Hydrologist

Under the direction of the Allen County Surveyor, the Hydrologist is responsible for management of the County’s participation in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and ensuring development is compliant with Allen County Stormwater Technical Standards and  Allen County Floodplain Management Ordinance. This position is covered as defined by The Board of Commissioners of the County of Allen Employee Handbook. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Responsible for managing the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) for unincorporated Allen County and the communities of Woodburn, Huntertown, Grabill, Monroeville, and Leo-Cedarville.
• Reviews proposed development plans for adequate drainage, stormwater management, erosion control, floodplain, and wetlands provisions.
• Has in-depth knowledge on local, state, and federal stormwater and floodplain regulations to ensure development is compliant. 
• Technical understanding and knowledge of the Allen County’s Floodplain Management Ordinance and Allen County’s Stormwater Technical Standards.

• Responsible for reviewing construction drawings elevation certificates, under construction elevation certificates, and finished construction elevation certificates for compliance with the floodplain regulations.
• Responsible for reviewing and approving public submissions requesting a signature for Community Acknowledgement Forms and Community Concurrence Forms related to applications for Flood Insurance Rate Maps Letters of Map Change from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
• Performs review of permits and development projects to determine if the proposed development is within close proximity or in a regulated Special Flood Hazard Area. 
• Verifies finished projects meet the requirements of floodplain regulations.
• Computes storm run-off rates, storm sewer and channel sizing, flood detention, spillway volume, and other necessary hydrologic analysis in order to accept or reject project plans. 
• Understanding of hydraulic modeling software and data including HEC-RAS, HY-8, and HydroCAD.
• Communicates review findings to the land developer and design engineer regarding submitted plans for approval.
• Provides recommendations to the Planning Commission, Drainage Board, and other relevant agencies regarding compliance of development in relation to stormwater/drainage, floodplains, and erosion control.
• Maintains and organizes flood hazard studies, floodplain information, flood control, and hydrologic conditions for public use.
• Provides policy, procedural and technical information to individuals, departments and organizations.
• Performs on-site inspections and follow up inspections of areas to gather required data and to determine compliance with regulations.
• Responsible for maintaining accurate and complete records for Allen County’s NFIP.
• Responsible for completing yearly recertification reports for the NFIP’s Community Rating System. 
• Attends and participates in product and informational seminars, property owner association meetings, Plan Commission Hearings, Drainage Board meetings, special studies, and related activities.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Engineering, or related field and eight years Civil Engineering, Land Surveying, and/or Hydrologist experience
• Certification as a Certified Floodplain Manager through the Association of State Floodplain Managers or ability to acquire certification within 12 months of accepting the position. 
• Licensed Professional Engineer or Land Surveyor preferred
• Valid Driver’s License to operate a county vehicle and to perform on-site inspections
• Working knowledge of basic engineering principles, particularly where applied to hydraulics and hydrology
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Knowledge of local ordinance and statutes, particularly related to storm water ordinance and design standards, and state statutes regarding regulated drains
• Ability to optimally design and review plans for storm drainage systems
• Strong attention to detail to inspect plan information
• Strong computer skills including the ability to use Microsoft Office and other job related software

DIFFICULTY OF WORK:

The Hydrologist performs work that is both complex, intricate, and requires technical expertise when monitoring land development and advising the relevant public and private parties in storm drainage management, floodplain, and erosion control.  Judgement is needed to adapt to changes in the National Flood Insurance Program requirements and implementation.

RESPONSIBILITY:

The Hydrologist provides substantial contributions to the development of models for hydrologic and hydraulic programs, review of proposed development plans, and coordination with applicable public and private parties. Work is reviewed for soundness of judgment and conclusions.

PERSONAL WORK RELATIONSHIPS:

The Hydrologist maintains frequent contact with other county employees and the public concerning the development of land and storm drainage systems.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

The Hydrologist works in a standard office setting in and outside county properties where time is spent standing, walking, sitting, lifting up to forty pounds, and some bending, pushing/pulling loads, reaching over head, kneeling, crawling, and frequently climbing ladders.  Frequent time is spent typing, monitoring equipment, paying attention to detail, and proofreading.  Some exposure to extreme temperature, dangerous equipment, chemicals, noise, and noxious odors exists.

SUPERVISION:

None

LICENSING:

Licensed Professional Engineer or Land Surveyor preferred
Valid Driver’s License to operate a county vehicle and to perform on-site inspections

IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR:

Allen County Surveyor