Environmental Field Specialist - Mitigation

Work Location: 1022 26th Avenue East, Bradenton, Florida 34208

Work Hours: Monday - Friday, 7am - 5pm (flexible)

Expected Starting Hourly Range: $21.92 - $27.40

This classification applies knowledge of various scientific disciplines to collect, synthesize, study, report, and act based on data derived from field measurements and/or observations to support mitigation and ecological restoration projects, and marine and waterway management projects. Duties may include, but not be limited to, environmental inspections, wetland permitting, vegetation and wildlife surveys, and mitigation monitoring. Duties are performed in accordance with federal, state, and local environmental laws, ordinances, codes and regulations.

Participates in projects and tasks assigned to the Ecological and Marine Resources Division. Assists with field surveys, contractor oversight, report preparation for environmental resource permits, grant reporting, and compensatory mitigation compliance related to ecological restoration (freshwater, tidal, and uplands) and wetland mitigation projects. Tasks include habitat characterizations, environmental assessments, support on wetland delineations, plant identification, wildlife surveys, permitting support, and permit compliance.

This position will assist with preparing environmental reports, analyzing field data, reviewing engineering plans, and researching permits and land use changes to strategize ecological restoration and mitigation project. An understanding of state and federal permitting, including state environmental resources permitting, (ERP), and Federal Section 404 and Section 10.

Requires an understanding of wetland and upland ecology to collect field data to support the design of restoration and mitigation projects including, but not limited to, wildlife, hydrology, vegetation, and soils using standards established by the regulatory agencies. Perform gopher tortoise surveys and support tortoise relocations under our Authorized Gopher Tortoise Agents. Ability to utilize GPS and experience using ArcGIS Pro, highly desirable.

Assist with analyzing data and writing scientific, technical, and programmatic reports resulting from work.

Indoor/Outdoor work environments possibly exposed to hearing and other outdoor weather extremes, including long exposure to sunlight, and extreme heat and humidity. Sitting for long periods working on a computer. Lifting equipment up to 25 pounds alone or 50 pounds with assistance. Position requires visual acuity and depth perception, as well as ability to hear and identify sounds.

Required to drive County vehicles and operate specialized field equipment as part of the duties of the job, including operating 4-wheel drive vehicles and towing. Occasional overnight travel required. Occasionally required to work other than normal business hours (i.e., Mon.

-Fri.).

These are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position.

Participates with a multi-disciplined environmental team that is highly collaborative to achieve Division goals and objectives.

Assists with multiple, concurrent ecological restoration and mitigation projects, including project planning and contractor oversight. Reports contractor performance for quality control.

Assists the marine resources team to maintain navigational aids, facilitate the removal of abandoned and derelict vessels, and help with planning and implementing the artificial reef program and other restoration projects.

Ability to identify Florida native plants and specifically vegetation used in wetland (e.g., freshwater and tidal) and upland habitat restoration. Experience with nuisance and exotic species identification and willingness to learn best practices to manage such species.

Reviews and understands federal, state, and local rules and regulations related to the Department's ecological restoration and mitigation projects to ensure compliance.

Interpret and implement environmental permitting regulations, including field survey techniques and…