Job Summary:
The Environmental Scientist position supports District regulatory programs and/or activities and ensures environmental compliance under Florida Statutes. This position communicates regulatory requirements with the public, conducts wetland delineations, evaluates and/or analyzes soils and vegetation data, and describes findings in technical staff reports in order to meet regulatory goals and timeframes.
Job Duties Include:
ES III
Assist the public through outreach, answering phone calls and conducting meetings to provide subject matter expertise or project/application requirements.
Review project and/or application materials including rule interpretation, GIS review, aerial interpretation, application correspondence, plan review, and database entry.
Perform field inspections by land or river.
Conduct field reviews of simple projects or application materials, including evaluation of water quality, soils, vegetation, and/or hydrologic indicators.
Act as District liaison with the public, local governments, and applicants; attend agency meetings, public meetings, training, and give presentations.
Prepare written technical staff reports.
Develop, implement, and document Standard Operating Procedures, Quality Assurance Procedures, and Helpful Hints.
Perform some of the following duties specific to the assigned District Office:
The responsibilities for this position include ensuring compliance with and enforcing the District’s rules adopted pursuant to Ch. 373, Fla. Stat. In this regard, when required, this position shall do the following concerning possible rule violations: perform field inspections, prepare written reports, send inquiry/compliance letters, make recommendations on the issuance of stop work orders, make recommendations on whether rule violations exist, make recommendations on punitive and/or remedial actions to be taken. Therefore, this position is considered a code enforcement officer for this District.
Manage Florida Department of Transportation Mitigation projects per 373.4137, F.S.
Evaluate complex compliance cases.
Evaluate wetland delineations and identifications.
Evaluate Uniform Mitigation Assessment Method (UMAM) determinations.
Recommend avoidance measures, and review mitigation projects for permit applicants in order to reduce detrimental impact of projects on the environment.
Determine the need for and, if necessary, request additional information in order to fully assess the environmental rules for ERP applications.
Review and monitor wetland mitigation projects in support of the goal of ‘no net loss of wetland function’ in the District.
Review permitted projects for compliance with permit conditions and District rules.
Prepare and deliver presentations on ERP topics at public meetings and education or outreach opportunities.
Send inquiry/compliance letters, make recommendations on the issuance of stop work orders, make recommendations on whether rule violations exist, make recommendations on punitive and/or remedial actions to be taken.
Conduct Uniform Mitigation Assessment Method (UMAM) determinations.
Conduct wetland delineation and identification.
Be able to perform all duties with moderate supervision.
Perform other duties as assigned.
ES IV
All Level III examples of work performed in addition to the following:
Prepares and delivers presentations on ERP topics at public meetings and education or outreach opportunities
Participates in policy and rulemaking process
Provides guidance to junior Environmental Scientists and other District staff
Testifies as an expert witness in administrative hearings