General Information
Work Location: 1022 26th Avenue East, Bradenton, Florida 34208
Work Hours: Monday - Friday, 7am - 5pm (flexible)
Expected Starting Hourly Range: $21.92 - $27.40
This classification applies knowledge of various scientific disciplines to collect, synthesize, study, report, and act based on data derived from field measurements and/or observations to support mitigation and ecological restoration projects, and marine and waterway management projects. Duties may include, but not be limited to, environmental inspections, wetland permitting, vegetation and wildlife surveys, and mitigation monitoring. Duties are performed in accordance with federal, state, and local environmental laws, ordinances, codes and regulations
Area of Assignment - Ecological and Mitigation Section
Participates in projects and tasks assigned to the Ecological and Marine Resources Division. Assists with field surveys, contractor oversight, report preparation for environmental resource permits, grant reporting, and compensatory mitigation compliance related to ecological restoration (freshwater, tidal, and uplands) and wetland mitigation projects. Tasks include habitat characterizations, environmental assessments, support on wetland delineations, plant identification, wildlife surveys, permitting support, and permit compliance. This position will assist with preparing environmental reports, analyzing field data, reviewing engineering plans, and researching permits and land use changes to strategize ecological restoration and mitigation project. An understanding of state and federal permitting, including state environmental resources permitting, (ERP), and Federal Section 404 and Section 10.
Requires an understanding of wetland and upland ecology to collect field data to support the design of restoration and mitigation projects including, but not limited to, wildlife, hydrology, vegetation, and soils using standards established by the regulatory agencies. Perform gopher tortoise surveys and support tortoise relocations under our Authorized Gopher Tortoise Agents. Ability to utilize GPS and experience using ArcGIS Pro, highly desirable. Assist with analyzing data and writing scientific, technical, and programmatic reports resulting from work.
Working Conditions
Indoor/Outdoor work environments possibly exposed to hearing and other outdoor weather extremes, including long exposure to sunlight, and extreme heat and humidity. Sitting for long periods working on a computer. Lifting equipment up to 25 pounds alone or 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, including operating 4-wheel drive vehicles and towing. Occasional overnight travel required. Occasionally required to work other than normal business hours (i.e., Mon.-Fri.).
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.
Participates with a multi-disciplined environmental team that is highly collaborative to achieve Division goals and objectives.
Assists with multiple, concurrent ecological restoration and mitigation projects, including project planning and contractor oversight. Reports contractor performance for quality control.
Assists the marine resources team to maintain navigational aids, facilitate the removal of abandoned and derelict vessels, and help with planning and implementing the artificial reef program and other restoration projects.
Ability to identify Florida native plants and specifically vegetation used in wetland (e.g., freshwater and tidal) and upland habitat restoration. Experience with nuisance and exotic species identification and willingness to learn best practices to manage such species.
Reviews and understands federal, state, and local rules and regulations related to the Department's ecological restoration and mitigation projects to ensure compliance.
Interpret and implement environmental permitting regulations, including field survey techniques and monitoring to ensure compliance with federal, state and local regulations.
Ability to assist with wetland delineations and wildlife surveys as well as communicate results to supervisor to share with regulatory entities to advance environmental permitting efforts related to projects.
Assist in the review and interpretation of environmental reports, environmental impact analyses, engineering plans, and related documents to facilitate sound environmental permitting and restoration decisions for the Department.
Assists in conducting natural resource assessments, surveys, and reports for compliance with regulatory and granting agency requirements.
Assists in the preparation of environmental resource permit applications, narrative reports, and documents needed to advance permitting for habitat restoration and mitigation projects.
Works with other Natural Resource Department Divisions to advance ecological restoration and habitat management initiatives.
Investigates and resolves a variety of citizen inquiries and complaints related to areas of assignment. Assists supervisor in preparing follow-up reports and correspondence.
Uses Global Positioning System (GPS) software to collect and interpret field data.
Performs spatial analysis and prepares interpretive maps using ArcGIS tools.
Conducts permitting reviews and special ecological assessments on mangroves, wetlands, and uplands to protect environmentally sensitive areas.
Makes public presentations related to area of assignment.
Not all duties may be required.
Performs other related work (including weather or extreme emergency duties) as required.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in natural/physical sciences, geography, environmental engineering, marine science, or closely related field.
Minimum of one (1) year 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 and experience may be considered.
More
Ability to utilize GPS and experience using ArcGIS Pro desired.
Area of Assignment - Ecological and Mitigation Section
Botany and ecology experience preferred.
Florida Department of Agriculture Pesticide Applicator License preferred, or ability to obtain within 6 months.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Able to prioritize tasks, manage competing and changing priorities, and meet deadlines.
Accurate, detail-oriented, and organized.
Able to resolve difficult and sometimes complex situations and problems.
Good knowledge and understanding of current principles and practices in environmental resource permitting, ecological restoration/mitigation, and natural resources protection.
Good knowledge and understanding of local flora and fauna as it pertains to areas of assignment.
Good knowledge and understanding of regulatory compliance necessary to successfully perform job responsibilities, including state and federal permitting requirements for ecological restoration/ mitigation, earthmoving, and dredge/fill in state and federally jurisdictional wetlands and surface waters.
Good knowledge and understanding of computer systems and software applications required to perform job duties.
Good 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 communicate Manatee County policies, practices, and procedures.
Ability to operate Global Positioning Systems (GPS) to collect and interpret field data and to create interpretive maps using ArcGIS tools.
Experience with writing technical reports.
Ability to work independently with limited supervision.
Applicants must be self-motivated, trustworthy, and committed to ethical practices.
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.
