Senior Environmental Specialist - Watershed Management
Manatee County Government, Work That Matters
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Benefits offered by this job
Job summary
Manatee County Government is seeking a Watershed Management professional to manage workflows, conduct field inspections, and coordinate with regulators and stakeholders. The role supports water quality protection and habitat restoration within a countywide program.
The position requires a solid background in environmental science, project coordination, and reporting. Applicants should have a relevant degree, 3+ years experience, and a valid Florida driver license.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree required in a natural/physical science or related field
- Minimum 3 years of professional/technical experience in the area
- Valid Florida driver license within 30 days of hire
Responsibilities
- Execute watershed management workflows and milestones to protect water resources
- Oversee project management, records, and stakeholder liaison
- Prepare technical reports, SOPs, and grant/funding requests
- Conduct field inspections to ensure state storage tank codes compliance
Skills
Education
Tools
Job description
- Premium Pay Differentials/Career Ladders
Q-House, 1501 Dam Road, Bradenton, Florida 34212
Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
$27.61 - $34.51
Employment screenings, as outlined in the Personnel Policy, Rules, and Procedures Manual, will be conducted in compliance with applicable federal and Florida Laws.
The work environment may include exposure to high noise levels while performing certain essential job functions. The position requires the ability to lift and move objects weighing up to 50 pounds independently and up to 75 pounds with assistance, with or without reasonable accommodation. The role involves sitting for extended periods while working on a computer. Regular outdoor field work required, often in adverse weather conditions including long exposure to sunlight and extreme heat and humidity. Regularly required to operate county vehicles, including small watercraft depending on area of assignment, as part of the duties of the job. Ability to swim may be required, depending on area of assignment. Position requires visual acuity and depth perception, as well as ability to hear and identify sounds. Occasionally required to work other than normal business hours, including nights and weekends.
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.
This position broadly executes workflows and project milestones of watershed management projects that protect and restore the County's water resources. Some duties will intersect with those of the County's NPDES-MS4 permit (Federal stormwater permit) compliance program and watershed health initiatives while other duties support strategic land conservation goals and account for the unique challenges facing Manatee County’s vulnerable water resources from storm water runoff. Collectively, these activities will help to mitigate water quality impairments, help prevent new water quality impairments, and will inform and engage with stakeholders.
Administrative duties will include: 1) technical oversight, project management, recordkeeping. 2) stakeholder, community, and regulator liaison and 3) participation in program audits and compliance inspections. 4) assist with the preparation of project grant or funding requests. Prior experience with small- and large-scale watershed management and restoration projects is highly desired.
Technical skills and experience needed include familiarity with Florida water quality standards, familiarity with Florida storm water management practices, knowledge of quality control practices for water quality monitoring data, and experience investigating water quality problems. Ability to prepare and revise documentation such as Standard Operating Procedures, formal technical reports, and publicly accessible summary reports is desired. Proficiency in contract administration, milestone and budget tracking is desired. Current skills interpreting and summarizing findings using graphical, statistical, and geographic information system software tools is highly desired.
Conducts field inspections at facilities to determine compliance with State storage tank codes and statutes in conformance with the DEP contract.
Implements the terms of the DEP’s annual task assignments in a timely manner, including advance contact of facility representatives, entry of inspection activities into the state FIRST database, submission of monthly invoices, and response to public assistance requests.
Performs hazardous waste, well, and other program inspections as part of the required storage tank inspections and at additional facilities as assigned.
Generates non-compliance correspondence and tracks corrective actions; provides referrals for enforcement and other regulatory program issues.
Conducts studies and research on complex environmental problems related to area of assignment.
Prepares comprehensive environmental assessment reports. Makes recommendations based on findings.
Enforces environmental regulations.
Reviews compliance tests and reports submitted by land use permit applicants and consultants. Investigates complaints.
Discusses test results and analyses with customers. Makes recommendations for corrective actions.
Responds to emergency situations, which may include hazardous circumstances, in accordance with applicable laws, rules, regulations and procedures.
Serves as liaison to other County departments, municipalities, and State and federal agencies regarding area of assignment.
May appear as an expert witness in court cases.
Strictly adheres to established safety procedures to protect self, co-workers, and the general public.
Maintains knowledge and understanding of current best practices, trends, laws, and issues affecting area of expertise.
Upon approval, attends educational events that will increase professional knowledge and be otherwise beneficial to the County.
Performs other related duties as assigned, including participation in emergency or disaster response activities, as required and consistent with the employee’s qualifications, essential job functions, and applicable federal and Florida law.
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in natural/physical sciences, geography, environmental engineering, or closely related field.
- Minimum of three (3) years 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, training, and experience may be considered in meeting the minimum qualifications for this position.
- Able to prioritize tasks, deal effectively with competing and changing priorities, and meet deadlines. Accurate, detail-oriented, and organized. Able to analyze and resolve difficult situations and problems.
- Good knowledge of principles, practices, and methods of environmental management especially as related to area of assignment.
- Good knowledge of modern scientific research and writing techniques, including statistical analysis.
- Able to read and interpret blueprints, plats, maps, aerial photos, diagrams, etc.
- Good knowledge and understanding of regulatory compliance necessary to successfully perform job responsibilities, including OSHA regulations and recognized safety procedures and practices for field work.
- Good knowledge and understanding of computer systems and software applications required to perform job duties.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills and interpersonal skills in order to interact professionally and effectively with staff, management, volunteers, the general public, and other stakeholders. Able to influence others through explanation of facts, policies, and practices.
- Capable of working independently with general supervision.
- Able to write clearly and concisely.
- Knowledge of and proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
- Ability to read and understand engineering drawings.
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.
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.
Manatee County Government is a drug-free workplace in accordance with Federal and Florida Law.
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.
- ComPsych – offers all employees and their family members with emotional, financial, legal, and work/life balance support.
- LAMP counselors available for personal support including emotional, substance abuse, marital, and financial issues.
- Five (5) free visits annually for employees and covered family members.
- Wellness/Health Coaches (5 Free per year)
- Personal Training (5 Free per year)
- Pharmacy Technician
- Musculoskeletal Physical Therapy Management
- Registered Dietician (5 Free per year)
- Massages with licensed therapist (small copay)
- Workers’ Compensation
- Training/Seminars
- Premium Pay Differentials/Career Ladders
- Government employee discounts at many retailers and attractions
- Access to Manatee County Library Services (books, digital services, tools, museum passes).
- 12 Paid Holidays including New Year's Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
- Three (3) Personal Holidays
- Personal Sick Leave
- Family Sick Leave
- Sick Leave Bank (Donated Hours)
- Professional Medical Appointment Leave
- Bereavement Leave
- Military Leave
- Military Training Leave
- FMLA
Applies to employees regularly scheduled to work 8 hours per day/40 hours per week.
- 0-5 16.25 days
- 6-10 19.50 days
- 11+ 22.75 days
- Eligible employees may earn an additional 2 days of vacation through participation in the Manatee Thrives program.
- Award-winning Health Plan with deductibles as low as $0.
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Prescription Insurance
- Life Insurance (6 times salary at low cost)
- Long-term and Short-term Disability Insurance
- Florida Retirement System (FRS) with Pension Plan and Investment Plan options.
- 457b Tax Deferred and ROTH account options through Voya.
- FRS Webinars
- Free financial guidance with licensed, non-commissioned financial planner
- Professional Leadership Programs
- Instructor-Led and eLearning Training
- Premium Pay Differentials/Career Ladders
- Career Counseling
- Toastmasters
- Networking Membership (Manatee Chamber of Commerce, Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance)
- Employee Recognition Programs with monetary and time-off awards
- Continuing Education support through Training/Seminars and Premium Pay Differentials/Career Ladder.
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
- Options for Health Care and Dependent Care Spending Accounts providing pre-tax savings.
- ComPsych – offers all employees and their family members with emotional, financial, legal, and work/life balance support.
- LAMP counselors available for personal support including emotional, substance abuse, marital, and financial issues.
- Workers’ Compensation
- Training/Seminars
- FRS options
- Premium Pay Differentials/Career Ladders
- Government employee discounts at many retailers and attractions
- Access to Manatee County Library Services (books, digital services, tools, museum passes).
- 12 Paid Holidays including New Year's Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
- Three (3) Personal Holidays
- Paid Time Off and Leaves of Absence are based on an 8 hrs./day 80/hrs.
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