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Flood Risk Management Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

As part of our Water Business Group, you'll help shape how communities manage water for generations ... Focus on projects including flood risk, dam safety, levee design, stream channel restoration ...

Areas of specialty may include integrated water resources management, water supply reliability, flood risk management; and ecosystem and habitat enhancement. * Professional certification/registration ...

Water Resources Planning Engineer

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$84K - $115K/yr

Areas of specialty may include integrated water resources management, water supply reliability, flood risk management; and ecosystem and habitat enhancement. * Professional certification/registration ...

... hazard or flood coverage. Essential Functions * Insurance Coordination * Review and update ... or risk management being a plus. * Proficiency with Microsoft Office (especially Excel for ...

... hazard or flood coverage. Essential Functions * Insurance Coordination * Review and update ... or risk management being a plus. * Proficiency with Microsoft Office (especially Excel for ...

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Flood Risk Management information

What is the difference between Flood Risk Management vs Floodplain Management?

AspectFlood Risk ManagementFloodplain Management
Primary FocusAssessing and reducing flood risks through planning, engineering, and policyManaging land use and development in flood-prone areas to minimize damage
CertificationsEnvironmental, civil engineering, or hydrology credentials often requiredEnvironmental planning, land use planning certifications common
Work EnvironmentField surveys, modeling, policy developmentLand use planning, community engagement, regulatory work
Industry UsageUsed by government agencies, environmental firms, urban plannersUsed by urban planners, environmental agencies, local governments

While both roles aim to mitigate flood impacts, Flood Risk Management focuses on assessing and reducing flood hazards through engineering and policy, whereas Floodplain Management emphasizes land use planning to prevent development in flood-prone areas. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and project scopes within flood-related fields.

Is risk management a good career?

Flood risk management is a specialized field that involves assessing and mitigating flood hazards through modeling, planning, and policy development. It often requires knowledge of hydrology, environmental science, and relevant regulations, with certifications like the Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM) being beneficial. The career offers opportunities in government agencies, consulting firms, and environmental organizations, with a focus on public safety and environmental protection.

How to become a flood engineer?

To become a flood engineer, typically a bachelor's degree in civil engineering, environmental engineering, or a related field is required. Gaining experience in hydrology, hydraulics, and flood risk assessment, along with professional engineering licensure, can enhance career prospects in this specialized field.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in Flood Risk Management, and how are these typically addressed within a team setting?

Professionals in Flood Risk Management often encounter challenges such as rapidly changing environmental conditions, complex regulatory requirements, and the need to balance technical solutions with community interests. These challenges are typically addressed through close collaboration within multidisciplinary teams, including engineers, environmental scientists, urban planners, and local authorities. Regular team meetings and project updates help ensure everyone stays informed and can quickly adapt strategies as new data or regulations emerge. Additionally, professionals often engage in ongoing training to stay current with industry best practices and technological advancements, which supports effective problem-solving and continued career growth.

How much does a certified floodplain manager make?

A certified floodplain manager typically earns between $60,000 and $90,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and employer. Certification from the Association of State Floodplain Managers (ASFPM) can enhance job prospects and salary potential in flood risk management roles.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Flood Risk Management, and why are they important?

To excel in Flood Risk Management, you need expertise in hydrology, environmental science, data analysis, and a degree in civil or environmental engineering or a related field. Familiarity with GIS software, flood modeling tools (such as HEC-RAS or MIKE FLOOD), and relevant certifications like Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM) are typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, communication skills, and project management make professionals stand out in this area. These skills and qualifications are crucial for accurately assessing risks, designing effective mitigation strategies, and ensuring the safety and resilience of communities against flooding.

What jobs can I do with a risk management degree?

A risk management degree can lead to roles such as Flood Risk Analyst, Flood Risk Manager, or Environmental Risk Consultant, where analyzing and mitigating flood hazards is essential. These jobs often require skills in data analysis, GIS tools, and understanding of environmental regulations, with certifications like the Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM) being advantageous.

What is flood risk management?

Flood risk management is the process of assessing, planning, and implementing measures to reduce the likelihood and impact of flooding on communities, infrastructure, and the environment. It involves analyzing flood hazards, mapping risk areas, developing warning systems, and designing structural and non-structural solutions like levees, zoning regulations, and emergency preparedness plans. The goal is to minimize damage, protect lives, and enhance community resilience in the face of potential flooding events.
What are popular job titles related to Flood Risk Management jobs in California? For Flood Risk Management jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Flood Risk Management jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Flood Risk Management jobs in California are:
Civil Coordinator/EIT - Water Resources

Civil Coordinator/EIT - Water Resources

HDR

Sacramento, CA

$84K - $115K/yr

Other

Posted 23 days ago


HDR rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Based on 56 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

20th of 357 rated engineering


Job description

At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we foster a culture of inclusion throughout our company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world?
Watch Our Story:' https://www.hdrinc.com/our-story' 
Each and every role throughout our organization makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. Read further to learn how you could help make great things possible not only in your community, but around the world. 
We believe water is more than a resource, it's a shared responsibility. As part of our Water Business Group, you'll help shape how communities manage water for generations to come. From delivering safe drinking water and treating wastewater responsibly to developing sustainable water supplies and protecting lives and property through flood control, your work will directly support public health, environmental sustainability, and infrastructure resilience.  We bring together experts across disciplines to solve complex challenges with bold thinking and technical excellence. Whether you're modernizing aging systems or pioneering innovative approaches, your contributions will make a meaningful difference in people's lives. This isn't just a job, it's a chance to lead change, drive progress, and leave a lasting legacy.

In the role of Civil Coordinator/EIT - Water Resources, we'll count on you to: 
 
  • Develop economic and life loss consequence models in HEC-FDA and LifeSim under the supervison of project engineers
  • Focus on understanding of hydrologic and hydraulic modeling, data collection, assimilation, and presentations

  • Focus on projects including flood risk, dam safety, levee design, stream channel restoration/rehabilitation, reservoir operation, economics, climate change, watershed issues

  • Process data for model input, develop figures for reports and presentations, and draft technical reports

  • Perform other duties as needed

Preferred Qualifications

  • Engineer in Training (EIT) certificate

  • Candidates without their EIT will be placed into a Design Coordinator job code and will be expected to obtain their EIT for career progression

  • Experience with hydraulic modeling software such as HEC-RAS and HEC-HMS

  • Advanced technical writing skills

 


 

Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or equivalent field
  • Experienced with Microsoft Office Suite, standard CAD platforms such as AutoCAD, and hydraulic modeling software
  • Self-motivated, able to work independently and with a project team to completion of task
  • An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must

What We Believe
HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.
Our Commitment
As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day.
Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.


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About HDR

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At HDR, we specialize in engineering, architecture, environmental and construction services. While we are most well-known for adding beauty and structure to communities through high-performance buildings and smart infrastructure, we provide much more than that. We create an unshakable foundation for progress because our multidisciplinary teams also include scientists, economists, builders, analysts and artists.

Industry

Specialized design services

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Omaha, NE, US

Year founded

1917