Environmental Lands Division Coordinator

Manatee County Government; Bradenton (FL); On-site; USD 58,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

Join the Manatee County Government as a vital contributor to the Environmental Lands Program, dedicated to acquiring and preserving critical natural lands. This role involves assessing properties for conservation, developing management plans, and collaborating with various stakeholders. Ideal candidates will possess a Bachelor's degree and experience in environmental science, land management, or a related field, along with strong problem-solving and communication skills.

Qualifications

• Three or more years of experience in natural resource management or related field.
• Good knowledge of regulatory compliance and environmental issues.
• Ability to interact with various stakeholders professionally.

Responsibilities

• Assess properties for conservation acquisition based on program standards.
• Prepare studies and reports for conservation evaluation.
• Develop and coordinate work plans for lands under management.

Skills

Communication

Organizational skills

Problem solving

Grant writing

Knowledge of Florida's ecosystems

Education

Bachelor's degree in natural/physical sciences or related field

Job description

Work Location: 1112 Manatee Avenue West, Bradenton, Florida 34205
Work Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 5:00pm (and 6:00pm - 9:00pm Evening Meetings)

Expected Starting Annual Range: $58,141.44 - $75,583.87

Coordination and assistance in implementing the Environmental Lands Program, the purpose of which is to identify, acquire, preserve, and protect endangered, environmentally sensitive, and significant lands in Manatee County. Position reports to Environmental Lands Division Manager.

Working Conditions
Typical indoor office environment. Bimonthly to monthly evening hours and advisory board meetings. Periodically required to drive county vehicles as part of the duties of the job. Occasional field work with associated wildlife, insect, and terrain hazards, around machinery and motorized equipment. Inherent risk of injury while participating in physical activity. Lifting equipment up to 25 lbs. alone; up to 50 lbs. with assistance. Good vision and hearing with or without correction. Periodic walking, standing, lifting, and carrying (25 pounds), reaching above shoulders, kneeling, bending, and squatting. Able to tolerate outside working conditions.

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.

Assess, according to program standards, properties nominated for conservation acquisition to identify natural resource value, ecological characteristics, management concerns, and assess the potential for public accessibility and recreation.

Prepares studies and reports to identify, assess, and evaluate property for conservation acquisition.

Develops and implements, in coordination with other departments, work plans and management plans for lands the County has acquired or plans to acquire.

Develops applications for funding programs that support the acquisition, restoration, management, and public use of conservation lands.

Participates and assists on a variety of tasks, reports, presentations, mapping, and projects relating to conservation lands.

Manages county-wide inventory of environmentally sensitive lands using GIS and web-based tools, including candidate property rankings, status, and other property characteristics.

Updates and manages Environmental Lands Program and Environmental Lands Management and Acquisition Committee (ELMAC) webpages and web-based Candidate Property Dashboard, as needed.

Coordinates with the Property Acquisition Division and other Partners on the environmental land acquisition process.

Responsible for ELMAC meeting coordination and support, including new member applications and appointments.

Participates in the review of park development designs and proposals that are consistent with conceptual plans, construction, and maintenance standards.

Order, read and interpret narrative format appraisals and title searches.

Prepares template documents as required by Manatee County to complete transactions related to conversation property acquisition for property owner's acceptance and signature.

Prepares documents and agenda packages for submission for Board of County Commissioners' approval.

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

Bachelor's degree in natural/physical sciences, environmental engineering, geography, or related field.

Three (3) or more years of progressively responsible experience in natural resource management, environmental science, land conservation, land acquisition, environmental planning, real estate or a related field.

Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Good verbal and written communication skills and interpersonal skills to interact professionally and effectively with staff, contractors, public, and stakeholders.

Able to explain policies, practices, and procedures for clarity and understanding.

Able to prioritize tasks, deal effectively with competing and changing priorities, and meet deadlines. Accurate, detail-oriented, and organized.

Able to resolve difficult situations and problems.

Good knowledge and understanding of grant writing and administration.

Good knowledge and understanding of Florida’s flora, fauna, habitat, ecosystems, and environmental issues.

Good knowledge and understanding of industry-standard computer systems and software applications.

Good knowledge and understanding of regulatory compliance necessary to successfully perform job responsibilities.

Basic understanding of land management activities, including prescribed fire, road/trail maintenance, and invasive plant management.

Knowledge of real estate conveyance documents such as deeds and easements.

Knowledge of real estate law and contractual requirements for real estate transactions in the State of Florida and those that relate to federally transacted acquisitions.

Knowledge of closing statements and other closing related documents.