Principal Wetland Specialist

General Description

Are you looking for a challenging role within an organization that provides rewarding compensation, an excellent benefit package and career growth opportunities? If so, Lake County Government is the place for you. Comprised of nearly 3,000 employees, it is our goal to positively serve the residents of Lake County while working with a purpose. We believe our employees should take pride in the work they accomplish while truly respecting a collaborative work environment.

The position within the organization performs complex work related to environmental concerns for all phases of site development and ensures compliance with wetland regulations in the Watershed Development Ordinance (WDO). This position is under moderate supervision.

This person serves as a subject expert in wetland science and management (ecology, delineation, regulation, mitigation, and restoration), providing scientific and technical expertise to commission, County staff, local jurisdictions, other agencies, consultants, and the public regarding wetland ecology, management, and regulation. This involves project/permit review, field inspections, guidance/expertise in ordinance revisions, public speaking, technical assistance, and training. This position provides the public "face" and "voice" of the commission on wetland-related topics.

Applicants must be technically sound in wetland science, regulation, and management and possess strong communication skills.

Essential Functions

• Provide guidance and expertise for wetland-related ordinance revisions and insights on implications from regulatory changes at the state and federal levels.

• Coordinate and conduct preliminary jurisdictional determination field visits with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and verify boundaries of isolated wetlands/waters.

• Participate in pre-application meetings to provide guidance on proposed projects to properly align with the WDO; review regulatory site development submittals and provide comments to support ordinance compliance.

• Coordinate with environmental consultants, engineers, inspectors, developers, contractors, property owners, and regulatory agencies (federal, state, local) regarding application of ordinance provisions to site development questions.

• Conduct field inspections before, during and after site construction; and file inspection reports to ensure general project compliance.

• Review isolated wetland restoration, creation, enhancement plans; and evaluate near- and long-term management and maintenance plans for ordinance compliance.

• Periodically perform wetland services for other County agencies under established agreements, including wetland delineations, farmed wetland determinations, floristic quality assessments, jurisdictional coordination, and permit application preparation.

• Serve as an enforcement representative (team approach): post violation notices, gather and secure necessary evidence that may be used in court proceedings, appear in court prepared with necessary materials per the Lake County State's Attorney.

• Manage the SMC Wetland Restoration Fund (WRF) program, develop RFPs for potential projects or mitigation bank credit purchases, engage in County committee meetings and emergency resolution processes for WRF expenditure approvals, coordinate with SMC's WRF team members on project reviews and recommendations, and act as department representative for engineering and construction projects.

• Assist and advise consultants, engineers, developers, environmental inspectors and staff on compliance with erosion control, wetland and other environmental ordinances and regulations.

• Prepare and maintain accurate records and reports on inspection and office activities.

• Disseminate technical information on a variety of environmental issues including wetlands, soils, plants, and hydric conditions and building requirements concerning land-disturbance activities.

• Assist with flood response actions as assigned/directed (team approach).

• Maintain a focus on education, both professional development to keep abreast of current knowledge and learning opportunities for professional peers and the public.

• Investigate citizen complaints; when appropriate, recommends changes in proposed land disturbance to ensure compliance with the intent of applicable regulations.

• Drive a county or personal vehicle to various job sites.

• All other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge Skills Abilities and Education Required

A B.S. or M.S. degree involving a major study in environmental, physical, or one of the natural sciences, environmental planning, or other allied field and five (5) years of professional-level experience in environmental analysis/control, or environmental planning.

Requires technical knowledge of botany, soils, and hydrology as related to wetland delineations and wetland functions and knowledge of pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations.

Experience reviewing project plans for permit/ordinance compliance highly desirable, as is working as part of project teams and knowledge of state and federal endangered species laws and regulations.

Background in the processes and methods involved with the restoration, creation, enhancement, and maintenance of wetlands, including wetland mitigation banking a plus. Experience with GIS is highly desirable.

Requires certification as a Lake County Certified Wetland Specialist and possession of a valid driver's license, supplemented by a satisfactory driving record.

Registration as a Professional Wetland Scientist (PWS) from the Society of Wetland Scientists a plus. Certifications, such as those relating to soil erosion, floodplain management, and restoration ecology are desirable.

Physical Requirements

This position performs medium work that involves standing, walking, standing, stooping, lifting, digging, pushing and raising objects and also involves exerting between 20 to 50 pounds on a regular and recurring basis; adeptness and speed in the use of fingers, hands or limbs on repetitive operation of mechanical or electronic office or shop machines or tools within moderate tolerances or limits of accuracy. Must be able to walk over uneven ground surfaces.

Unavoidable Hazards

The position is exposed to bright/dim light; dusts and pollen; extreme heat and/or cold; wet or humid conditions; extreme noise levels; animals/wildlife; and disease/pathogens, including biting and stinging insects and poisonous plants.

Sensory Requirements

The position requires normal visual acuity and field of vision, hearing, speaking, color perception, depth, and texture perception abilities. Must have the ability to see (with correction) and identify plant details and distinguish colors per a Munsell soil chart.

Supplemental Information

Lake County offers a competitive salary and benefit package. We also offer flexible working hours, and a comprehensive wellness and training program. Visit our Prospective Employee page to get additional information on why you should work for Lake County! Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background screening, drug and alcohol testing and may include a pre-employment medical exam.

Lake County is committed to being a diverse and inclusive workplace and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.

This position is Grant Funded and position funding is dependent upon continued funding.