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Floodplain Manager Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Water Resources Engineer

Herndon, VA · On-site

$82K - $127K/yr

EIT certification preferred. * 3+ years experience in Water Resources Design Engineering for transportation engineering projects with topics such as H&H modeling, floodplain management, stream ...

Water Resources Engineer

Herndon, VA · On-site

$82K - $127K/yr

EIT certification preferred. * 3+ years experience in Water Resources Design Engineering for transportation engineering projects with topics such as H&H modeling, floodplain management, stream ...

Water Resources Engineer

Herndon, VA · On-site

$82 - $127/hr

EIT certification preferred. * 3+ years' experience in Water Resources Design Engineering for transportation engineering projects with topics such as H&H modeling, floodplain management, stream ...

Water Resources Engineer

Herndon, VA · Hybrid

$82K - $127K/yr

EIT certification preferred. * 3+ years' experience in Water Resources Design Engineering for transportation engineering projects with topics such as H&H modeling, floodplain management, stream ...

Water Resources Engineer

Herndon, VA · Hybrid

$82K - $127K/yr

EIT certification preferred. * 3+ years experience in Water Resources Design Engineering for transportation engineering projects with topics such as H&H modeling, floodplain management, stream ...

Water Resources Engineer

Herndon, VA · On-site

$82 - $127/hr

EIT certification preferred. * 3+ years' experience in Water Resources Design Engineering for transportation engineering projects with topics such as H&H modeling, floodplain management, stream ...

Showing results 41-60

Floodplain Manager information

See Virginia salary details

$22.8K

$60.8K

$101.6K

How much do floodplain manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for floodplain manager in Virginia is $60,825.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43,600.00 and $68,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a floodplain manager?

A Floodplain Manager is a professional responsible for overseeing the management and regulation of land areas susceptible to flooding. Their main duties include ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal floodplain regulations, reviewing development plans, and educating the public about flood risks. They play a crucial role in reducing flood damage, improving community resilience, and maintaining eligibility for flood insurance programs like the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Floodplain Managers often work with government agencies, engineers, and emergency management teams. Their work helps protect people, property, and the environment from the impacts of flooding.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a floodplain manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Floodplain Manager, you need expertise in hydrology, floodplain mapping, and regulatory compliance, usually supported by a degree in environmental science, civil engineering, or a related field. Familiarity with GIS software, FEMA floodplain management standards, and certifications like Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM) are highly valuable. Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are essential soft skills for collaborating with government agencies and the public. These competencies ensure effective flood risk management, regulatory compliance, and community resilience against flooding hazards.

What are some common challenges faced by floodplain managers in coordinating with local agencies and stakeholders?

Floodplain Managers often work closely with a variety of stakeholders, including local government agencies, emergency management teams, engineers, and community members. A common challenge is aligning the diverse priorities of these groups—such as balancing development interests with flood risk reduction and environmental conservation. Effective communication and negotiation skills are crucial, as well as a strong understanding of current regulations and best practices. Building consensus and fostering collaboration can take time, but these efforts are essential to implementing sustainable floodplain management strategies.

What is the difference between Floodplain Manager vs Floodplain Technician?

AspectFloodplain ManagerFloodplain Technician
Required CredentialsTypically requires a degree in environmental science, civil engineering, or related field; certifications like ASFPM Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM) are commonUsually requires a high school diploma or associate degree; some roles may need basic certifications or training
Work EnvironmentOffice-based with field inspections; involved in planning, permitting, and community outreachPrimarily fieldwork and data collection; supports floodplain mapping and data analysis
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by government agencies, consulting firms, and environmental organizationsEmployed by similar entities, often as support staff for floodplain management projects

In summary, Floodplain Managers typically hold higher education and certifications, focusing on planning and policy, while Floodplain Technicians support data collection and mapping tasks. Both roles are essential in floodplain management but differ in responsibilities and qualifications.

How do you become a floodplain manager?

To become a floodplain manager, typically one needs a bachelor's degree in environmental science, urban planning, or a related field, along with experience in floodplain management or hydrology. Certification such as the Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM) from the Association of State Floodplain Managers can enhance job prospects. Strong knowledge of FEMA regulations, GIS tools, and risk assessment is also important.

How much does a floodplain manager make?

A floodplain manager's salary typically ranges from $50,000 to $80,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and certifications. They often work for government agencies or consulting firms, utilizing knowledge of floodplain regulations and GIS tools.

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Floodplain Manager jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Floodplain Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Floodplain Manager job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $60,825 per year, or $29.2 per hour.

Mid-Senior Level Water Resources Engineer

Wood Plc

Chantilly, VA • On-site, Remote

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago


Job description

Overview / Responsibilities

Wood Environment & Infrastructure Solutions is currently seeking a Mid to Senior Level Water Resources Engineer to join our highly collaborative team in Mid-Atlantic Water Group. This position    offers potential for development in a great working environment and the opportunity to apply the latest technology to help our clients solve their most challenging problems.  Typical projects involve helping local, state and federal clients complete floodplain management, stormwater management and other watershed planning projects. 

Work Location:

Remote working is an option however candidates who live within in a commuting distance to our offices in either DC or Philadelphia is preferred. 

Key Responsibilities:

  • Provide leadership/mentoring to engineers and technicians and support the management of water resources projects.
  • Perform hydrologic and hydraulic modeling of riverine systems as part of the Risk Mapping, Assessment, and Planning (Risk MAP) program for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
  • Perform quality control reviews and oversee H&H analyses completed by junior engineers
  • Execute one dimensional and two dimensional flood risk modeling software applications such as HEC-RAS, HEC-HMS, FLO-2D, and SWMM
  • Support field investigations including the collection and analysis of data used to support hydrologic and hydraulic modeling
  • Execute established procedures, perform routine calculations and process GIS data necessary to support hydrologic and hydraulic modeling efforts
  • Prepare floodplain and watershed studies in compliance with FEMA standards and specifications and assist with Quality Assurance and Quality Control for flood insurance study deliverables
  • Evaluate flood mitigation and flood control projects and their effectiveness
  • Efficiently work with ArcGIS software and extensions in support of flood risk modeling and mapping and other water resources project needs
  • Work with a team of GIS specialists supporting various planning and water resources, flood risk management and environmental restoration projects
  • Support  spillway capacity and levee certification analyses.
  • Develop design options, alternatives, or recommendations for dam rehabilitation.
Skills / Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

  • Bachelor or Masters of Science in an accredited Civil Engineering Program
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • PE certification 
  • 5+ years experience in Hydrologic and Hydraulic Data Development in support of Risk MAP
  • Experience with HEC-RAS, HEC-HMS, and ArcGIS
  • Experience with FEMA's Data Capture Standards
  • Experience with FEMA's Mapping Information Platform
  • Experience with NFIP/Risk MAP
  • 2-D hydraulic modeling experience
  • Experience with Bulletin 17C
  • Experience with PCSWMM or other SWMM based modeling software

Preferred Qualifications:

  • CFM certification
  • Stormwater Engineering Design Experience
  • Experience with InfoWorks ICM software
  • Experience with FEMA Region III Risk Analysis Branch
  • Pluvial modeling experience
  • Climate resilience experience
  • Dam analysis and rehabilitation design experience
  • Stormwater/green infrastructure design experience
Company Overview

Wood is a global leader in engineering and consultancy across energy and the built environment, helping to unlock solutions to some of the world's most critical challenges. We provide consulting, projects and operations solutions in more than 60 countries, employing around 40,000 people. www.woodplc.com

Diversity Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer that recognises the value of a diverse workforce. All suitably qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment on the basis of objective criteria and without regard to the following (which is a non-exhaustive list): race, colour, age, religion, gender, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, or other characteristics in accordance with the relevant governing laws.

Employment Type: OTHER