Senior Technical Specialist-Building Science

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, 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 an