Job Information
WSP USA Senior Technical Specialist-Building Science in Topeka, Kansas
Our Business
We are a global leader in environmental consulting with world-class expertise in environmental, social and governance (ESG), climate resiliency & sustainability (CRS), and earth sciences. We have over 20,000 multidisciplinary professionals worldwide collaborating daily to protect and conserve natural landscapes, create firm foundations for communities to stand on, and champion sustainable development to combat climate change.
As part of the team, you will have access to an unparalleled network of resources and endless opportunities to collaborate on exciting projects with diverse teammates from across the globe.
This Opportunity
WSP USA Environment & Infrastructure, Inc is seeking a Senior Technical Specialist-Building Science to join our team with experience in the building codes enforcement, building department administration, building science, hazard mitigation, resiliency, floodplain management and state or local government management. The successful candidate will be an integral member of our Topeka, Kansas group and will support the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in their core mission as well as other State or Local government clients. The following offices will be included, but not limited to: Herndon, Virginia; Brentwood, Tennessee; and Salt Lake City, Utah . This includes collaboration with state, local, and tribal entities to increase the public’s risk awareness, drive action to reduce risk, improve building codes, and help communities become more resilient when confronting natural disasters, including flood, tornado, earthquake, wildfire and severe storms. The position will support contracts with FEMA, including FEMA Headquarters and FEMA Regions 1, 2, 3, and/or 5 and other contracts for other clients such as Cooperating Technical Partners, State Governments, Local Jurisdictions, and private clients, as needs arise.
Your Impact
Satisfy project requirements by ensuring established business processes are followed and that quality standards and deadlines are met
Stay knowledgeable of trends and current developments related to the field of building science, FEMA, NFIP, national building code development cycles, and associated changes in codes and standards impacting focus areas
Cultivate and manage client relationships maintaining high levels of satisfaction
Perform technical analyses, calculations and tasks as needed
Coordinate and collaborate across Federal Agencies, Universities, Non-Governmental Organizations, and leaders in the industry, as needed and as related to performance of the work
Develop technical materials, presentations, and training to support the FEMA Building Science Branch as well as support other Outreach and Communications tasks as needed with the ability to speak publicly and conduct complex presentations as required
Support marketing and business development efforts
Manage and assist in preparation of moderately complex studies, documents, maps, basic reports, trainings, and other supporting documentation to support FEMA’s Building Science Program
Interprets data and prepares deliverables for projects, ensuring adherence to quality control standards and processes
Perform technical analyses, calculations and tasks as needed
Who You Are
Required Qualifications
Degree in Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management, Urban Planning, or related field or 5-7 years of relevant experience
5+ years related experience in building codes administration or enforcement field
5+ years of related experience in floodplain management or urban planning – can be in concert with experience in building codes administration or enforcement.
Ability to obtain a Public Trust Clearance, U.S. Citizenship is required due to contract requirements
Proven understanding of project management methodologies
Knowledge and experience with FEMA Building Science (https://www.fema.gov/emergency-managers/risk-management/building-science) , including publications and building code documents
Familiarity with and interest in updates to codes and standards including those published by the International Code Council (ICC) related to the field of building science and hazards that include flood, wind, hurricane, tornado, winter storm, hail, earthquake, and wildfire
Strong track record of participation in successful project delivery with a drive for quality product and financial excellence
Excellent oral and written communication skills, proactive communicator and problem-solver
Capability to work in a dynamic environment, including a demonstrated willingness to be flexible and adaptable to changing priorities
Strong work ethic and have the drive to be a team leader in the company and in the professional community
Ability to travel overnight as needed (up to 75%, depending on potential post-disaster assignments)
Preferred Qualifications:
Certification by the Association of State Floodplain Managers as a Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM) a plus
Certification by the International Code Council as a Certified Building Official (CBO) a plus
Certification by the International Code Council as a plans examiner or building inspector, a plus.
Local, state, or federal government experience a plus
Experience with the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and/or FEMA’s Risk Mapping Assessment and Planning (MAP) Program a plus
Building codes industry experience and involvement a plus
Insurance industry experience, related to risk determination or risk decision processes, a plus
About WSP
WSP USA is the U.S. operating company of WSP, one of the world's leading engineering and professional services firms. Dedicated to serving local communities, we are engineers, planners, technical experts, strategic advisors and construction management professionals. WSP USA designs lasting solutions in the buildings, transportation, energy, water and environment markets. With more than 15,000 employees in over 300 offices across the U.S., we partner with our clients to help communities prosper.
www.wsp.com
WSP provides a flexible and agile workplace model while meeting client needs. Employees are also afforded a comprehensive suite of benefits including medical, dental, vision, disability, life, and retirement savings focused on providing health and financial stability throughout the employee’s career.
At WSP, we want to give our employees the challenges they seek to grow their careers and knowledge base. Your daily contributions to your team will be essential in meeting client objectives, goals and challenges. Are you ready to get started?
WSP USA (and all of its U.S. companies) is an Equal Opportunity Employer Race/Age/Color/Religion/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/National Origin/Disability or Protected Veteran Status.
The selected candidate must be authorized to work in the United States.
NOTICE TO THIRD PARTY AGENCIES:
WSP does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters, employment agencies, or other staffing services. Unsolicited resumes include any resume or hiring document sent to WSP in the absence of a signed Service Agreement where WSP has expressly requested recruitment/staffing services specific to the position at hand. Any unsolicited resumes, including those submitted to hiring managers or other business leaders, will become the property of WSP and WSP will have the right to hire that candidate without reservation – no fee or other compensation will be owed or paid to the recruiter, employment agency, or other staffing service.