With a workforce of over 30,000 people, and opportunities in more than 1,000 different job categories, the City of Philadelphia is the fifth largest city in the United States and one of the largest employers in Southeastern Pennsylvania. As an employer, the City of Philadelphia operates through the guiding principles of service, integrity, respect, accountability, collaboration, diversity and inclusion. Through these principles, we strive to effectively deliver services, to resolve the challenges facing our city, and to make Philadelphia a place where all of our residents have the opportunity to reach their potential.

AGENCY DESCRIPTION

The Department of Licenses and Inspections promotes Code compliance through education, consultation, responsiveness to public complaints, building plan reviews, licensing and permitting processes, on-site inspections, and enforcement actions. At all times, the Department’s focus is public safety.

POSITION SUMMARY

This position is located in the Department of Licenses and Inspections (L+I). This position serves as the principal administrator in the daily implementation of the City of Philadelphia’s flood loss reduction activities including enforcing the community’s flood damage prevention ordinance, updating flood maps, plans, and policies of the city, and any of the activities related to administration of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Duties of the Floodplain Manager require fieldwork duty, as well as office duty.

The floodplain manager will issue permits for development in the community’s floodplain and enforce the requirements of the community Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance. Maintains records to ensure the city’s eligibility to participate in the FEMA’s NFIP and Community Rating System (CRS). Maintains community floodplain management files, the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) files, the City of Philadelphia’s floodplain management program documents, building permits, variances, FEMA map revisions (LOMC’s), elevation certificates (with original signature and seal). Reviews, approves or denies updates and revisions to the community’s Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM’s). Develops Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for the overall Floodplain Management Program as well as developing code revisions to be formally adopted and periodically updated as part of the city’s Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance. Provides review and community coordination of floodplain related projects, studies and plans initiated by Federal and State Agencies, non-profit organizations, and others. Provides floodplain management guidance related to the city’s drainage improvements, flood protection, floodplain management, and flood mitigation projects. Functions as the community representative for floodplain management studies, plans, and mapping activities initiated by Federal and State Agencies, Regional Planning Commissions, Flood Control and Drainage Districts, adjacent communities and others. Assists and cooperates with FEMA and State Floodplain Manager representatives during Community Assistance Visits (CAV), Community Rating System (CRS) Program reviews, and other floodplain management program actions for coordination. Monitors and coordinates other Federal and State Floodplain Management programs. In emergency situations, including disaster response and recovery, participates on the Emergency Response Team in a capacity specified by the Licenses and Inspections Commissioner.

SALARY - Commensurate with experience

COMPETENCIES, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and related ordinances. 
  
• principles of surveying, building construction, hydrology and hydraulics. 
  
• basic computer software programs. 
  
• laws, municipal ordinances, and departmental policies pertaining to the enforcement of building and zoning codes.
  
• review of building and site plans for compliance with codes.
  
• inspection and investigation principles, practices and techniques.
  
• building code requirements related to construction, renovation, and alteration of commercial, industrial, public and private structures for the Construction specialty.
  
• managerial practices, procedures, and techniques.
  
• procedures, practices and safety hazards and precautions in the operational units within the City's comprehensive code enforcement program.
  
• procedures utilized in the prosecution of licensing and inspection code violations, and the enforcement of ordinances and statutes.
  
• FEMA damage assessment protocols.
  

SKILLS IN:

• public speaking and interpersonal relations with the public.
  
• communicating and explaining the provisions of codes and related ordinances and departmental policies and procedures.
  
• dealing with the public affected by flood hazard areas.
  

ABILITY TO:

• prepare and present clear, concise reports both orally and in writing. 
  
• establish and maintain effective working relationships with governmental/private/public officials and employees, and the general public. 
  
• learn and utilize various computer software programs such as Word, Excel, GIS (Arc View, etc), and particularly those related to the NFIP permit requirements.
  
• read and interpret blueprints, plots plans and rough sketches, and to recognize deviations from the required building, zoning, and related codes and ordinances.
  
• interpret, analyze and explain the provisions, scope and parameters of municipal codes and related ordinances as they apply to the construction of new and renovated buildings and structures.
  
• reach and implement decisions firmly, tactfully and impartially.
  
• respond in a timely manner during an emergency, including evenings and week-ends.

Completion of a Associate’s degree program at an accredited college or university, which has
included major course work in construction management, floodplain management, emergency
management, planning, environmental studies, engineering, hydrology/hydraulics, Geographic
Information Systems (GIS), governmental studies, etc;

AND

EXPERIENCE
Minimum five (5) years of experience in building code enforcement, building plans review or city planning;

Or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Preference given to candidates that possess a certificate as a Floodplain Manager (CFM®) issued
by the American Society of Flood Plain Managers (ASFPM),

Successful candidate must be a City of Philadelphia resident within six months of hire.

The City of Philadelphia is an Equal Opportunity employer and does not permit discrimination based on race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, source of income, familial status, genetic information or domestic or sexual violence victim status. If you believe you were discriminated against, call the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations at 215-686-4670. For more information, go to: Human Relations Website: http://www.phila.gov/humanrelations/Pages/default.aspx