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Natural Resources Specialist (Manatee Protection Plan)

The Broward County Board of County Commissioners is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Natural Resources Specialist (Manatee Protection Plan, Marine Facility Operating License Program).

An exciting and rewarding opportunity awaits you with the Beach and Marine Section of the Environmental Planning and Community Resilience Division of Broward County. This section is dedicated to protecting Broward's beaches and coastal areas, which provide habitats for a variety of species including threatened or endangered corals, manatees, and sea turtles.

To help sustain local beaches, coral reefs, and marine flora and fauna, the Beach and Marine Section has developed and implemented programs related to beach nourishment, natural and artificial reefs, manatee protection, mooring buoys, and sea turtle conservation. This position will be responsible for implementing Broward County's Manatee Protection Plan (MPP) by processing Marine Facility Operating License (MFOL) applications which includes maintaining the databases of facilities which are regulated by the MPP, preparing notification letters, tracking payments of annual fees, preparing annual licenses, conducting site inspections and initiating enforcement actions as necessary for compliance. The successful candidate should have excellent communication skills, both orally and in writing, strong presentation skills and superior organizational skills.

This class works under general supervision, independently developing work methods and sequences.

Implements the Broward County MPP by processing MFOL applications which includes maintaining the databases of facilities which are regulated by the MPP, preparing notification letters, tracking payments of annual fees, preparing annual licenses, conducting site inspections and initiating enforcement actions as necessary for compliance.

Reviews new and renewal MFOL application files for completeness, including technical and administrative requirements. Drafts licenses and issues licenses. Verifies compliance with license. Reviews requests for license exemptions and prepares responses. Resolves differences between historical slip counts and submitted application numbers.

Conducts inspections to determine presence or absence of boat dockage, verify number and size of slips, and compliance with license general and specific conditions for marine facilities. Conducts inspections in response to complaints received on the Environmental Complaint line. Pursues enforcement compliance with Chapter 27 of the Broward County Code of Ordinances and license conditions. Initiates and prepares enforcement actions and correspondence dealing with enforcement activities. Prepares reports and participates in enforcement hearings. Maintains enforcement case files.

Coordinates licensing activities and enforcement efforts with other Departmental divisions, regulatory agencies, and local municipalities.

Maintains an updated database in POSSE, Microsoft Excel, and a geographic information systems (GIS) application based on data from MFOL applications and field inspections of marine facilities. Creates and generates reports. Assists with implementation of ePermitting improvements and upgrades to POSSE database.

Assists the public with general licensing questions, property research, file review, etc. Assists with Development and Environmental Review routings.

Assists in developing and distributing information related to the Broward's waterways and conservation and protection of manatees. Delivers educational presentations at local schools, homeowners associations, public outreach events, etc.

Promote the MPP's Education and Awareness component of manatees and manatee conservation to the public and boating community through outreach events, site visits, social media forums, and other applicable formats.

Develop audience-specific material to be used in fulfilling requests for speakers on manatees from schools, clubs, and other organizations in conjunction with other Division programs.

Perform and assist in the maintenance and updating of the County's MPP website and in review and verification of manatee sighting reports through the "I Spy A Manatee" mobile app.

Tasks are performed with minimum supervision within the scope and procedures outlined for accomplishment of the approved program and selected projects. Candidate will effectively represent the County's interests before diverse audiences, experience in presentations, and skill in generating consensus and fostering collaborative efforts are preferred. Supervision is received from the Natural Resource Specialist Senior and Division Director through conferences and review of completed work.

General Description
Performs professional environmental work enforcing the provisions of environmental ordinances as well as participating in natural resource enhancement and protection efforts.

This class works under general supervision, independently developing work methods and sequences.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The functions listed below are those that represent the majority of the time spent working in this class. Management may assign additional functions related to the type of work of the job as necessary.

Performs and assists in performing routine investigations involving compliance with environmental rules and license conditions; issues notices of violation and prepares correspondence dealing with enforcement of environmental rules and ordinances.

Performs special research and investigates complaints pertaining to environmental problems; advises the public on policies regarding environmental issues; performs field evaluations and makes recommendations on environmental aspects of resource management; prepares restoration and management plans.

Reviews environmental license applications for consistency with federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations.

Develops manuals, guidelines and procedures for implementing environmental resource programs; assists in writing, amending, and updating County environmental rules and regulations; prepares written reports and correspondence, and maintains enforcement case files; prepares grant request proposals.

Prepares technical specifications for the procurement of materials and equipment used in diversified environmental projects; participates in designing environmental sampling programs to meet specific objectives.

Makes presentations to schools, civic groups, chambers of commerce, and other business and civic associations to publicize the environmental programs and ordinances; coordinates programs with other County departments, municipalities and agencies; prepares informational and educational materials and programs relating to environmental resources; develops and implements management.

Tracks the progress of environmental protection and restoration efforts and works with contractors.

Performs training, instruction and supervision in the gathering, evaluation and interpretation of hydrological, terrestrial, chemical and/or marine physical and biological data.

Reviews beach erosion control projects to ensure appropriate enhancement and protective environmental considerations; reviews water resource and habitat restoration plans for County impact; interprets laboratory and geotechnical data related to permits, compliance inspections, or enforcement actions; reviews operating, transfer and closure permits for compliance to federal, state, and local laws and regulations.

Performs related work as assigned.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Physical Demands
Physical demands refer to the requirements for physical exertion and coordination of limb and body movement.

Performs light work that involves walking or standing most of the time and involves exerting up to 20 pounds of force on a regular and recurring basis, or skill, adeptness and speed in the use of fingers, hands or limbs on repetitive operation of mechanical or electronic office equipment or tools within moderate tolerances or limits of accuracy.
Unavoidable Hazards (Work Environment)
Unavoidable hazards refer to the job conditions that may lead to injury or health hazards even though precautions have been taken.

Involves routine and frequent exposure to disease/pathogens.

SPECIAL INFORMATION:

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Compliance:

Broward County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The ADA requires Broward County to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss ADA accommodations with management.

Emergency Management Responsibilities:

Note: During emergency conditions, all County employees are automatically considered emergency service workers. County employees are subject to being called to work in the event of a disaster, such as a hurricane, or other emergency situation and are expected to perform emergency service duties, as assigned.

County-wide Employee Responsibilities:

All Broward County employees must serve the public and fellow employees with honesty and integrity in full accord with the letter and spirit of Broward County's Employee Code of Ethics, gift, and conflict of interest policies.

All Broward County employees must establish and maintain effective working relationships with the general public, co-workers, elected and appointed officials and members of diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, political affiliation, familial status, sexual orientation, pregnancy, or gender identity and expression.


BROWARD COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER AND PROVIDER OF SERVICES


Minimum Education and Experience Requirements:

Requires a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in chemistry, geology, biology or environmental science or closely related field.

Requires six (6) months experience in natural resource protection based on area of assignment or closely related experience.

Preferences:
Demonstrate experience in project management.
Experience in natural resource protection work appropriate to area of assignment.
Demonstrate experience in developing education and outreach programs and presenting to diverse audiences.
Master's degree in an environmental science or closely related field.


Applications must be received by Thursday, 2/8/18 at 5:00 PM EST.

APPLICATIONS MAY BE FILED ONLINE AT http://www.broward.org/careers