Job Summary

Position Overview: The Associate Environmental Planner is a professional position within the County Environmental Resources Department’s Environmental Regulations Division. This position reviews development proposals, evaluates short- and long-term environmental planning issues, and performs related duties to ensure projects comply with environmental standards and minimize impacts on natural resources, wildlife, and human health. Under general supervision, this position supports the implementation of the County’s environmental regulations as they relate to the Comprehensive Plan and Land Development Code. The position requires initiative, independent performance, and may involve attending evening meetings.

Essential Job Functions

Key Responsibilities:

Supportive Environmental Review and Compliance:

Assist in the review of development proposals for consistency with environmental regulations.
Support the preparation of evaluation reports under the guidance of senior staff.
Participate in site inspections, including land clearing, listed species, and basic landscape assessments.

Field Work and Data Collection:

Conduct routine field data collection using GPS and mobile GIS tools under supervision.
Assist with monitoring and documenting environmental conditions on both improved and unimproved sites.

Public and Internal Assistance:

Provide basic guidance to the public and applicants on environmental codes, forms, and permitting procedures.
Respond to general inquiries and direct complex questions to senior planners or supervisors.

Technical and Administrative Support:

Prepare maps, reports, and documentation to support ongoing projects and reviews.
Assist with recordkeeping, data entry, and administrative tasks related to environmental permitting and compliance tracking.
Participate in internal and interdepartmental meetings as a support resource.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: The Associate Environmental Planner position requires the ability to sit and work at a computer for extended periods and manual dexterity to perform repetitive hand movements. Good vision and hearing (with or without correction) are essential to the position to perform both office and field tasks. Field activities require the ability to walk on uneven terrain, bend, stoop, kneel, and occasionally lift up to 25 pounds. This position also involves exposure to outdoor elements such as extreme heat, humidity, inclement weather, allergens and insects. Driving is a major function to conduct site visits, and candidates must adhere to safety protocols, including the use of personal protective equipment when necessary.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS AND WORK HAZARDS: The Associate Environmental Planner works in both office and field settings. While office work is performed in a climate-controlled environment with minimal hazards, fieldwork may involve exposure to extreme heat, humidity, inclement weather, allergens and rough or uneven terrain and other natural elements such as insects, wildlife, and dense vegetation. Environmental Planners may also encounter dust, noise, and airborne particles, and must follow safety protocols, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as hard hats, safety vests, and boots. Occasional travel, early mornings, or irregular hours may be required depending on project needs.

SAFETY EQUIPMENT & PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE): Employees are required to adhere to all safety protocols and utilize appropriate safety equipment and personal protective equipment (PPE) provided to ensure a safe working environment. Specific requirements include:

Mandatory PPE: Employees must wear designated PPE, which may include safety goggles, gloves, hard hats, hearing protection, and respiratory masks, depending on the tasks performed.
Safety Training: All employees will receive training on the proper use and maintenance of safety equipment and PPE to minimize risks and ensure compliance with safety regulations.
Inspection and Maintenance: Employees are responsible for regularly inspecting their PPE for wear and tear, and reporting any damaged equipment to their supervisor for replacement.
Emergency Equipment: Familiarity with the location and use of emergency equipment, such as fire extinguishers, first aid kits, and eyewash stations, is required.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:
This job description is not intended to be and should not be construed as an all-inclusive list of all the responsibilities, skills or working conditions associated with the position. While it is intended to accurately reflect the position activities and requirements, Management reserves the right to modify, add or remove duties and assign other duties as necessary that are a logical assignment to the position.

EMERGENCY RESPONSE/RECOVERY ACTIVITIES:
County employees are considered essential personnel in providing and continuing services to our community during and following a disaster, such as a hurricane, or in other emergency situations. As a requirement of County employment, County employees are subject to being required to remain at work during an event, respond to a recall immediately following an event and/or immediately reporting to work when an all clear is declared by the County Administrator. During these types of events, County 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.

ADA STATEMENT:
A qualified employee or applicant with a disability may be afforded a reasonable accommodation to perform the essential job functions of a position in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

EEO STATEMENT:
St. Lucie County BOCC is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected characteristic. We encourage all qualified candidates to apply.

Qualifications

Candidates should possess a solid foundational background that demonstrates their ability to engage with the responsibilities of the role effectively.

Graduation from an accredited two (2) year college or university in Natural Sciences, Environmental Studies, Forestry, Botany, Biology, Urban and Regional Planning is required. Four (4) year degree is preferred. Relevant experience, training or technical certifications may substitute for preferred college degree.
At least one (1) year of relevant experience in environmental planning or natural resources management or related field is preferred.
Ability to read and interpret maps, plans, and construction documents with guidance.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, basic GIS tools and GPS data collection.
Strong interpersonal and time management skills with attention to detail.
Excellent oral and written communication skills, with a particular emphasis on the ability to convey complex technical information clearly and accurately.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
Must possess and maintain a valid Florida driver's license and a good driving record.

Additional Information

Pay Grade G-11

Driving Position – Operating County vehicles and/or equipment is a primary function of this position.

PRE-EMPLOYMENT SCREENING: This position requires a physical, drug testing, driver's license verification and level 1 background screening.

St. Lucie County Board of County Commissioners

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Associate Environmental Planner