NPDES Compliance, Outreach, and Monitoring Environmental Specialist

If you are passionate about protecting water resources in Pinellas County and enjoy a variety of work projects, this may be the perfect opportunity for you to join a stellar group of Environmental Professionals as an Environmental Specialist with Pinellas County’s Division of Environmental Management.

This is a technical field and office position within the Department of Public Works, Division of Environmental Management. Duties include conducting environmental inspections and evaluations for compliance with environmental protection ordinances, communicating with the public regarding compliance cases, preparing compliance correspondence, and maintaining case files. Additional duties include participating in surface water quality, benthic, and seagrass monitoring programs. Lastly, duties include implementing education and outreach programs related to the protection of the County’s natural resources.

What Would You Do?

• Investigate citizen complaints on water quality matters including Stormwater Ordinance violations.
• Conduct field investigations of facilities and stormwater drainage to evaluate compliance with environmental codes and ordinances, recommend modifications to ensure regulatory compliance, and maintain case files for documentation.
• Coordinate with responsible property owners and contractors to obtain compliance, including generating enforcement correspondence, and potentially appear in court as a witness.
• Assist the public and internal County staff with interpretation of environmental regulations and compliance with federal, state and local environmental laws, codes and ordinances.
• Conduct surface water quality, benthic and seagrass monitoring including collection of samples, and the calibration and operation of specialized monitoring equipment.
• Collect and maintain technical environmental data, interpret the results of laboratory data, evaluate ecological and environmental impact, and develop reports on specialized studies.
• Implement environmental outreach programs, including development of materials and delivery of public presentations.
• Coordinate the activities of volunteer personnel or interns as needed within the Division.
• Perform related work as assigned or required.
  
  

What Do You Need To Have?

Environmental Specialist 1

• Bachelor's Degree with major course work in environmental, physical, natural or biological science, engineering, or related field AND one (1) year of professional field/office experience working in environmental programs; or
• An equivalent combination of education, training, and/or experience.
• Florida Driver’s License
• Assignment to work a variety of work schedules including compulsory work periods in special, emergency, and/or disaster situations.
• Ability to swim.
• Other knowledge, skills, abilities, and credentials required for a specific position.
  
  

Environmental Specialist 2

• Bachelor’s degree with major course work in environmental, physical, natural or biological science, engineering, or related field AND two (2) years of professional field/office experience working in environmental programs; or
• An equivalent combination of education, training, and/or experience.
• Florida Driver’s License
• Assignment to work a variety of work schedules including compulsory work periods in special, emergency, and/or disaster situations.
• Ability to swim.
• Other knowledge, skills, abilities, and credentials required for a specific position.
  
  

Highly Desirable

• Knowledge of local, state, and federal environmental laws, rules and regulations as related to surface waters.
• Knowledge of construction Best Management Practices (BMPs) as related to stormwater pollution prevention.
• Working knowledge of ESRI Geographical Information Systems (GIS).
• Working experience with Accela Civic Platform
• Ability to snorkel, and trailer and operate small watercraft.
  
  

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Knowledge of environmental codes, laws, rules, ordinances and regulations, and the principles of environmental pollution control.
• Knowledge of mathematics and natural, physical and biological sciences.
• Knowledge of scientific research techniques including the collection of sampling data and preparation of environmental reports.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, plats, maps, aerial photos and diagrams.
• Ability to formulate and present ideas and findings clearly and concisely in written, oral or graphic form.
• Ability to handle difficult situations and customer interactions with tact, patience, and courtesy.
• Ability to enter and query data within databases.
• Ability to swim, snorkel, and trailer and operate small watercraft.
  
  

Why Choose Pinellas County?

Benefits

When you join Pinellas County, you’re not just taking on a job—you’re investing in your future. We believe in supporting our employees with exceptional benefits that help you thrive both professionally and personally. Here's why our benefits stand out as some of the best in the area:

• Comprehensive Benefits Package: Enjoy affordable medical, dental, vision, life insurance, flexible spending accounts, and more that meet the needs of you and your family.
• Florida Retirement System (FRS): Secure your financial future with a robust retirement plan that gives you peace of mind as you plan for tomorrow.
• Generous leave time: Take advantage of time off to recharge and enjoy life outside of work.
• Wellness Program: Access to county gyms 24/7 and wellness programs as part of our commitment to employee wellness.
• Deferred compensation: Build your savings and plan for the future with flexible deferred compensation options tailored to your financial goals.
• To learn more, see What We Offer
  
  

Want to Learn More?

Please review the full classification description with the Physical/Mental Demands, Working Conditions, and Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities at the below link.

Environmental Specialist 1

Environmental Specialist 2