Floodplain Manager Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Job Description
GIT Specialist II - FEMA
What We're Looking For
Michael Baker International is seeking an experienced Geospatial Information Technology (GIT) Specialist II with deep expertise in FEMA flood hazard mapping and coastal floodplain mapping to support Risk MAP studies and resilience projects.
You'll join a collaborative, multidisciplinary team of floodplain engineers, geospatial professionals, planners, and project managers working across diverse regions. This role is ideal for someone who is driven, detail-oriented, and intellectually curious-someone who is passionate about delivering high-quality mapping solutions that make a meaningful impact in the communities we serve.
In this role, you will work with complex spatial datasets, including coastal and riverine modeling outputs, and deliver technically sound, FEMA-compliant geospatial products. This position supports the MER3 practice and includes work across FEMA Headquarters and Regions 1, 2, 3, and 5, with opportunities to expand into other federal, state, and local resilience programs.
This position may be office-based, hybrid, or remote depending on location.
What You'll Do

• Lead GIS analysis, database development, and DFIRM production in support of FEMA Risk MAP studies and resilience projects
• Support coastal and riverine floodplain mapping, integrating engineering model outputs into GIS workflows
• Collaborate with engineers, modelers, and project managers to translate complex analyses into mapping deliverables
• Develop, manage, and maintain spatial and non-spatial datasets aligned with FEMA standards and specifications
• Compile and integrate geospatial data from multiple sources (LiDAR, aerial imagery, field data, existing studies)
• Produce high-quality cartographic and digital mapping products that meet client and FEMA requirements
• Perform QA/QC reviews of DFIRM databases, mapping deliverables, and supporting datasets
• Develop and maintain FEMA-compliant metadata
• Conduct spatial analysis and statistical evaluations to support mapping and technical decision-making
• Prepare clear, concise technical documentation outlining geospatial processes and workflows
• Support task management, scheduling, and coordination across multiple concurrent projects
• Mentor junior staff on GIS workflows, FEMA standards, QA/QC processes, and task execution
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams and external partners to support hazard assessment and resilience planning

What You Need to Succeed
Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in geography, GIS, computer science, engineering, planning, mathematics, government, or related field
• 5+ years of experience with GIS concepts, software, and/or AutoCAD
• Proficiency in Esri software suite (ArcMap, ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Enterprise), with emphasis on coastal mapping
• Experience with FEMA's NFIP and Risk MAP Program, including guidance, specifications, and mapping standards
• Experience supporting or leading DFIRM database development and Flood Insurance Study (FIS) components
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and data interpretation skills
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including technical documentation
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment

Preferred Qualifications

• Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM)
• Experience with coastal processes and mapping workflows, including interpretation of coastal model outputs
• Familiarity with coastal engineering datasets used in FEMA flood studies
• Project management experience (task management, coordination, scheduling)
• Experience mentoring or leading junior staff
• Interest or experience in disaster recovery and resilience projects
• Ability to travel up to ~20% as needed
• Participation in industry organizations (ASFPM, PMI, etc.)

Compensation
The approximate compensation range for this position $$106,852 - $168,292 per year. This compensation range is a good faith estimate for the position at the time of posting. Actual compensation is dependent upon factors such as education, qualifications, experience, skillset, and physical work location.
Why Choose Us

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Life, AD&D, short-term, and long-term disability coverage
• Professional and personal development opportunities
• Generous paid time off
• Commuter and wellness benefits

About Us
Michael Baker International, a leading provider of engineering and consulting services, including design, planning, architectural, environmental, construction and program management, has been solving some of the world's most complex infrastructure challenges for more than 85 years with a legacy of expertise, experience, innovation and integrity.
Based in Pittsburgh and with over 100 offices nationwide, we partner with clients on everything from roads, bridges, tunnels, mass transit, and airports, to water treatment plants, arctic oil pipelines, environmental restoration and specialized overseas construction. We serve as a trusted adviser to the communities we serve, making them safer, more accessible, more sustainable and more prosperous.
We provide visionary leadership in facilitating transformational change for our clients. Our work delivers differentiating innovations and dedicated experts who challenge the status quo and share a world of diverse experience and an impassioned entrepreneurial spirit. We deliver quality of life.
We Make a Difference.
Michael Baker International is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Michael Baker International provides equal employment opportunity for all persons, in all facets of employment. Michael Baker International maintains a drug-free workplace and performs pre-employment substance abuse testing and background checks. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply for any open position for which they feel they are qualified and all will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship status, marital status, familial status, pregnancy or childbirth, genetic information, disability, protected veteran status, status with regard to public assistance, or membership or activity in a local human rights commission, or any other legally protected status.
EEO is the Law. Applicants to and employees of Michael Baker International are protected under Federal law from discrimination.
*It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
*There is no current application deadline. Michael Baker will continue to accept applications on an ongoing basis until the position is filled or no longer needed.
About the Team
GEOSPATIAL/SURVEYING PRACTICE
We are a national leader in implementing straightforward approaches to development and deployment of scalable enterprise Geospatial Information Technology (GIT) solutions. Michael Baker International has differentiated itself and expanded its capabilities by using the latest technologies. For example, we use aerial, static and mobile Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) systems that accurately determine range, elevation, and other critical mapping data. With hundreds of Geographic Information Systems (GIS), survey, mapping and IT professionals in our Geospatial Practice across North America, Michael Baker International possesses in-house experience and resources to support all elements of your program needs, including: needs analysis, digitizing/data conversion, customized mapping applications, and systems documentation, implementation, and training.