Natural Resources Specialist

Broward County, Florida
$27.21 - $43.43 Hourly
medical insurance, dental insurance, life insurance, vision insurance, vacation time, paid holidays, sick time, retirement plan

Nov 16, 2024
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 Natural Resources Division - Environmental Monitioring Laboratory. 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 The successful candidate will coordinate all sampling events and be responsible for responding to all environmental violations received by county inspectors. The position requires knowledge of water sampling techniques and instrumentation including data sondes. In addition, knowledge of wet chemistry techniques to obtain turbidity results in a turbidity meter and to determine pH levels is required. The candidate must be able to prepare reports and assist in evaluating environmental violations to make recommendations and provide support to inspectors during the investigation. The candidate must have excellent communication and writing skills to complete internal audits and write Standard Operating Procedures for field sampling and field instrumentation procedures. The position is required to train other field personnel in sampling techniques in accordance with accreditation or state mandate requirements. In addition, the candidate will participate in presentations to schools and other members of the public to publicize environmental programs. Proficient in the use of LIMS (Laboratory Information Management System) for creating routes, new projects, and labels are preferred. Experienced working under a NELAP certified laboratory is highly desirable. This position has emergency responsibilities to support the Resilient Environment Department in times of emergency activation. 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: Advance Degree (Master's) One (1) year experience using a LIMS system. One (1) year experience field sampling Six (6) months experience working under a NELAP certified laboratory One (1) year experience sampling from a vessel and comfortable trailing a boat Certification in the use of YSI sondes Certified in method EPA180.1, SM4500 or SM2540B to conduct data review and/or analyses. 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. Participate with field personnel in sampling events. Assists field inspectors with sampling kits, sampling methods, and associated submission paperwork. The position is responsible for coordinating all sampling events and responding to all complaints and environmental violations received from county inspectors. The position requires knowledge of water sampling techniques and instrumentation including data sondes, turbidity and pH meters. Applicants with field experience under a NELAP accredited laboratory are preferred. Employee must be able to work under extreme weather conditions, to rain and heat while sampling in the field which may include sampling from a vessel and or bridges. In addition this position will be responsible for: (1) creating projects and entering data in LIMS; (2) training personnel in proper field sampling techniques; (3) maintaining NELAP accreditation requirements for assigned duties; and (4) assists with preparation of reagents and other wet chemistry techniques as needed. 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 Competencies Tech Savvy Anticipates 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 Complexity Makes 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 Quality Makes 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 Processes Knows 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 Accountability Holds 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 Effectively Develops 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 Values All 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) Compliance Broward 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 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.