Damage Inspector

Introduction:

The Elite Group is seeking individuals who are interested in working as a Substantial Damage Assessor. 

Position Summary:

• Job Title: Damage Inspector
• Full Time or Part Time: Full Time
• Temporary/Seasonal/Regular: Temporary
• Compensation: $45 hr. (up to 84 hours/week with overtime eligibility)
• Travel/Location: Travel required around Citrus County

Mission of Role/Position Summary:

The Substantial Damage Estimator (SDE) Inspector is responsible for evaluating structures in disaster-affected areas to determine the extent of damage and assess whether the building is substantially damaged or in need of substantial improvement, according to the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) regulations. This role is critical in supporting post-disaster recovery efforts and ensuring compliance with floodplain management requirements. The SDE Inspector works closely with local officials, property owners, and other stakeholders to collect and analyze data necessary for damage assessments.

Tasks, Duties, and Responsibilities:

Reasonable accommodation will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the following essential functions:

Field Inspections and Assessments:

• Perform on-site inspections of residential and non-residential structures in Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs) to determine the extent of damage from disasters such as floods, fires, and other events.
• Use the FEMA Substantial Damage Estimator (SDE) tool to collect detailed information about building conditions, including the condition of structural components, utilities, and other elements.
• Document damage through photographs, field notes, and measurements, ensuring all necessary data is captured for accurate assessments.

Data Collection and Entry:

• Input collected field data into the SDE software to generate damage assessments for structures.
• Ensure the accuracy of data by cross-referencing local building records, tax assessments, and other available resources to determine pre-damage market values and estimated repair costs.
• Update and maintain records in the SDE database, ensuring all data is properly organized and geo-referenced.

Compliance and Reporting:

• Ensure all damage assessments comply with NFIP regulations, specifically focusing on determining if structures meet the threshold for substantial damage (i.e., repair costs equal or exceed 50% of the structure’s pre-damage market value).
• Generate detailed reports for local authorities and property owners, summarizing findings and providing information on required steps for compliance with floodplain management ordinances.
• Work with local and state officials to communicate findings and assist in developing recovery plans that meet regulatory requirements.

Community and Stakeholder Interaction:

• Serve as a liaison between property owners and local government officials to explain inspection findings and regulatory requirements.
• Assist in answering questions from the public about the damage assessment process, NFIP regulations, and options for rebuilding or mitigating future flood risk.
• Support local floodplain management programs by providing technical assistance and guidance on mitigation strategies and compliance measures.

Post-Disaster Operations:

• Participate in disaster response operations by conducting rapid assessments of widespread damage, often working in coordination with FEMA and other emergency response agencies.
• Assist local communities in managing recovery operations, including permit issuance for repairs, inspections, and coordination of disaster assistance programs such as Increased Cost of Compliance (ICC) coverage.

Expected Hours of Work:

Schedule may vary. Work on evenings and weekends may be required. Work schedule may include 12-hour days up to 7 days a week. Dependability and punctuality are paramount.

Travel Requirements:

• Up to 100% travel is expected for this position.
• Must be willing to travel and deploy to client sites for extended periods of time.

Physical Demands:

• Mobility around sites, climbing, lifting/carrying, bending, kneeling, crouching.
• Sitting or standing for hours at a time. Driving from site to site.
• Ability to work at a computer for extended periods of time if needed.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. repetitively throughout the day and as needed.

Working Environment:

• Emergency management consultants may work in an office or home environment or be deployed to the field which may require working outdoors in adverse weather conditions.
• Work may be on-site with clients ex: EOC, hospital, debris sites or local government buildings.
• This position involves extensive fieldwork, including travel to disaster sites and affected communities.
• The role may require work during non-traditional hours, particularly after natural disasters, to meet urgent community needs.
• Physical demands may include walking over rough terrain, entering damaged structures, and working in various weather conditions.

Requirements

Experience/Education Required:

• High school diploma or GED.
• Knowledge of FEMA’s NFIP regulations and experience with floodplain management principles.
• Two years of experience in building inspections, damage assessments, or related fields, with a solid understanding of construction techniques and materials.
• Proficiency in using the FEMA SDE tool, or similar damage estimation software.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively with property owners, government officials, and contractors.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage large amounts of data.

Experience/Education Preferred:

• A bachelor's degree in construction management, engineering or a related field is preferred. Years of experience may substitute for the education requirement on a year for year basis, in addition to the minimum requirements.
• Four or more years of experience in building inspections, damage assessments, or related fields, with a solid understanding of construction techniques and materials.
• Certification in floodplain management (CFM) or related certification.
• Prior experience working in disaster recovery operations.
• Familiarity with GIS mapping tools and property record systems.

Additional Qualifications:

• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• Eligibility to work in the United States without employer sponsored visa is required. We are not able to employ those located outside of the US.
• Valid Drivers License and Auto Insurance.
• Must pass company and any applicable client background check and reference check upon offer of employment.

The Elite Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V and EO/AAN/D. Must be able to work in the United States to apply.