IS Data Services Senior – FEMA GIS Project Leads

The Department of Natural Resources is dedicated to the preservation, protection, effective management, and maintenance of Wisconsin’s natural resources. We are currently seeking two IS Data Services positions within the Bureau of Watershed Management, Madison, WI.

Job Duties:   

The senior level Floodplain GIS Project Lead positions work with the project manager, GIS specialists and floodplain engineers located within the Bureau of Watershed Management’s Floodplain Management program. These positions will support the floodplain mapping team with their task to create Digital Flood Insurance Rate Maps (DFIRMs) in support of the Wisconsin/Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Floodplain Risk MAP Initiative and will be assigned specific projects to manage.  The Floodplain GIS Project Leads will be responsible for developing, designing and distributing GIS and cartographic products for public use, based on federal and state guidelines.    In addition, this position will be responsible for publishing web pages for the Dam Safety and Floodplain Management program.

Candidates must have superior knowledge of FEMA mapping, data and cartography standards and be able to stay on task while working under limited supervision.  They will also lead the work of GIS Specialists and coordinate with FEMA or their contractor on issues related to cartography and data specifications.

This position is responsible for developing and implementing floodplain mapping projects throughout the state.  Occasional travel throughout the state will be required for meetings with local DNR staff, community GIS, engineering and zoning officials, and the general public. This position reports to the Dams and Floodplain Section Chief and provides assistance to the program manager and floodplain engineers.

Job Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:  

• Detailed knowledge and experience in the in the use of FEMA tools for development and management of Flood Insurance Rate Maps.  Specifically candidates should have at least several years experience using the Flood Map Desktop (FMD) extension to ArcGIS and the Mapping Information Platform (MIP) for tracking project specifics.
• In-depth knowledge of GIS products, specifically ArcGIS 9.x, Spatial Analyst, and 3D Analyst.  Extensive experience using these data applications as they apply to development of digital floodplain maps.
• Knowledge of FEMA’s digital floodplain mapping standards and the data quality assurance/quality checking requirements for flood studies and mapping.  Experience working with FEMA’s digital floodplain program and its quality assurance standards.
• Knowledge of geodatabase data models and how they are used to meet FEMA’s standards for floodplain mapping.  Experience in applying them to FEMA mapping projects.  Must have experience working with feature datasets and data layers, topology, layer and style files and symbology palettes.
• Knowledge of written and oral communication techniques.
• Knowledge of project planning and experience in management of complex projects involving many players including contractors, field staff, community partners, and the general public.
• Education in and experience applying cartographic principles.
• Ability and experience reading and interpreting Flood Insurance Rate Maps and Flood Insurance Study reports.