. No matter where you sit in the organization you can make a lasting impact on the projects you work on, the teams and committees you join and our business.

AECOM provides a wide array of compensation and benefits programs to meet the diverse needs of our employees and their families. We also provide a robust global well-being program. We’re the world’s trusted global infrastructure firm, and we’re in this together – your growth and success are ours too.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in each person’s potential, and we’ll help you reach yours.

Join us and let’s get started.