Hybrid Lagoon Plan Environmental Specialist bei Indian River County Board of County Commissioners, FL

About the Department

Welcome, we are excited you are here. 

Take a peek at what our beautiful County has to offer -

The Lagoon Specialist will primarily be responsible for a variety of professional, technical, and field duties implementing various programs and projects within the Lagoon Division. This position actively collaborates with others; manages environmental vendors and contracts; coordinates and performs various educational activities and outreach efforts. Lagoon Division programs are guided by the Lagoon Management Plan, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Central Indian River Lagoon Basin Management Plan and the Manatee Protection Plan. The Lagoon Specialist works under the direction of the Senior Lagoon Environmental Specialist. The Lagoon Specialist supports the needs of Lagoon Division’s restoration enhancement projects and coordinates with partners to address Lagoon related issues. The function of the Lagoon Division is the management and oversight of the County’s Indian River Lagoon projects, which includes, but is not limited to permitting and construction of projects related to habitat restoration and enhancement, and monitoring. This is primarily an office-based position with routine requirements for field work (80/20).  

Position Duties

• Develops, coordinates, and implements education and outreach opportunities in the community, including presentations and events supporting the Lagoon Division and Natural Resources Department. 
• Procures and manages contracted work supporting Lagoon Division programs including boating and waterway projects. Overseeing contracted consultants performing derelict vessel removal, waterway marker installation and large-scale restoration projects.
• Prepare and write technical reports, including graphical figures. Able to review, analyze, and evaluate permits, technical data, maps, models, reports, and studies.  Presentation of materials and information to various audiences, including the Board of County Commissioners.
• Maintains compliance with state and federal environmental rules and regulations.
• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with consultants, government agencies, County staff, and the public (including but not limited to individuals, HOA’s, Management Companies and Not-for-Profits).
• Performs periodic field site visits related to on-going monitoring and restoration efforts.
• Responds to coastal natural disasters and performs various assessments as needed by the County. 
• Seeks, applies, and manages grant opportunities to support Lagoon Division programs and projects. 
• Uses graphic design software to create flyers, brochures, and other outreach material for Lagoon Division and Departmental programs. 
• Experience trailering and operating a boat. 
• Assists on an as-needed basis with the operations of various projects and programs within the other Divisions of the Natural Resources Department.

Minimum Qualifications

Education/Experience:

Bachelor’s degree in biology, Marine Science, Environmental Sciences, Natural Resources, or similar field of study from an accredited four-year college or university. A minimum of two years of experience directly related to the estuarine or coastal environment. An equivalent combination of formal education and related work experience may be considered. 

Licenses, Certifications or Registrations:

• Valid Florida Driver’s License 
• Florida Boating safety education card 
• Open Water SCUBA diving certification (preferred)

Knowledge, Abilities, and Skills: 

Knowledge of coastal/estuarine ecosystems.

Knowledge of environmental permitting and regulations.   

Knowledge of effective education and outreach techniques. 

Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.

Ability to speak in public situations in front of various group sizes. 

Ability to write technical reports and to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in-writing. 

Ability to coordinate and organize with consultants, government agency officials, and the public.

Ability to provide assessments in the event of significant coastal natural disasters. 

Ability to use a computer and other technologies along with related software programs. 

Ability to safely drive a county vehicle, trailer and operate a boat. 

Ability to navigate and orient in natural areas. 

Ability to lift and move heavy objects weighing up to 50 lbs.

Ability to work in adverse weather and environmental conditions. 

Skilled in using various software to prepare material for presentations (CANVA, Powerpoint, etc.)

Skilled in interpersonal communications with coworkers, contractors, and the public. 

Skilled in organization and time management to carry out concurrent program tasks. 

Skilled in Microsoft Office suite of products

Other Qualifications

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS: 

Work is performed primarily inside an office for extended periods as well as some field opportunities with changing conditions of heat, cold, wind, and rain. 

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:

Education and outreach activities are frequently held on weekends and evenings.

This job description is not intended to be and should not be construed as an all-inclusive list of all the responsibilities, skills or working conditions associated with the position.  While it is intended to accurately reflect the position activities and requirements, Management reserves the right to modify, add or remove duties and assign other duties as necessary that are a logical assignment to the position.

JOB DESCRIPTION / ADA ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

ATTESTATION 

I understand that a qualified employee or applicant with a disability may be afforded a reasonable accommodation to perform the essential job functions of a position in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

I have read the job description for the above position and understand the job duties, requirements, and responsibilities for the position. I attest that I am able to perform the essential functions as outlined in the job description either with or without accommodation. I understand that if I require accommodation, I will contact the Human Resources Department to request accommodation.

If I have any questions about the job duties described in the above job description, I should discuss them with my immediate supervisor or a member of the Human Resources staff.

I have discussed any questions I may have had about this job description prior to signing this 
 form.

_________________________                                     ______________________

Employees Signature                                                        Date

_________________________                                     _______________________

Employees Name (Please Print)                                      Employee Number