Joshua M. Helms
Boston
Summary
Dynamic environmental professional with extensive experience at FEMA and HUD, excelling in environmental compliance and policy development. Proven track record in training delivery and interagency coordination, enhancing project efficiency and compliance. Adept at developing SOPs and fostering relationships to streamline processes, ensuring successful grant implementation and disaster response operations.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Field Environmental Officer
Department of Housing and Urban Development
09.2023 - Current
- Company Overview: Community Planning and Development, Office of Environment and Energy
- Conducted federal environmental compliance reviews per 24 CFR Part 50, including NEPA and related environmental laws.
- Delivered training and guidance to municipalities, State agencies, and nonprofit entities on compliance protocols.
- Developed SOPs for regulatory compliance and collaborated with internal partners on policy development.
- Participated in interagency working groups to enhance efficiency in environmental review and project funding.
- Built internal and external relationships to streamline HUD grant implementation.
- Community Planning and Development, Office of Environment and Energy
Public Assistance Program Delivery Manager
FEMA
01.2020 - Current
- Company Overview: Readiness Division
- Readiness Division
- Deployments & Special Assignments: DR4673-FL, DR4611-LA, DR4459-LA, DR4474-VT, DR4522-ME
Unified Federal Review (UFR) Advisor
FEMA
06.2021 - 09.2023
- Company Overview: Resilience, OEHP Readiness Branch
- Provided EHP and UFR policy guidance to FEMA programs, partners, and stakeholders.
- Developed SOPs, training materials, and interagency agreements for streamlined compliance.
- Facilitated project reviews, analyzed delays, and provided process improvement strategies.
- Conducted outreach and led training on UFR to SLTT and federal partners.
- Resilience, OEHP Readiness Branch
Environmental Protection Specialist/Biologist, EFH/ESA SME
FEMA
03.2020 - 06.2021
- Company Overview: Region 1 Office of Environmental Planning and Historic Preservation
- Conducted EHP reviews for federal grant programs (HMGP, FMA, PDM, PA).
- Provided training and mentoring to EHP staff.
- Developed regional policy and SOPs, and engaged in interagency coordination.
- Supported disaster response operations, including staffing and compliance for vaccination sites.
- Region 1 Office of Environmental Planning and Historic Preservation
Biologist
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
07.2015 - 02.2020
- Company Overview: New England District Regulatory Division
- Reviewed Section 404, 10, and 103 permit applications for environmental compliance.
- Conducted Environmental Assessments and coordinated interagency consultations.
- Drafted guidance and SOPs and led staff mentoring.
- Represented regional staff on national workgroups and acted as Branch Chief as needed.
- New England District Regulatory Division
Education
Biology Major -
Saint Michael’s College
01.2005
High School Diploma -
Bridgton Academy
Bridgton, ME01.2004
M.A. - Marine Affairs and Policy
University of Miami, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science
B.S. - Marine Biology
University of Rhode Island
B.S. - Coastal and Marine Policy and Management
University of Rhode Island
High School Diploma -
Sandwich High School
Sandwich, MASkills
- Environmental compliance
- Regulatory compliance
- Project management
- Policy development
- Training delivery
- Interagency coordination
Certifications Training
- FEMA Independent Study Courses (over 100 courses) including IS-100, IS-200, IS-700, IS-800 series
- FEMA FQS and DTS: EHP Boot Camp, PA Delivery Management
- USACE Regulatory Courses
- Certified in MACC Fundamentals, Shellfish Constable, SCUBA, Safe Boating, CPR/AED, Chainsaw Safety
Leadership Extracurriculars
- University of Miami, Treasurer, Student Propeller Club
- University of Miami, Volunteer, Billfish Tournament
- University of Rhode Island, VP, Order of Omega
- University of Rhode Island, Director, IFC
- University of Rhode Island, PR Chair, Greek Council
- University of Rhode Island, Philanthropy Chair, Phi Gamma Delta
- Honor Societies, Member, Golden Key International Honour Society
Awards
- President’s Award in Marine Affairs (University of Miami)
- University of Miami Student Propeller Club & Yamaha Billfish Tournament Scholarships
- Rainville Student Leadership Award Nominee (2x)
- Dean’s List (Multiple Semesters, URI)
- Multiple URI Academic Scholarships
Deployments Special Assignments
- Training & Development Branch, FEMA Readiness Division, 2023–Present
- Public Assistance Program Delivery Manager, FEMA, 2020
Coursework
- Environmental Impact Assessment
- Environmental Law
- Marine & Coastal Law
- GIS
- Climate Change
- Oceanography
- Coastal Management
- Hazard Mitigation
Timeline
Field Environmental Officer
Department of Housing and Urban Development
09.2023 - Current
Unified Federal Review (UFR) Advisor
FEMA
06.2021 - 09.2023
Environmental Protection Specialist/Biologist, EFH/ESA SME
FEMA
03.2020 - 06.2021
Public Assistance Program Delivery Manager
FEMA
01.2020 - Current
Biologist
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
07.2015 - 02.2020
Biology Major -
Saint Michael’s College
High School Diploma -
Bridgton Academy
M.A. - Marine Affairs and Policy
University of Miami, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science
B.S. - Marine Biology
University of Rhode Island
B.S. - Coastal and Marine Policy and Management
University of Rhode Island
High School Diploma -
Sandwich High School
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