Natural Resources Coordinator

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Assists with planning, coordination, and implementation of programs and projects related to the coastal and terrestrial environment such as sea turtle conservation, beach restoration, artificial reefs, beach and marine debris removal and reduction, tourism/recreation, sustainable marine fisheries, tourism outreach/education, environmental protection, sustainability and restoration initiatives.

• Assists with the sea turtle conservation program such as nest surveys, educational outreach content, volunteer coordination assistance, beachfront lighting surveys, sea turtle stranding and salvage response, relevant research opportunities and partnerships, public awareness and engagement, and working with partners to enhance efforts.
• Performs marine debris removal and reduction duties such as beach cleanups, underwater cleanups, and applying for grants or funding opportunities to assist with removal and reduction efforts.
• Assists with planning, development, and implementation of programs to protect, enhance, and restore natural resources and foster ecotourism and related activities.
• Plans and attends special projects and events aligned with natural resources initiatives, sea turtle conservation, marine debris removal and reduction efforts, and other related natural resources.
• Establishes and nurtures productive working relationships with academic, non-government, non-profit organizations and regulatory and government agencies who have direct influence on County natural resource projects.
• Collects pertinent environmental data to assess the overall status of resources.
• Develops and presents educational and outreach programs for and in collaboration with various environmental resource related groups.
• Researches and seeks opportunities to obtain grants related to environmental recreation, environmental protection and restoration, marine debris removal and reduction, sea turtle conservation and protection, beach restoration and environmental education; prepares grant applications and administers projects.
• Applies knowledge of principles, practices, methods and terminology of natural and environmental resource management to areas of responsibility.
• Ensures compliance with federal, state, and local laws, rules, regulations and permitting requirements as related to County natural and environmental resource activities.
• Assists with development of departmental budget, policies, and procedures and other data documenting activities.
• Supports program operations outside of normal business hours, to include long days, occasional evenings, and some weekends.
• Responsible for assisting with coastal system preparedness and recovery during natural and manmade disasters affecting coastal systems.
• Collaborates on initiatives and programs with land and coastal resources teams, Keep Okaloosa Beautiful, and the Choctawhatchee Bay Estuary Program.
• Supports other natural resource initiatives which may include inshore/offshore water-based activities (lionfish monitoring and removals, artificial reef deployments, etc.), fish and wildlife surveys, habitat restoration, and topic‑specific outreach and education.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Bachelor's degree in Environmental or Natural sciences or a closely related field, supplemented by two (2) years of environmental experience in planning, program evaluation, project management, and/or research/analysis; or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities. Knowledge and experience of the unique Northwest Florida ecosystems is preferred. Experience with environmental protection and restoration initiatives is preferred.

Experience operating all‑terrain vehicles in off‑road environments is preferred. Must have excellent writing, public speaking and organization skills.

Requires a valid driver license. SCUBA diving certification is required.

Requires the ability to operate office equipment, to include computers, copy/fax machines, and…