Environmental Specialist II

~ Planning Services provides unincorporated Sarasota County with land use services in collaboration with businesses, residents and neighboring jurisdictions to build a sustainable, prosperous community that distinguishes Sarasota County. ~

This inclusive approach supports and facilitates growth as outlined in the Sarasota County Comprehensive Plan.

Position Overview

Environmental Specialist II (New FY17 Budgeted Position - Selected candidate will start after October 1st. The purpose of this position is to implement relevant sections of the Land Development Regulations (LDR), and related provisions of the Sarasota County Comprehensive Plan and other aspects of the Code of Ordinances, in protecting, enhancing, and restoring local ecosystems.

This position primarily focuses on environmental compliance and monitoring of approved LDR projects throughout the County for consistency with plans, stipulations, and expected environmental outcomes of the approved development. This position also includes an associated public outreach/education component to actively share information with homeowners associations, neighborhoods and other community groups.

Selected candidate for hire is subject to passing substance screening: This position is subject to passing a pre-employment substance screening. An applicant who fails to pass a required drug screening test shall be disqualified from employment in any class for a period of five years.

Responsibilities

Environmental Compliance and Monitoring for the Land Development Regulations (LDR):

• Monitors for, and ensures consistency with resource management plans and LDR permit stipulations, including review of monitoring reports.
• Conducts construction inspections (e.g., pre-construction, progress, and final inspections) for environmental concerns, landscaping, and other LDR requirements (e.g., drainage, best management practices, etc.).
• Conducts and documents site inspections, and investigates complaints.
• Delineates habitats, identifies plants, and identifies opportunities to protect natural resources consistent with the LDR, permit stipulations, and private property rights.
• Facilitates positive environmental and community outcomes through achieving voluntary compliance.
• Prepares enforcement cases and provides expert testimony in legal actions including Special Magistrate Hearings.
• Prepares written correspondence and reports.
• Coordinates and collaborates with other County departments and divisions on environmental issues related to LDR requirements.
• Maintains up-to-date files and data entry within the permitting/compliance database.
• Assists with updating GIS layer(s) identifying preserve areas, conservation easements, etc.
• Provides recommendations on, and review of, policies, rules, and ordinances.
• Provides assistance as needed for special projects.

Provides environmental education and encourages environmental stewardship in the community: 

• Proactively and reactively schedules and facilitates informational meetings with neighborhoods and Homeowners Associations related to site-specific environmental concerns and LDR requirements.
• Prepares and disseminates educational information relating to:

1. Preservation/conservation areas and easements and mitigation areas.
2. Protected habitats and other natural resources.
3. Best management practices for environmental protection.

• Acts as an ambassador by attending, participating in, and/or presenting at workshops, meetings and community events (may be outside of normal M-F, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm work hours).
• Other related duties as assigned by Supervisor, Manager, and Director.
• Attends meetings, workshops and training activities to ensure professional and personal growth.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• A Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in biology, environmental studies/science, ecology, natural resources management, forestry, botany, or related field and 2 years of professional experience directly related to the position.

Preferred Qualifications:

• A Master's Degree from an accredited college or university in biology, environmental studies/science, ecology, natural resources management, botany, or forestry (preferred, but not required) Professional Wetland Scientist (preferred, but not required).

Job Competencies:

• Knowledge of ecology and native habitats (coastal, wetland, upland).
• Knowledge of Florida trees, shrubs, and other vegetation including nuisance/invasive vegetative species.
• Knowledge of terminology, analytical techniques, and the principles of the physical and natural sciences.
• Knowledge and ability to understand interpret, apply, and explain applicable County, State, and Federal policies, rules, and regulations.
• Ability to conduct field surveys and assessments.
• Ability to read maps, engineer's plans, blueprints, and surveys.
• Ability to provide good customer service, effectively, courteously and professionally communicate with groups and individuals.
• Ability to conduct public outreach and speaking engagements, comfort in public speaking.
• Ability to coordinate, plan, and complete multiple and various tasks.
• Ability to deal effectively, courteously, and professionally with groups and individuals in all instances.
• Ability to utilize problem solving techniques.
• Ability to coordinate, plan, and complete multiple tasks.
• Ability to work unsupervised.
• Personal computer skills.
• Good oral and written communication skills.
• Organizational skills.

Physical Demands:

• Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• Sarasota County Government is committed to wellness and successful applicants must be tobacco free for twelve months preceding date of application.

Additional Information

Sarasota County Government promotes diversity in its workforce and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, marital status or disability.

A job applicant with a disability who requires reasonable accommodation to participate in the application/selection process is requested to make known the need for an accommodation to Human Resources or appropriate County staff members. For assistance with the application, please call 941-861-5742. 

Compensation:

• Starting Salary Range: $39,998.40 - $54,704.00
• Career Salary Range: $39,998.40 - $69,388.80 

To Apply

Please click below: "Apply Here!" and follow the application instructions provided on our website.

Applicants must apply by September 16, 2016. Job postings close promptly at 5:00 p.m. on the above closing date. Applications must be fully submitted before 5:00 p.m. to be considered. 

~ Drug Free Work Environment EOE/AA/ADA ~