Natural Resources Specialist Salary

$27.21 - $43.43 Hourly

Location

Plantation, FL

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

1412760

Department

RED EPD Aq Wetland Tree Pres

Opening Date

09/09/2024

Closing Date

2/7/2025 5:00 PM Eastern

Veterans' Preference Notice

Under Section 295.07, Florida Statutes, certain servicemembers and veterans, and the spouses and family members of such servicemembers and veterans, receive preference and priority, and certain servicemembers may be eligible to receive waivers for postsecondary educational requirements, in employment with Broward County and are encouraged to apply for the positions being filled.

Description Benefits Questions REQUIREMENTS AND PREFERENCES

Broward County is not accepting attachments for this recruitment, including resumes or similar supporting documentation. Please ensure you complete the application in its entirety and include all information you want considered.

 

The Broward County Board of County Commissioners is seeking qualified candidates for Natural Resources Specialist to support the Environmental Permitting Division.
 

Benefits of Broward County Employment

High Deductible Health Plan – bi-weekly premiums: 

Single $10.39 / Family $76.94

Includes a County Funded Health Savings Account of up to $2400 Annually

Consumer Driven Health Plan – bi-weekly premiums:

Single $78.64 / Family $273.13

Florida Retirement System (FRS) – Pension or Investment Plan

457 Deferred Compensation employee match

Eleven (11) paid holidays each year

Vacation (Paid Time Off) = 2 weeks per year 

Up to 40 hours of Job Basis Leave for eligible positions

Tuition Reimbursement (Up to 2K annually)

Paid Parental Leave

 

 

General Description

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

Works under general supervision, independently developing work methods and sequences.

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.

International Degree Evaluation Language:
 For consideration of international degrees, candidates must have it evaluated by an approved member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES), or Association of International Credential Evaluators (AICE). All associated expenses incurred are the responsibility of the candidate. To access the NACES directory of current members, please visit www.naces.org/members. To access the AICE directory of endorsed members, please visit https://aice-eval.org/endorsed-members. Completed evaluations do not guarantee an offer of employment and are subject to approval by Broward County Human Resources.

Special Certifications and Licenses:

Must possess and maintain a valid Florida Class E driver?s license for duration of appointment. (Depending upon area of assignment.)

Preferences:

-One year experience in Broward County, SFWMD, and FDEP rules and regulations regarding aquatic and wetland resources and environmental resource permitting, including experience with wetland mitigation design and construction, the Uniform Mitigation Assessment Method and criteria for wetland jurisdictional determinations, are preferred.

-One year experience in Broward County rules and regulations regarding tree regulations, including experience with tree replacement and tree appraisal calculations are preferred.

-Professional Wetland Scientist or Professional Soil Scientist.

-OSHA Hazwoper Certification.
-Arborist Certification.
-Tree Risk Assessment Qualification.
-Landscape Inspector Certification.
-One year experience in POSSE/Winchester.
-One year experience in State or Federal database systems (PA, RegDB).
-One year employment experience in GIS.

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.

Coordinates, reviews, and issues Environmental Resource and Tree Removal license applications, which include design plans, calculations, environmental information, and legal documentation, for consistency with federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations.  Coordinates, reviews, and issues permit applications for the delegated State Environmental Resource Permit Program and US Army Corps of Engineers State Programatic General Permit (SPGP).  Prepares application review comments and requests additional information from environmental engineers and consultants or property owners for revisions to calculations and designs.  Prepares environmental reports with project specific information, license conditions, environmental data, and calculation summaries.

Coordinates and communicates with owners, developers, attorneys, environmental engineers and consultants, mitigation banks, and the general public for the purpose of reviewing design plans and specifications and the issuance of Environmental Resource and Tree Preservation licenses.

Apply scientific principles and method in the development of manuals, guidelines, permit applications, and procedures for implementing environmental licensing programs.  Assists in writing, amending, and updating County environmental rules and regulations.  Implements quality assurance procedures to ensure accurate and comprehensive site visits to assess the environmental conditions pre- and post-licensing.  Prepares written technical reports and agency correspondence.

Evaluates and interprets hydrological, terrestrial, chemical and/or marine physical, geotechnical, laboratory, ecological, and biological data related to applications, licenses, compliance inspections, enforcement actions, and natural resource enhancement and protection projects.

Performs research to respond to queries and complaints.  Performs sites inspections to ensure compliance with state and local regulations and identifies deficiencies in inspection reports.  Respond to inquiries from consultants, contractors, municipalities and other internal and external customers.  Performs public outreach on environmental issues and corrective actions.

Issues appropriate warnings, notices of violation, and/or other enforcement actions, as warranted, against respondents with non-compliance issues and/or violations cited.  Participates in hearings concerning violations of federal, state and local laws.  Maintains enforcement case files.

Enters licensing and compliance information into the County’s database.  Provides assistance with e-Permits implementation, training and troubleshooting.

Stay abreast of current environmental technology and EPA, State and local 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. (Depending upon area of assignment.)

SPECIAL INFORMATION

CompetenciesTech SavvyAnticipates and adopts innovations in business-building digital and technology applications. Investigates technologies to learn some cutting-edge best practices. Uses digital/social media to benefit the team and add value to the work being done; understands how to avoid misuse of these tools.
Manages ComplexityMakes sense of complex, high quantity, and sometimes contradictory information to effectively solve problems. Quickly determines the most critical data and focuses analysis there; recognizes even subtle symptoms that indicate problems; probes deeply for root causes; uses systematic problem-solving methods. Well.
Decision QualityMakes good and timely decisions that keep the organization moving forward. Swiftly internalizes coaching on routine issues; handles issues confidently after instruction. Leverages rules and procedures to speed up decision making. Confidently and quickly draws on others' expertise.
Optimizes Work ProcessesKnows the most effective and efficient processes to get things done, with a focus on continuous improvement. Pursues, explores, and develops ways to ensure own work is as effective as possible within all relevant processes. Shares an analysis of process problems with stakeholders; discusses how to resolve the issue.
Ensures AccountabilityHolds self and others accountable to meet commitments. Accepts responsibility for own work, both successes and failures. Handles fair share and does not make excuses for problems. Usually meets commitments to others.
Communicates EffectivelyDevelops and delivers multi-mode communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences. Seeks out others' perspectives and asks good questions. Shares information that people want to know; gives appropriate context and details when speaking.
Courage Steps up to address difficult issues, saying what needs to be said. Is known for expressing views directly and respectfully; communicates what needs to be said. Assumes personal ownership and responsibility when confronted or challenged; shows readiness to learn and to resolve issues.
County Core ValuesAll Broward County employees strive to demonstrate the County's four core behavioral competencies.Collaborates: Building partnerships and working collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives.Customer focus: Building strong customer relationships and delivering customer-centric solutions.Instills trust: Gaining the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity, and authenticity.Values differences: Recognizing the value that different perspectives and cultures bring to an organization.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) ComplianceBroward County is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to inclusion. Broward County is committed to providing equal opportunity and reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. We support the hiring of people with disabilities; therefore, if you require assistance due to a disability, please contact the Professional Standards Section in advance at 954-357-6500 or email Profstandards@broward.org to make an accommodation request.
Emergency Management ResponsibilitiesNote: 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 ResponsibilitiesAll 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 is a dynamic county that offers an exciting, stable career with incredible employee benefits such as 11 annual holidays, accrued annual/vacation and sick leave, FRS retirement, $50,000 of free life insurance, training and development, and participation eligibility in a deferred compensation (457) plan with a match up to $2,600. In addition, Broward County offers 2 health plans, a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) with a County-funded Health Savings Account (HSA), and a Consumer Driven Health plan (CDH), Dental insurance, Vision insurance and Section 125 Flexible spending accounts for Medical Expenses and Dependent Care. Part-time 20+ benefit eligible employees receive the benefits described above at a reduced amount. Additional information about Broward County Benefits.

01 Do you have a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in chemistry, geology, biology or environmental science or closely related field? Yes No 02 Do you have at least six (6) months experience in natural resource protection or closely related field? Yes No 03 Do you possess a valid Florida Driver's license and, if not, will you be able to obtain same and will you be able to maintain for the duration of appointment? Yes No 04 Please describe in detail your professional experience, including title and length of time developing, applying, interpreting, or enforcing rules, regulations or policies related to environmental regulations. Please highlight any experience or knowledge of wetland rules and regulations, and wetland jurisdictional determinations. If none, list none. 05 Please describe your past experience with field work (including identification of species, collecting, evaluating, analyzing, or interpreting scientific, statistical and/or technical data), reviewing project plans, evaluating compliance with licenses, and performing construction site inspections. If none, list none. 06 This position will require work in the areas of environmental licensing, compliance monitoring and enforcement. Which of these areas do you perceive as your weakest area and what level of training/assistance would you need to attain a high level of comfort? 07 Describe any experience you have with technical report writing including any experience you have with preparing, reviewing or processing legal documents for environmental violations. If none, list none. 08 Describe your proficiency with Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, and ArcGIS software, Database Software (entry, intermediate, advanced in each). 09 Describe how you addressed your worst, unruly or irate customer. Explain the situation and what steps you took to resolve the issue. What was the outcome? 10 Describe examples of past work experience that demonstrate your ability to work on multiple projects independently, efficiently, and under pressure.

Required Question

Employer Broward County Address 115 S. Andrews Ave.

Fort Lauderdale, Florida, 33301-4800 Phone (954) 831-4000
Website http://www.broward.org/careers REQUIREMENTS AND PREFERENCES

Broward County is not accepting attachments for this recruitment, including resumes or similar supporting documentation. Please ensure you complete the application in its entirety and include all information you want considered.

 

The Broward County Board of County Commissioners is seeking qualified candidates for Natural Resources Specialist to support the Environmental Permitting Division.
 

Benefits of Broward County Employment

High Deductible Health Plan – bi-weekly premiums: 

Single $10.39 / Family $76.94

Includes a County Funded Health Savings Account of up to $2400 Annually

Consumer Driven Health Plan – bi-weekly premiums:

Single $78.64 / Family $273.13

Florida Retirement System (FRS) – Pension or Investment Plan

457 Deferred Compensation employee match

Eleven (11) paid holidays each year

Vacation (Paid Time Off) = 2 weeks per year 

Up to 40 hours of Job Basis Leave for eligible positions

Tuition Reimbursement (Up to 2K annually)

Paid Parental Leave

 

 

General Description

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

Works under general supervision, independently developing work methods and sequences.

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.

International Degree Evaluation Language:
 For consideration of international degrees, candidates must have it evaluated by an approved member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES), or Association of International Credential Evaluators (AICE). All associated expenses incurred are the responsibility of the candidate. To access the NACES directory of current members, please visit www.naces.org/members. To access the AICE directory of endorsed members, please visit https://aice-eval.org/endorsed-members. Completed evaluations do not guarantee an offer of employment and are subject to approval by Broward County Human Resources.

Special Certifications and Licenses:

Must possess and maintain a valid Florida Class E driver?s license for duration of appointment. (Depending upon area of assignment.)

Preferences:

-One year experience in Broward County, SFWMD, and FDEP rules and regulations regarding aquatic and wetland resources and environmental resource permitting, including experience with wetland mitigation design and construction, the Uniform Mitigation Assessment Method and criteria for wetland jurisdictional determinations, are preferred.

-One year experience in Broward County rules and regulations regarding tree regulations, including experience with tree replacement and tree appraisal calculations are preferred.

-Professional Wetland Scientist or Professional Soil Scientist.

-OSHA Hazwoper Certification.
-Arborist Certification.
-Tree Risk Assessment Qualification.
-Landscape Inspector Certification.
-One year experience in POSSE/Winchester.
-One year experience in State or Federal database systems (PA, RegDB).
-One year employment experience in GIS.

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.

Coordinates, reviews, and issues Environmental Resource and Tree Removal license applications, which include design plans, calculations, environmental information, and legal documentation, for consistency with federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations.  Coordinates, reviews, and issues permit applications for the delegated State Environmental Resource Permit Program and US Army Corps of Engineers State Programatic General Permit (SPGP).  Prepares application review comments and requests additional information from environmental engineers and consultants or property owners for revisions to calculations and designs.  Prepares environmental reports with project specific information, license conditions, environmental data, and calculation summaries.

Coordinates and communicates with owners, developers, attorneys, environmental engineers and consultants, mitigation banks, and the general public for the purpose of reviewing design plans and specifications and the issuance of Environmental Resource and Tree Preservation licenses.

Apply scientific principles and method in the development of manuals, guidelines, permit applications, and procedures for implementing environmental licensing programs.  Assists in writing, amending, and updating County environmental rules and regulations.  Implements quality assurance procedures to ensure accurate and comprehensive site visits to assess the environmental conditions pre- and post-licensing.  Prepares written technical reports and agency correspondence.

Evaluates and interprets hydrological, terrestrial, chemical and/or marine physical, geotechnical, laboratory, ecological, and biological data related to applications, licenses, compliance inspections, enforcement actions, and natural resource enhancement and protection projects.

Performs research to respond to queries and complaints.  Performs sites inspections to ensure compliance with state and local regulations and identifies deficiencies in inspection reports.  Respond to inquiries from consultants, contractors, municipalities and other internal and external customers.  Performs public outreach on environmental issues and corrective actions.

Issues appropriate warnings, notices of violation, and/or other enforcement actions, as warranted, against respondents with non-compliance issues and/or violations cited.  Participates in hearings concerning violations of federal, state and local laws.  Maintains enforcement case files.

Enters licensing and compliance information into the County’s database.  Provides assistance with e-Permits implementation, training and troubleshooting.

Stay abreast of current environmental technology and EPA, State and local 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. (Depending upon area of assignment.)

SPECIAL INFORMATION

CompetenciesTech SavvyAnticipates and adopts innovations in business-building digital and technology applications. Investigates technologies to learn some cutting-edge best practices. Uses digital/social media to benefit the team and add value to the work being done; understands how to avoid misuse of these tools.
Manages ComplexityMakes sense of complex, high quantity, and sometimes contradictory information to effectively solve problems. Quickly determines the most critical data and focuses analysis there; recognizes even subtle symptoms that indicate problems; probes deeply for root causes; uses systematic problem-solving methods. Well.
Decision QualityMakes good and timely decisions that keep the organization moving forward. Swiftly internalizes coaching on routine issues; handles issues confidently after instruction. Leverages rules and procedures to speed up decision making. Confidently and quickly draws on others' expertise.
Optimizes Work ProcessesKnows the most effective and efficient processes to get things done, with a focus on continuous improvement. Pursues, explores, and develops ways to ensure own work is as effective as possible within all relevant processes. Shares an analysis of process problems with stakeholders; discusses how to resolve the issue.
Ensures AccountabilityHolds self and others accountable to meet commitments. Accepts responsibility for own work, both successes and failures. Handles fair share and does not make excuses for problems. Usually meets commitments to others.
Communicates EffectivelyDevelops and delivers multi-mode communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences. Seeks out others' perspectives and asks good questions. Shares information that people want to know; gives appropriate context and details when speaking.
Courage Steps up to address difficult issues, saying what needs to be said. Is known for expressing views directly and respectfully; communicates what needs to be said. Assumes personal ownership and responsibility when confronted or challenged; shows readiness to learn and to resolve issues.
County Core ValuesAll Broward County employees strive to demonstrate the County's four core behavioral competencies.Collaborates: Building partnerships and working collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives.Customer focus: Building strong customer relationships and delivering customer-centric solutions.Instills trust: Gaining the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity, and authenticity.Values differences: Recognizing the value that different perspectives and cultures bring to an organization.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) ComplianceBroward County is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to inclusion. Broward County is committed to providing equal opportunity and reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. We support the hiring of people with disabilities; therefore, if you require assistance due to a disability, please contact the Professional Standards Section in advance at 954-357-6500 or email Profstandards@broward.org to make an accommodation request.
Emergency Management ResponsibilitiesNote: 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 ResponsibilitiesAll 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 is a dynamic county that offers an exciting, stable career with incredible employee benefits such as 11 annual holidays, accrued annual/vacation and sick leave, FRS retirement, $50,000 of free life insurance, training and development, and participation eligibility in a deferred compensation (457) plan with a match up to $2,600. In addition, Broward County offers 2 health plans, a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) with a County-funded Health Savings Account (HSA), and a Consumer Driven Health plan (CDH), Dental insurance, Vision insurance and Section 125 Flexible spending accounts for Medical Expenses and Dependent Care. Part-time 20+ benefit eligible employees receive the benefits described above at a reduced amount. Additional information about Broward County Benefits.

01 Do you have a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in chemistry, geology, biology or environmental science or closely related field? Yes No 02 Do you have at least six (6) months experience in natural resource protection or closely related field? Yes No 03 Do you possess a valid Florida Driver's license and, if not, will you be able to obtain same and will you be able to maintain for the duration of appointment? Yes No 04 Please describe in detail your professional experience, including title and length of time developing, applying, interpreting, or enforcing rules, regulations or policies related to environmental regulations. Please highlight any experience or knowledge of wetland rules and regulations, and wetland jurisdictional determinations. If none, list none. 05 Please describe your past experience with field work (including identification of species, collecting, evaluating, analyzing, or interpreting scientific, statistical and/or technical data), reviewing project plans, evaluating compliance with licenses, and performing construction site inspections. If none, list none. 06 This position will require work in the areas of environmental licensing, compliance monitoring and enforcement. Which of these areas do you perceive as your weakest area and what level of training/assistance would you need to attain a high level of comfort? 07 Describe any experience you have with technical report writing including any experience you have with preparing, reviewing or processing legal documents for environmental violations. If none, list none. 08 Describe your proficiency with Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, and ArcGIS software, Database Software (entry, intermediate, advanced in each). 09 Describe how you addressed your worst, unruly or irate customer. Explain the situation and what steps you took to resolve the issue. What was the outcome? 10 Describe examples of past work experience that demonstrate your ability to work on multiple projects independently, efficiently, and under pressure.

Required Question

Employer Broward County Address 115 S. Andrews Ave.

Fort Lauderdale, Florida, 33301-4800 Phone (954) 831-4000
Website http://www.broward.org/careers