Coastal Resources Specialist

Cameron County•San Benito, TX

16h•Onsite

About The Position

The Coastal Resources Specialist will support the management, conservation, and restoration of coastal and inland ecosystems in Cameron County by leveraging local resources to secure external funds. Expertise water quality management, estuarine watershed management geographic information systems, and coastal system process. The specialist will contribute to the development of Estuary Program in the Lower Laguna Madre, design and implement monitoring projects, and analyze spatial and ecological data to inform natural resource management decisions. The Coastal Resources Specialist performs professional-level work in the coordination, planning, development and implementation of shoreline, coastal and estuary project. Pursue State, Federal and Local grants and funding opportunities for program activities. Develop strategies to support short-term and long-term coastal, natural resources and resiliency priority projects assigned by the Natural Resources Director (NRD) and County Commissioners. Work in direct coordination with the Parks Department and County Engineer to implement the Cameron County Dune Protection and Beach Access Plan and Erosion Response Plan, Develop the Lower Laguna Madre Estuary Program and Comprehensive Conservation Management Plan. Responsibilities include the management and coordination of grant applications and prepare reports and presentations. The incumbent is expected close coordination with the NRD in carrying out assigned duties, who reviews work through reports, and overall results achieved.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science Degree in Engineering, Science or Technology from an Accredited School in Environmental Science/Engineering (graduate degree preferred), or related discipline with a minimum of three (3) years of experience environmental and coastal resiliency projects.
Clear Understanding of Cameron County's Coastal setting and needs.
Strong skills in GIS and use of UAVs is desired.
Experience in coordinating and participating with stakeholder-based groups and locally appointed advisory boards.
Experience in working with multidisciplinary professionals and local governmental agencies.

Responsibilities

Develops short-term and long-term coastal protection and resiliency priority projects.
Develops the Lower Laguna Madre Estuary Comprehensive Conservation Management Plan
Develops and implements the Cameron County Dune Protection and Beach Access Plan and Cameron County Erosion Response Plan
Provides support and recommendations to the Cameron County Dune Protection Committee
Implements sound scientific and ecological principles necessary for shoreline and coastal restoration and estuary management.
Represent Cameron County local committees, advisory boards and stakeholder groups and utilize their resources to support the Department's mission.
Establish and develop strategic partnerships with local higher education institutions to ensure scientific and ecological principles are integrated in the decision-making process.
Works with community-based projects such as dune restoration, beach cleanups and educational outreach.
Supports annual beach monitoring programs and prepares related reports for the US Army Corp of Engineers in consultation with the US Fish & Wildlife Department
Makes effective oral presentations to all levels of employees, elected officials, County management, government organizations and the general public
Researches grant opportunities pursues coastal funding for coastal improvement projects, natural resources and resiliency.
Generates and Analyzes geographic and geo reference data relevant to natural resources management.
Supports the preparation and monitors grant applications for coastal improvement projects.
Ensures compliance with grant requirements
Collects information to complete necessary reports and presentations
Manage multiple projects with competing deadlines
Present information clearly and concisely to various audiences
Work independently with minimal supervision
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with other County Departments, the public, and other interested and affected parties
Maintain a professional demeanor during stressful situations
Performs other related duties as required.