This is advanced professional level work supervising scientists and technicians in a subunit of the Water and Navigation Program, which is tasked with the permitting and enforcement of docks, dredge and fill, and mangrove trimming activities.
This position's primary function is to ensure progress and consistency with program goals and objectives by planning and assigning work and managing staff engaged in these activities, as well as taking the lead on more complex cases.
Duties include ensuring the consistent and timely processing of proposed and existing regulated activities in accordance with relevant County, state and federal regulations, coordinating with internal and external stakeholders, other governmental agencies, and the County's Attorney's Office as necessary. This position is also responsible for assisting with developing standard operating procedures, staff training, equipment inventory and ordering, budget input, and other duties as applicable.
An incumbent in this classification works at a high-performance level with minimum supervision and exercises a high degree of independent judgment in resolving problems. This position reports directly to a senior manager, division director or designee.
What Would You Do?- Oversees activities, resources and operations in a sub-unit of Water and Navigation;
- Trains, assigns, schedules and reviews the work of subordinate staff;
- Evaluates subordinate employees' performance and counsels the employee as required;
- Reviews and analyzes new and modified docks, dredge and fill or mangrove trimming permit applications, ensures compliance with Water and Navigation Regulations, prepares written comments, and communicates with internal and external stakeholders;
- Investigates, conducts inspections, prepares follow-up reports on enforcement actions and notices on inspections, and performs re-inspections to ensure regulatory compliance;
- Reviews capital project and operational plans for impacts to the environment and compliance to applicable environmental regulations.
- Assesses tree health, wetland condition, and performs jurisdictional determinations.
- Performs related work as assigned or required.
What Do You Need To Have?- Nine (9) years of professional level experience in environmental permitting and compliance programs including reviewing permit applications, conducting inspections, responding to complaints, development and implementation of outreach programs, and tracking and reporting of compliance data that includes supervision or supervisor training; or
- A Bachelor's degree with major course work in physical, natural or biological science, environmental engineering, or related field and five (5) years of professional level experience in environmental permitting and compliance programs including reviewing permit applications, conducting inspections, responding to complaints, development and implementation of outreach programs, and tracking and reporting of compliance data that includes supervision or supervisor training; 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- Master's Degree in Ecology, Biology, Limnology, or other Natural Sciences program area.
- Extensive experience with Accela or other permitting software, and familiar with GIS software such as ESRI ArcPro.
- State Sediment and Erosion Control Inspector or ability to obtain within 1 year.
- ISA Arborist Certification.
- Professional Wetland Scientist of Certified Ecologist designation.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities- Knowledge of local, state and federal environmental laws, rules and regulations as related to water and navigation and aquatic resources.
- Knowledge of mathematics and natural, physical and biological sciences.
- Knowledge of the principles of arboriculture and wetland science, including establishment of jurisdictional boundaries.
- Skilled in the use of permitting software to process, document, and track permits and compliance cases
- Ability to read and interpret complex plans, environmental permits, mitigation requirements and technical reports.
- Ability to plan work and oversee subordinate staff, including training, mentoring and evaluating performance;
- Ability to provide technical expertise and guidance to staff on permit application reviews, compliance processes, and developing technical strategies to resolve biological resource issues.
- Ability to handle difficult situations such as interactions with staff and customer interactions with fairness, patience, and courtesy.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with fellow workers, outside agencies, and the public;
- Ability to utilize identification and dichotomous keys to identify native and exotic plants, and train other staff to perform these tasks.
- Ability to testify in court as an expert witness.
Why Choose Pinellas County?When you join Pinellas County, you're not just taking on a job-you're investing in your future. We believe in supporting our employees with exceptional benefits that help you thrive both professionally and personally. Here's why our benefits stand out as some of the best in the area:
- 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.
- To learn more, see What We Offer
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.
Environment Program Manager 1
