Environmental Review Specialist 1

About the role

Pinellas County is seeking an Environmental Review Specialist to join their Development Review Services team. The ideal candidate will have a background in environmental, natural, biological, or physical sciences, along with one year of related professional experience.

Responsibilities

• Reviews site development plans and permit applications, conducts field investigations for compliance with environmental codes and ordinances, recommends modifications to ensure regulatory compliance, and inspects sites for certificates of compliance with approved site development plans;
• Performs field inspections and makes recommendations and limited decisions on the removal of protected vegetation and issues permits;
• Prepares and serves fine citations and appears in court as a witness;
• Affords assistance to businesses, contractors, developers, engineers, and the public with interpretation of environmental regulations and compliance with federal, state, and local environmental laws, codes, and ordinances;
• Conducts sampling and field investigations for air or water quality programs including the operation, calibration, and routine maintenance of specialized sampling apparatus and pollution control testing and monitoring equipment;
• Collects and maintains technical environmental data, interprets the results of laboratory tests, evaluates ecological and environmental impact, and develops reports on specialized studies;
• Performs quality assurance tests and audits validating the integrity of environmental data and performs technical statistical analyses of data using automated programs;
• Evaluates conformance with established environmental codes, ordinances, and regulations and initiates field enforcement actions based on inspection findings of administrative or operational non-compliance;
• Conducts permitting reviews and special assessments on mangroves, wetlands, and uplands to protect environmentally sensitive areas;
• May assist in Environmental Specialist trainee development;
• Coordinates the activities of volunteer personnel as needed within the section or department;
• Investigates citizen complaints on land use, air, or water quality matters including fish kills, noxious odors, hazardous waste, etc.;
• Maintains original documents and scans and files electronically;
• Investigates citizen complaints on water quality and other matters;
• Identifies needs for and ideas of new educational publications for businesses and provides applicable materials to businesses;

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental, natural, biological, or physical science, engineering, or related field and one (1) year of related professional experience;
• Or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience;
• Strong understanding of environmental regulations and the principles of environmental land development review;
• Excellent communication and customer service skills and ability to explain technical and regulatory concepts to a variety of audiences;
• Experience in site development review, environmental regulation, permitting, or enforcement is preferred;

Additional Requirements

• Valid Florida Driver’s License;
• Ability to work during emergency/disaster events, if needed;
• Fieldwork includes exposure to outdoor elements—heat, humidity, insects, and inclement weather;
• Physical ability to perform inspections, including walking long distances and navigating uneven terrain.