Hazard Mitigation Specialist

Are you looking for an opportunity to join a team that makes a real difference? Do you want to be part of a collaborative team that protects and strengthens communities and businesses? If you are looking for all these opportunities and more, then Witt O’Brien’s is the right fit for you.

Position Summary

Witt O'Brien's is seeking an innovative, motivated, and talented Hazard Mitigation Specialist to join our team. The ideal candidate will be able to showcase their technical expertise and project delivery skills in the Hazard Mitigation arena and ensure quality product delivery to our clients through programs like FEMA 406 and HMGP.  The Hazard Mitigation Specialist may travel to disaster-impacted areas to support Witt O'Brien's clients in delivering trans- and post-recovery assistance.

Position Details

• Reports to: Associate Managing Director    
• Location: Remote
• Position Type: On-Call
• FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
• Pay: Hourly
• Compensation: Commensurate with experience
• Travel: Up to 25%

Essential Job Functions

• Provides technical guidance on identifying, scoping, and developing 406 mitigation measures across all FEMA PA permanent work categories (C–G)
• Reviews project worksheets (PWs) and scopes of work to identify mitigation opportunities aligned with FEMA policy, cost-effectiveness criteria, and engineering feasibility
• Conducts site inspections to assess hazard vulnerabilities and validate the feasibility of proposed mitigation measures
• Develops and reviews engineering-based cost estimates and supports Benefit-Cost Analyses (BCA) as needed
• Prepares detailed technical documentation to support mitigation proposals, including hazard analysis and benefit-cost considerations
• Ensures mitigation proposals comply with FEMA’s 406 Mitigation Policy (FP 104-009-23), Public Assistance guidance, and applicable regulatory requirements
• Coordinates with FEMA Environmental and Historic Preservation (EHP) staff to ensure mitigation projects meet NEPA and Section 106 requirements
• Assists in preparing FEMA-compliant supporting documentation, responses to Requests for Information (RFIs), and appeals related to mitigation eligibility
• Provides applicant-facing technical consulting on 406 Mitigation policy, eligibility, and documentation requirements
• Advises applicants on incorporating mitigation into recovery projects, including floodproofing, wind retrofits, utility hardening, slope stabilization, and stormwater upgrades
• Recommends strategies to align 406 mitigation opportunities with other FEMA funding streams (e.g., HMGP, BRIC) to maximize resiliency and funding potential
• Supports FEMA, state, and local briefings and applicant meetings, clearly communicating technical options and requirements to diverse stakeholders
• Assists state and local clients in integrating mitigation strategies into recovery and long-term planning
• Contributes to mitigation planning efforts, technical memoranda, and the development of proposal content and project approaches
• Manages assigned projects using company-standard project management principles.
• Performs other duties as assigned

Minimum Job Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Demonstrated experience with FEMA Public Assistance (PA) and 406 Mitigation at FEMA, state, local, or consulting level
• Knowledge of FEMA 406 Mitigation Policy, PA guidance, and related hazard mitigation programs (HMGP, BRIC)
• Experience developing and reviewing engineering-based mitigation measures in recovery projects
• Strong written and oral communication skills for technical and client-facing deliverables
• Ability to manage multiple projects in a dynamic, post-disaster work environment
• Proficiency in MS Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Adobe Acrobat

Preferred Job Requirements

• Direct experience preparing FEMA 406 Mitigation proposals, PWs, or cost estimating
• Familiarity with FEMA’s Benefit-Cost Analysis (BCA) toolkit
• GIS and HAZUS-MH skills for hazard assessment and documentation
• Experience coordinating with FEMA EHP and engineering staff on compliance issues
• Prior work with hazard mitigation planning or integration of 406 and 404 programs

Job Description Disclaimer

This position description incorporates the core responsibilities of the job. It recognizes that other related duties not specifically mentioned might also be performed, and that not all responsibilities may be carried out depending on operational needs.

Commitment to Diversity

• Witt O'Brien's is always looking for the most qualified and experienced professionals with a passion for public safety, emergency management, homeland security, disaster response, and continuity of operations.

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veteran/Disabled

With you when it counts.