This is an independent professional position conducting field inspections in support of the District’s Environmental Resource Permitting (ERP) program, conducting wetland delineations, and assessing compliance with District ERP rules. The position requires frequent travel from District headquarters to various locations within the District, the ability to work in the field under all types of weather conditions (extremes in heat/ cold, rain, etc.), walk on rough/ uneven terrain, stand for extended periods of time, and wear all required safety equipment. Specific duties include, but are not limited to, the following.
– Identifying wetlands and determining the limits of jurisdictional wetlands through the evaluation of hydrophytic vegetation, hydrologic indicators, and hydric soils and verifying the landward extent of wetlands established by consultants.
– Performing desktop evaluations of site-specific characteristics including the National Wetlands Inventory, NRCS soil surveys, LiDAR data, etc.
– Technical wetland review of environmental resource and Works of the District permit applications, plans, narratives, and descriptions for completeness and accuracy.
– Determining the need for and, if necessary, requesting additional information to fully assess the environmental criteria for a project.
– Preparing technical staff reports recommending approval or denial of projects.
– Performing pre-application site inspections or in-house meetings; handling permit-related questions.
– Investigating complaints and preparing follow-up reports and other documents.
– Conducting field assessments to evaluate compliance with environmental resource permits.
– Recommending avoidance and mitigation actions to permit applicants to reduce detrimental impact of projects on the environment.
– Acting as District liaison with the public, local governments and applicants. Attending agency meetings, public meetings, and workshops and giving presentations as needed.
Qualifications
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in biology, ecology, botany, environmental science, or related degree.
To apply, visit: http://www.srwmd.state.fl.us/Jobs.aspx?UniqueId=78&From=All&CommunityJobs=False&JobID=Environmental-Scientist-I-101