- ONLY PINELLAS COUNTY EMPLOYEES WITHIN THE ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT DIVISION MAY APPLY***
Performs specialized professional and technical field and office work in the review of stormwater management systems for compliance with permits and site plans for the Department of Public Works, Division of Environmental Management. This is a multi-role position that combines and alternates between the functions of site plan review and compliance, drainage review, National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit activities, and developing and delivering public outreach to citizens on topics of Stormwater Management System maintenance and compliance. Duties include conducting environmental inspections and evaluations for compliance with environmental protection ordinances and the land development code, communicating with the public regarding compliance cases and environmental resource protection, 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 operation and maintenance of stormwater management systems.
What Would You Do?
- Review stormwater management system site plans and investigate citizen complaints related to stormwater management systems.
- Conduct field investigations of stormwater drainage to evaluate compliance with site plans and applicable County codes and maintain case file documentation.
- Respond to citizen inquiries regarding stormwater ponds, their function, upland and littoral zone vegetation, nuisance species, watersheds, and ecosystem benefits.
- Coordinate with responsible property owners and contractors regarding stormwater pond function and environmental benefits, inspection results and compliance concerns, including generating enforcement correspondence, and potentially appear in court as a witness.
- Coordinate with internal and external staff for complaint response, environmental inspection results, and case resolution.
- Participate in other Section stormwater compliance programs and environmental outreach activities.
- 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 results, evaluate ecological and environmental impact, and develop reports on specialized studies.
- Implement environmental outreach programs for flood prevention and watershed protection, 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?
- Six (6) years of professional field/office experience working in environmental programs
- 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.
Highly Desirable
- Knowledge of local, state, and federal environmental laws, rules and regulations as related to surface waters.
- Knowledge of site plans, designs, and stormwater management system infrastructure.
- Knowledge of upland and littoral zone vegetation, ability to identify native and invasive species in and around stormwater ponds.
- Working knowledge of ESRI Geographical Information Systems (GIS).
- Working experience with Accela Civic Platform.
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.
- 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.
Our Benefits Rank Among The Top In The Area!
- Our benefits rank among the top in the area! Check it out!
- Looking for a strong retirement? We have you covered as members of the Florida Retirement System (FRS) with investment and pension options.
- We have deferred compensation programs and wellness centers to name a few perks. Check out these and more!
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 2