Environmental Regulations Specialist - 051566

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

This is a professional position in the St. Lucie County Environmental Resources Department's (ERD) Environmental Regulations Division.

This position is responsible for evaluating and issuing environmental permits, conducting pre and post land clearing inspections, endangered species inspections, landscape inspections, and any other necessary site inspections. Work involves initiative and independent performance, and contact and coordination with other Departments and Divisions, and regional and state agencies. The position reports under the supervision of the Environmental Regulations Manager.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES:

Respond to homeowner requests for public outreach education on native plants, common tree diseases, exotic vegetation removal, proper trimming and listed species issues.

Responsible for assisting various County Departments with environmental permitting and compliance issues.

Responsible for investigating all unauthorized vegetation removal and acts as an authorized code compliance agent in rectifying violations pertaining to environmental ordinances, codes and regulations. Maintain administrative records and submit necessary reports.

Assist in implementing various ordinances which protect the environment on a local level, (i.e.; Tree Protection Ordinances, Landscape Ordinance, etc.)

Understand and comply with the St. Lucie County Board of County Commissioners employee handbook and other established policies and procedures.

Perform other job-related functions as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of:

Wildlife biology, botany, general biology, habitat requirements, land management and restoration techniques, field data collection and monitoring, and soils.

South Florida Water Management District and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers wetland permitting requirements.

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) gopher tortoise permitting protocol.

St. Lucie County's Land Development Code, Comprehensive Plan, and Code Enforcement process.

Environmental planning terminology, principles, and practices.

Development and site preparation techniques, tools, and statistics.

Insect and disease problems of trees and related vegetation.

Local, state and federal regulations pertaining to County natural resource planning issues, regulations, and local government operations.

Site assessments, monitoring and reporting.

Conflict resolution.

Skills:

Read and interpret maps, surveys, plans and construction documents.

Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

Excellent conflict resolution skills.

Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Excellent customer service skills.

Strong time-management skills.

Advanced office software computer skills (e.g. Outlook, Word, PowerPoint) and mapping and data-entry computer software skills (e.g. Excel, Arc GIS); use of GPS mapping and positioning equipment; GPS; site assessment, data collection and evaluation techniques.

Ability to:

Analyze and interpret complex data.

Interpret site plan drawings and building plans.

Identify trees and other vegetation, as well various tree diseases.

Identify sensitive habitat types such as wetland features, dune preservation zones, and upland preserve areas.

Identify threatened and endangered plant and animal species.

Provide assistance to St. Lucie County's citizens and Departments to navigate through complex permitting processes.

Maintain complex administrative records.

Establish and maintain effective working relationship with employees, government officials, private organizations, and the general public.

Read and comprehend maps, surveys, plans and construction documents; read, write and communicate objectively, scientifically, and biologically.

Present technical information, ideas and recommendations clearly and succinctly in written and verbal form.

Demonstrate sensitivity to political, social and fiscal constraints regarding planning issues, projects and programs.

Manage, plan, organize and meet deadlines.

Work independently and show appropriate initiative to overcome challenges.

Prepare periodic and annual progress reports.

Understand and apply applicable rules, regulations, policies and procedures relating to environmental programs.

Physical Requirements: Use of both arms and legs, and good hand/eye coordination.

Ability to operate County automobile. Frequent use of good near vision and good hearing. Frequent walking, standing, lifting and carrying (30 to 50 pounds), reaching above shoulders, kneeling, bending and squatting and the ability to tolerate outside working conditions for long amounts of time throughout the year.

Frequent inspections to unimproved and improved sites in all weather conditions with associated wildlife, insect and terrain hazards. Frequent public contact.

Work Hazards: Periodic work inside the office in a sedentary posture. Field visits to undeveloped areas, agricultural areas and areas under development, in all weather conditions with associated wildlife, insect and terrain hazards.

Safety Equipment Used: Occasional need for a hard hat.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:

This job description is not intended to be and should not be construed as an all-inclusive list of all the responsibilities, skills or working conditions associated with the position.  While it is intended to accurately reflect the position activities and requirements, Management reserves the right to modify, add or remove duties and assign other duties as necessary that are a logical assignment to the position.

EMERGENCY RESPONSE/RECOVERY ACTIVITIES:

County employees are considered essential personnel in providing and continuing services to our community during and following a disaster, such as a hurricane, or in other emergency situations. As a requirement of County employment, County employees are subject to being required to remain at work during an event, respond to a recall immediately following an event and/or immediately reporting to work when an all clear is declared by the County Administrator.  During these types of events, County 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.

ADA STATEMENT:

A qualified employee or applicant with a disability may be afforded a reasonable accommodation to perform the essential job functions of a position in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's Degree in Environmental Science, Natural Resources Management, Forestry, Urban and Regional Planning, or related field.

High-level, relevant certifications and training above those required below, and a minimum of five (5) years of experience in permitting, zoning, environmental regulations. And/or code enforcement may be substituted for these minimum requirements.

EXPERIENCE: A minimum of three (3) years of environmental regulation, forestry, site design/planning or code compliance related experience. Professional experience working within a program similar to the County's Environmental Regulations Division is desired.

NOTE: An equivalent combination of experience/training and/or experience may be substituted to meet the above noted minimum qualifications.

Licenses, Certifications, or Registrations: :   Must have a valid Florida driver's license or the ability to obtain within one month of employment. Must maintain a good driving record.

Must possess a valid FWC Gopher Tortoise Agent Certification or have the ability to obtain one within six (6) months of hire. Florida Association of Code Enforcement (FACE) Level I & II Certifications are preferred but not required.

Pay Grade G10

Driving Position - Operating County vehicles and/or equipment is a primary function of this position.

PRE-EMPLOYMENT SCREENING: This position requires a physical, drug testing, driver's license verification and level 1 background screening.