General Information

Work Location: 1022 26th Ave E Bradenton, Florida 34208

Work Hours: Typically, Monday – Friday with occasional evenings/weekends (40 hours flexible between 7am and 5pm)

This classification performs work supervising professional employees engaged in specialized scientific surveys and environmental permitting related to the area of assignment. Work entails direct application of environmental restoration and wetland mitigation skills, comprehension and implementation of regulatory policy and working knowledge of environmental survey and monitoring techniques.

Areas of assignment: ecological restoration, wildlife ecology, wetland mitigation, wetland permitting, or other related programs.

Working Conditions
Indoor and outdoor work environments possibly exposed to heat and other outdoor weather extremes. Sitting for long periods working on computer. Lifting equipment or supplies up to 25 pounds alone and up to 50 pounds with assistance. Position requires visual acuity and depth perception, as well as ability to hear and identify sounds.

Required to drive County vehicles and operate specialized field equipment as part of the duties of the job. Occasional overnight travel required. Occasionally required to work other than normal business hours (i.e., Mon.-Fri.).

Note: This position has been designated by the Manatee County Commission as serving at the will and pleasure of the County Administrator. Employees so designated may be terminated at any time with or without cause.

Job Description

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.

Write work specifications for environmental services performed by contractors. Manage contractors conducting habitat creation and restoration. Document contractor performance for reporting and quality control purposes.

Create budget requests for areas of assignment. Ensure that managed programs and projects stay within budget.

Use Global Positioning System (GPS) software to collect field data. Prepare interpretive maps using ArcGIS.

Ability to identify Florida native plants used in wetland (e.g., freshwater and tidal) and upland habitat restoration. Experience with nuisance and exotic species management.

Serve as a department liaison to federal, state, and local organizations and committees, including the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration National Marine Fisheries Service, Southwest Florida Water Management District, Florida Department of Environmental Protection, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

Interpretation and implementation of environmental regulations, including field survey and monitoring to ensure compliance with federal, state and local regulations.

Present to the Board of County Commissioners, professional meetings, community groups, and other public forums on topics and programs related to areas of assignment to maintain the Division's reputation as a leading agency in the restoration field.

Review, analyze, and interpret environmental reports, survey data, engineering plans, planting plans, and other related documents.

Plans, designs, conducts and coordinates specialized environmental studies.

Monitors and reports on emerging federal, state, and local legislative initiatives to inform Division Manager regarding impacts on the program’s operation.

Oversees compliance of established regulations; reviews compliance results and reports submitted by permittees and consultants.

Investigates and resolves problems and complaints; prepares follow-up reports.

Collaborates and liaises with other natural resources personnel to share information and to enhance existing programs and services.

Assists the Division Manager in meeting division goals.

Performs related work (including weather or extreme emergency duties) as required.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in a related scientific field.

Minimum of four (4) years professional experience in a natural resource related field (e.g., environmental permitting, wetland science, wildlife ecology, environmental engineering, land management, habitat restoration).

One (1) year of supervisory experience (including direct reports, field crews, multi-discipline teams, etc.).

Valid driver’s license required with valid Florida driver license required within 30 days of hire.

Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.

Master's degree from an accredited college or university in a related field desired.

Advanced knowledge of wetland science, including habitat restoration techniques and mitigation permitting is highly desired.

Experience leading wetland delineations and performing wildlife surveys.

Requires a solid understanding of Florida’s natural ecosystems.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of the principles, practices, and techniques of environmental restoration, including advanced knowledge in specific area of specialization.

Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, codes, and regulations.

Knowledge of wetland science, habitat restoration techniques, wetland hydrology, and natural sciences.

Knowledge of scientific research and writing techniques, including the use of automated systems and standard practices for statistical analysis of data.

Knowledge of OSHA regulations and/or recognized safety procedures and practices.

Ability to design and implement ecological studies, analyze survey information, and formulate restoration recommendations based upon findings.

Ability to make accurate mathematical computations and statistical analyses.

Ability to track regulatory performance of complex operations and perform follow-up actions with minimum oversight.

Ability to enforce environmental compliance firmly, tactfully, and impartially.

Ability to think ahead, plan over a specific time span, and prepare action plans to achieve results.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with fellow workers, the regulatory industry, outside agencies, and the general public.

Ability to effectively communicate with political bodies, as well as professional and lay audiences, for areas of assignment.

Knowledge and understanding of computer systems and software applications required to perform job duties.

Verbal and written communication skills and interpersonal skills, including public presentation skills, in order to interact professionally and effectively with staff, elected officials, funding agencies, the general public, and other stakeholders.

Ability to influence others regarding policies, practices, and procedures.

Ability to work independently with limited supervision.

Ability to testify in court as an expert witness.

Ability to manage staff workflow, create team schedules, and delegate tasks.

Ability to assess work performance, train staff, and identify areas that need improvement.

Area of Assignment: Ecological & Marine Resources Division – Environmental Program Manager

Providing wetland mitigation to advance Manatee County’s Capital Improvement Program (CIP) has presented challenges for controlling project costs and managing project schedules. One challenge has involved state and federal permitting associated with unavoidable impacts to wetlands as a result of infrastructure development. The Environmental Program Manager will oversee staff supporting infrastructure permitting and wetland monitoring and will support the Ecological and Marine Resources (E&MR) Division Manager with management of in-house permitting and mitigation to advance infrastructure development.

Manage, survey, design, implement, and monitor wetland mitigation projects, including analyzing and assessing mitigation program needs; reviewing engineering plans and hydrologic studies, creating project impact ledgers, analyzing habitat characteristics; reviewing permit conditions; and coordinating consultants’ efforts to meet program priorities, goals, and strategies. This position will be required to conduct and manage wetland delineations, listed species surveys, and other natural resource related data collection activities. Must have experience with state and federal permitting, including State-wide Environmental Resources Permits (ERP) and Federal Section 404 and Section 10.

Represent Manatee County while coordinating with state and federal agencies such as the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP), Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD), and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) while advancing County infrastructure permitting, including liaising with the County Attorney’s Office and Development Services regarding the Comprehensive Plan and Land Development Code. Ability to review conservation easements and holds an understanding of other land encumbrances.

Represent Manatee County while coordinating with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to address listed species, when present. Oversee the County’s listed species permitting and relocation program.

Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the Mitigation Program against established performance standards and ensure that goals and deadlines are met. Ability to compare and compute project implementation costs to program benefits (return on investment). Review scope of services, bid proposals, and technical reports for infrastructure projects and for mitigation projects. Develops scope of work for contractors and oversees contractor work.

Maintain databases, project files, and records.

Impeccable organization skills and attention to detail required.

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.

General Information

Job Description

Minimum Qualifications

More

Manatee County Government

About Us

New Jobs

Environmental Program Manager - Mitigation