Environmental Specialist 1 or 2

About the role

The purpose of this position is to provide technical and scientific support and expertise to the Pinellas County Department of Public Works, Division of Environmental Management. The selected candidate is responsible for conducting environmental reviews for boat dock and dredge and fill projects proposed within the Waters of the County for consistency with the Pinellas County Water and Navigation Regulations. This position also reviews mangrove trimming/alteration for consistency with the County's Mangrove Trimming and Preservation code.

Responsibilities

• Review applications for docks and dredge and fill activities for consistency with the Water and Navigation Regulations.
• Review mangrove trimming/alteration activities for consistency with the Mangrove Trimming and Preservation Code.
• Perform field reviews of site conditions to assess environmental impacts from proposed projects.
• Interact with engineers, marine contractors, professional mangrove trimmers and applicants.
• Interact with Municipal, State and Federal officials; along with other County work groups.
• Respond to citizen complaints regarding violations of the Water and Navigation and Mangrove Trimming and Preservation regulations.
• Resolve enforcement cases for violations of the Water and Navigation and Mangrove Trimming and Preservation regulations.
• Respond to all citizen inquiries in a professional and customer service driven manner.
• Perform related work as assigned or required.

Requirements

This technical position requires knowledge of coastal marine ecology and field assessment techniques, including the ability to work in the water. Familiarity with Federal, State, and County environmental regulations is beneficial.

Qualifications

• Environmental Specialist 1: At least 5 years of experience in the assigned field of environmental management or; An Associate degree with major course work in physical, natural or biological science, environmental engineering, or related field and 3 years of experience in the assigned field of environmental management or; A Bachelor’s degree with major course work in physical, natural or biological science, environmental engineering, or related field and 1 year of experience in the assigned field of environmental management or; A master’s degree or higher with major course work in physical, natural or biological science, environmental engineering, or related field.
• Environmental Specialist 2: At least 6 years of experience in the assigned field of environmental management or; An Associate degree with major course work in physical, natural or biological science, environmental engineering, or related field and 4 years of experience in the assigned field of environmental management or; A Bachelor’s degree with major course work in physical, natural or biological science, environmental engineering, or related field and 2 year of experience in the assigned field of environmental management or; A master’s degree or higher with major course work in physical, natural or biological science, environmental engineering, or related field.

Skills

Knowledge of local, state, and federal environmental laws, rules and regulations. Knowledge of coastal marine ecology and field assessment techniques, including the ability to work in the water. Working knowledge of ESRI Geographical Information Systems (GIS). Scuba certification.

Benefits

Comprehensive Benefits Package: Enjoy affordable medical, dental, vision, life insurance, flexible spending accounts, and more that meet the needs of you and your family. Florida Retirement System (FRS): Secure your financial future with a robust retirement plan that gives you peace of mind as you plan for tomorrow. Generous leave time: Take advantage of time off to recharge and enjoy life outside of work. Wellness Program: Access to county gyms 24/7 and wellness programs as part of our commitment to employee wellness. Deferred compensation: Build your savings and plan for the future with flexible deferred compensation options tailored to your financial goals.