Location: Fort Pierce,FL, USA
Position Overview: This is a professional position within the Environmental Resources Department (ERD), Natural Resources Division. The position will assist with planning, setting goals, implementing, managing, and monitoring long range and short-term land management goals and projects, including ecosystem and habitat management preserve management, and passive recreational use master planning, management plan writing, site development, greenway trail development, and invasive species control primarily on County Preserves. Responsibilities include creating and updating management plans, implementation of land management goals, habitat enhancement, and restoration projects; monitoring and annual/periodic reporting; data collection and analysis; grant writing, implementing, and managing; office and field GIS mapping; contract and project management; reports and presentations; and raising awareness of the St. Lucie County preserves and Greenway Trails Program. Duties are to conduct preserve management, and track, and update as needed. Reports to the Natural Resources Manager and supervises contractors and potentially technical staff and work crews on occasion. Key Responsibilities:
* Assist with managing lands managed by ERD, including County preserves and Greenways & Trails,
* Ecosystem management, habitat management, and site/preserve management primarily via developing short-range and long-range plans, goals, and objectives for lands managed by ERD, including County preserves and Greenways & Trails, via planning, setting goals, developing, implementing, managing, and monitoring land management goals and projects, contract and project management, writing and updating management plans, writing, implementing, and managing grants, and annual/periodic report writing and presentations,
* Identify needs, and seek funding for, land management, enhancements, and restoration, and assist in meeting all reporting requirements for granting agencies and funding partners, such as Florida Communities Trust (FCT),
* Conduct and coordinate GIS-related tasks for County preserves,
* Collect, analyze, and electronically maintain and update data for lands managed by ERD, including County preserves and Greenways & Trails,
* Write and manage grants for management, acquisition, and improvements on County preserves,
* Obtain and manage permits, contracts and project management plans for multiple services and complex projects, restoration activities,
* Development of reports and presentations for Department, Administration, BOCC, citizens, regional and state agencies, on technical subject matter, raising awareness of preserves and recreational opportunities,
* Assist with prescribed fire as a crew member as needed,
* Establish, foster, and grow inter-agency partnerships to achieve regional goals,
* Frequent public contact.
COMPETENCIES:
Candidates should possess a solid foundational background that demonstrates their ability to engage with the responsibilities of the role effectively.
* Resource Management: Knowledge of sustainable practices for managing natural resources (e.g., water, land, forests, wildlife).
* Environmental Regulations: Understanding of local, state, and federal environmental laws and regulations
* Data Analysis & Reporting: Ability to analyze environmental data, prepare reports, and assess environmental impacts.
* Project Management: Experience in planning, coordinating, and executing resource management projects.
* Stakeholder Engagement: Strong communication skills for collaborating with government agencies, local communities, and other stakeholders.
* Field Operations: Hands-on experience with fieldwork, monitoring, and managing natural resource sites.
* GIS & Mapping Tools: Proficiency in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for mapping, spatial analysis, and resource planning.
* Environmental Education & Outreach: Ability to educate and raise awareness about environmental issues and resource conservation.
* Budget & Grant Management: Experience in budgeting, securing funding, and managing grants for resource conservation projects.
* Staff & Contractor Coordination: Experience in managing and coordinating staff, volunteers, and external contractors for resource management projects.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Use of hands and fingers with dexterity, use of both arms and legs, and good vision and hearing, with or without correction. Frequent work inside the office in a sedentary posture. Frequent walking, standing, lifting, and carrying (30 to 50 pounds), reaching above shoulders, kneeling, bending, and squatting and the ability to tolerate outside working conditions for long amounts of time throughout the year.
SAFETY EQUIPMENT: Automobile safety belt. Personal protective equipment (PPE) required per ANSI & OSHA standards for machinery, equipment, and tool use requirements. Chainsaw: chaps, helmet with face shield and ear protection and safety goggles. During participation with wildland fire activities: full or half piece respirator, fire helmet, fire coat and pants, gloves, boots, and fire pack with shelter. If administering CPR or First Aid: medical gloves, etc.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS AND WORK HAZARDS: Extended work in the field under all weather conditions. Work around all types of machinery and motorized equipment. Exposure to herbicides, insects, toxic plants, wildlife, heat, humidity, smoke, and fire. Inherent risk of injury while participating in physical activity. Exposure to summer sun and heat, smoke, and fire. Frequent computer use. Field work in undeveloped areas in all weather conditions with associated wildlife, insect, and terrain hazards. Ability to complete an annual pack-test per USFS standards for wildland firefighters. Frequent public contact.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:
This job description is not intended to be and should not be construed as an all-inclusive list of all the responsibilities, skills or working conditions associated with the position. While it is intended to accurately reflect the position activities and requirements, Management reserves the right to modify, add or remove duties and assign other duties as necessary that are a logical assignment to the position.
EMERGENCY RESPONSE/RECOVERY ACTIVITIES:
County employees are considered essential personnel in providing and continuing services to our community during and following a disaster, such as a hurricane, or in other emergency situations. As a requirement of County employment, County employees are subject to being required to remain at work during an event, respond to a recall immediately following an event and/or immediately reporting to work when an all clear is declared by the County Administrator. During these types of events, County employees may temporarily be assigned to work and perform duties outside the normal scope of their position, location, and work schedule to fit the needs of the County and its citizens.
ADA STATEMENT:
A qualified employee or applicant with a disability may be afforded a reasonable accommodation to perform the essential job functions of a position in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
EEO STATEMENT:
St. Lucie County BOCC is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected characteristic. We encourage all qualified candidates to apply.Qualifications:
* Graduation from an accredited college or university with a master's degree (preferred) or a Bachelor of Science in natural resources management, applied ecology, biology, environmental studies, forestry, botany, wildlife management, environmental planning, or related field of study.
* Minimum of two (2) years professional experience in natural resources management, applied ecology, environmental studies, forestry, botany, and or wildlife management.
* Professional experience working with a program similar to the County's Environmentally Significant Lands (ESL) Program is desired.
* Knowledge of computers and spreadsheet and data management programs preferred.
* A valid Florida driver's license and good driving record are required.
* Prescribed Fire Certifications (S130/190 minimum), Certified Gopher Tortoise Agent, Professional Wetland Scientist, ISA Certified Arborist, ICS 100 and 200 certification, Archeological Resources Management (ARM) training/certification, Certified Environmental Professional or other applied land management or scientific certifications are preferred.
PG G202