Coastal Environmental Specialist

JOB SUMMARY
Performs technical, manual and administrative work protecting Charlotte County’s coastal, marine and aquatic resources including listed wildlife species, and native habitats, through the administration and support of the County’s marine related programs in accordance with all applicable natural resource laws and codes and the Charlotte County Comprehensive Plan. Assists in the administration and oversight of coastal species management, the abandoned vessel program, artificial reef program, and aquatic habitat management and monitoring.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Conducts coastal species and vegetation surveys according to set protocols and prepares reports for regulatory agencies. 
• Assists in managing coastal habitats and performs inspections to ensure compliance listed species laws and codes  
• Designing, permitting, monitoring, and reporting of artificial reef, blue ways trail markers, and aquatic projects  
• Assists local and state law enforcement agencies to investigate abandoned vessel issues associated with the County's Abandon Vessel program   
• Assists County departments with permit compliance involving listed species and coastal resources. 
• Writes and distributes educational materials; speaks to civic groups and at public conferences. 
• Reviews land development permit applications that may potentially affect coastal species. 
• Assists other County departments and the general public with questions or concerns regarding coastal resources issues. 
• Provides exceptional customer assistance, problem-solving, and/or complaints resolution by all forms of communication. 

Education and Experience:
An equivalent combination of relevant training, education and experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree
  • Preferred:
    • Natural sciences, with emphasis on wildlife ecology and conservation 
• One (1) year of experience in permitting and environmental compliance.

Licenses and/or Certificates:

• Maintain a valid driver’s license.
• Ability to possess and maintain the following certifications and licensures:  
  • Basic Boater Safety 
  • SCUBA 
  • Gopher Tortoise Agent

• Knowledge of departmental policies, plans, and procedures.
• Knowledge of modern office practices, plans, and procedures.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other job-related computer programs and software applications.
• Knowledge of Florida’s native ecosystems, flora, and fauna. 
• Knowledge of operations and practices of local government. 
• Knowledge of the permitting processes utilized by Federal, State, and regional regulatory. 
• Strong analytical and research skills. 
• Strong written and oral communication skills to include public speaking and the ability to develop effective proposals. 
• Skill in the use of standard office computer equipment and software applications. 
• Skill in prioritizing and organizing work.
• Skill in the use of office equipment such as a computer, multi-line telephone system, scanner, fax machine, and copier.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and reports. 
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle. 
• Ability to trailer and operate various size vessels.   
• Ability to provide internal/external guidance and customer assistance via all forms of communication
• Ability to analyze and interpret departmental functions, procedures and policies. 
• Ability to ascertain priorities and meet deadlines and objectives. 
• Ability to identify common and listed vertebrate and plant species, vegetation communities, and wetlands. 
• Ability to interpret and use aerial photography, GIS, road maps, etc. 
• Ability to effectively manage multiple tasks with multiple deadlines. 
• Ability to make recommendations and to use resourcefulness and tact in solving new problems. 
• Ability to use computers for data entry, word processing, and/or accounting purposes.
• Ability to author reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. 
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with managers, service providers, other employees, and the general public.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Stooping, crouching, walking, pulling, grasping, hearing, seeing up close, seeing far away, kneeling, reaching, pushing, talking, standing, finger movement, repetitive motions, depth perception, wading. Frequent lifting of up to 25 pounds; occasional lifting of up to 50 pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
Work is primarily performed outdoors and requires tolerance to heat, sun, wind, rain and/or other adverse environmental conditions such as: biting/stinging insects, irate customers, extreme noise, odors, heights and/or dust.

RISK/SAFETY CONDITIONS
This position requires some exposure or risk related to physical and/or mental health and safety (e.g., exposure to environmentally hazardous materials, heavy equipment, assault and battery, pathogens, etc.).

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily.   Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions herein described.  Since every duty associated with this position may not be described herein, employees may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out in the job description, but which may be reasonably considered to be incidental in the performing of their duties just as though they were actually written out in this job description. 

Salary : $25 - $33