Location: Sanford,FL, USA
This is an entry level position that assists Senior Environmental Scientist with lake assessments and helps make technical recommendations/reports regarding aquatic vegetation management, fish kills, algae blooms, nutrient reduction, cyanobacteria issues, fecal coliform bacteria levels and toxic spills/ illicit discharges. Assists Senior Environmental Scientist with the planning and implementation of lake restoration events. Lake restoration events include: the identification and removal of invasive plants, native vegetation planting design, and habitat enhancement. Position will also be required to manage and lead Seminole, Education, Restoration and Volunteer (SERV) Program volunteers during restoration events.
Salary will be determined depending on qualifications of candidates who exceed the minimum requirements as outlined within the job description.
Additional compensation based on licensure.
Note: 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.
Prepares lake bioassessment reports including recommendations for: aquatic vegetation management, fish kills, algae blooms, nutrient reduction, cyanobacteria issues, fecal coliform bacteria levels, and toxic spills/ illicit discharges.
Provides technical/limnological assistance for lake residents, which includes evening meetings. Regularly provides lake bioassessment reports for lake management (exotic plant control, water quality, etc.) to residents, local municipalities, and other partners/agencies.
Performs targeted stormwater education and continues to work cooperatively with other environmentally-oriented outreach programs, such as the Seminole Education, Restoration and Volunteer program (SERV), County Extension Office/UF/IFAS Lakewatch, and Florida Yards and Neighborhoods Program (FYN), which includes leading groups of volunteers related to lake management restoration/education projects on weekends and other related events.
Conducts investigations of reported illegal dumping into stormwater management systems and surface waterbodies, and of areas that are suspect with regards to water quality (i.e. high levels of petroleum byproducts, metals, etc. detected in water quality samples), as mandated by the NPDES permit. Participates in non-compliance investigations, and forwards information to respective regulatory agency (such as FDEP, FWC, SJRWMD) for violation citations.
Coordinates with and assists Municipal Services Benefit Unit Program, Environmental Compliance and Pollution Prevention Program, and Leisure Services staff related to county associated waterways. Prepares grass carp fish permit applications for Seminole County
Government and assists lakefront residents with preparation of grass carp fish permits.
Assists with the ambient water quality monitoring program, including scheduling, data analyses, monitoring strategies, QA/QC, and all other aspects of the highly technical program. Maintains water quality database and standard operating procedure (SOP) manual. Uses GIS to create related maps and databases for program staff support, such as presentations, documents, and the housing and management of scientific data for various projects.
Additional Duties:
In the event of an emergency, all employees are considered essential personnel and may be required to perform alternate duties.
Bachelor's Degree in Environmental Sciences or related field, with two (2) years' experience in the environmental field, experience in lake management and lake restoration projects highly desirable.
Must be examined and certified to apply aquatic herbicides by The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Resources within six (6) months of selection.
Proficiency in aquatic plant identification required.
A comparable amount of education, training, or experience may be substituted for the minimum qualifications.
Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with county residents, elected officials, architects, engineers, contractors, County officials, and environmental groups.
Ability to make presentations before large and small groups.
Ability to use a personal computer, GPS instruments (Trimble preferred), and understand GIS and database computer software programs.
Must possess and maintain a valid Florida Driver's License and be proficient in operating airboats, various other watercrafts, and possess expert trailer experience.
All employees must attend Seminole County Required Trainings.
Department Specific trainings per position may be required.