Manatee County, FL - Senior Environmental Specialist - Watershed Management

Work Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm

Working Conditions: The work environment may include exposure to high noise levels while performing certain essential job functions. The position requires the ability to lift and move objects weighing up to 50 pounds independently and up to 75 pounds with assistance, with or without reasonable accommodation. The role involves sitting for extended periods while working on a computer. Regular outdoor field work required, often in adverse weather conditions including long exposure to sunlight and extreme heat and humidity. Regularly required to operate county vehicles, including small watercraft depending on area of assignment, as part of the duties of the job. Ability to swim may be required, depending on area of assignment. Position requires visual acuity and depth perception, as well as ability to hear and identify sounds. Occasionally required to work other than normal business hours, including nights and weekends.

Essential Functions: These are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position. Air and Watershed Management (Watershed Management) This position broadly executes workflows and project milestones of watershed management projects that protect and restore the County’s water resources. Some duties will intersect with the County’s NPDES-MS4 permit (Federal stormwater permit) compliance program and watershed health initiatives, while other duties support strategic land conservation goals and address the unique challenges facing Manatee County’s vulnerable water resources from stormwater runoff. Collectively, these activities will help to mitigate water quality impairments, help prevent new water quality impairments, and will inform and engage with stakeholders. Administrative duties will include: Technical oversight, project management, and recordkeeping. Stakeholder, community, and regulator liaison. Participation in program audits and compliance inspections. Assist with preparing project grant or funding requests. Prior experience with small- and large-scale watershed management and restoration projects is highly desired. Technical skills and experience needed include familiarity with Florida water quality standards, Florida stormwater management practices, quality control practices for water quality monitoring data, and experience investigating water quality problems. Ability to prepare and revise documentation such as Standard Operating Procedures, formal technical reports, and publicly accessible summary reports is desired. Proficiency in contract administration, milestone and budget tracking is desired. Current skills in interpreting and summarizing findings using graphical, statistical, and geographic information system software tools are highly desired. Conducts field inspections at facilities to determine compliance with State storage tank codes and statutes in conformance with the DEP contract. Implements the terms of the DEP’s annual task assignments in a timely manner, including advance contact of facility representatives, entry of inspection activities into the state FIRST database, submission of monthly invoices, and response to public assistance requests. Performs hazardous waste, well, and other program inspections as part of the required storage tank inspections and at additional facilities as assigned. Generates non-compliance correspondence and tracks corrective actions; provides referrals for enforcement and other regulatory program issues. Conducts studies and research on complex environmental problems related to area of assignment. Prepares comprehensive environmental assessment reports. Makes recommendations based on findings. Enforces environmental regulations. Reviews compliance tests and reports submitted by land use permit applicants and consultants. Investigates complaints. Discusses test results and analyses with customers. Makes recommendations for corrective actions. Responds to emergency situations, which may include hazardous circumstances, in accordance with applicable laws, rules, regulations and procedures. Serves as liaison to other County departments, municipalities, and State and federal agencies regarding area of assignment. May appear as an expert witness in court cases. Strictly adheres to established safety procedures to protect self, co-workers, and the general public. Maintains knowledge and understanding of current best practices, trends, laws, and issues affecting area of expertise. Upon approval, attends educational events that will increase professional knowledge and be otherwise beneficial to the County. Performs other related duties as assigned, including participation in emergency or disaster response activities, as required and consistent with the employee’s qualifications, essential job functions, and appliable federal and Florida law.

Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in natural/physical sciences, geography, environmental engineering, or closely related field. Minimum of three (3) years of professional or technical experience related to area of assignment. Valid driver’s license required with valid Florida driver license required within 30 days of hire. Equivalent combinations of education, training, and experience may be considered in meeting the minimum qualifications for this position.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Able to prioritize tasks, deal effectively with competing and changing priorities, and meet deadlines. Accurate, detail-oriented, and organized. Able to analyze and resolve difficult situations and problems. Good knowledge of principles, practices, and methods of environmental management especially as related to area of assignment. Good knowledge of modern scientific research and writing techniques, including statistical analysis. Able to read and interpret blueprints, plats, maps, aerial photos, diagrams, etc. Good knowledge and understanding of regulatory compliance necessary to successfully perform job responsibilities, including OSHA regulations and recognized safety procedures and practices for field work. Good knowledge and understanding of computer systems and software applications required to perform job duties. Excellent verbal and written communication skills and interpersonal skills in order to interact professionally and effectively with staff, management, volunteers, the general public, and other stakeholders. Able to influence others through explanation of facts, policies, and practices. Capable of working independently with general supervision. Able to write clearly and concisely. Knowledge of and proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite. Ability to read and understand engineering drawings. Veterans Preference In accordance with Florida Statute 295.07, F.S., Chapter 55A-7, priority consideration in employment will be given to eligible veterans and spouses of disabled veterans. Applicants claiming preference must provide a DD Form 214 or other acceptable documentation with their application. We are committed to honoring the service and sacrifices of our veterans and their families. EEO/ADA Statement Manatee County Government is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you require any accommodations to participate in the recruitment process, please contact Human Resources at 941-748-4501 x 3865. Drug-Free Workplace Manatee County Government is a drug-free workplace in accordance with Federal and Florida Law. Emergency Response/Recovery Activities All employees may be required to work before, during, or after an emergency. During an emergency, employees may temporarily be assigned to work and perform duties outside the normal scope of their position, location, and work schedule to fit the needs of the County and its citizens.