ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANT - 37020530

State of Florida • Tallahassee, FL

11d • Onsite

About The Position

The Environmental Consultant (37020530) is an advanced environmental professional position in the Division of Environmental Assessment and Restoration’s Water Quality and Restoration Program, Watershed Planning and Coordination Section in Tallahassee. The incumbent will be responsible for coordinating activities associated with implementing the state’s Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL)/Watershed Management Program through the development and implementation of restoration plans, known as Basin Management Action Plans (BMAPs) covering the Indian River Lagoon area. The incumbent has the responsibility of handling various assignments, and representing the Program, as necessary, in both internal and external meetings. The incumbent deals with a variety of tasks, including extensive stakeholder outreach, and must use independent judgement and problem-solving skills to successfully accomplish the job. Critical thinking and highly effective communication and interpersonal skills are a must for this position.

Requirements

• Knowledge of principles of surface water hydrology.
• Knowledge of the terminology, principles, and analytical techniques of the physical or natural sciences.
• Knowledge of applied statistical methods for water quality assessments.
• Knowledge of and skill in working in a team environment with others to achieve a task.
• Skill in using MS-Office, ESRI GIS software, and various modeling tools.
• Ability to evaluate, analyze and interpret scientific or technical data.
• Ability to understand and apply applicable laws, rules, policies, and procedures relating to land and water resource management program activities.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to create effective working partnerships with watershed stakeholders.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Ability to work well as a team member and direct the outcomes of environmental projects.
• Ability to solve problems and effectively make decisions.
• Ability to work independently and as part of Team.
• Ability to work well under pressure.
• Ability to prepare technical reports.
• At least seven years of verifiable related experience in chemistry, environmental science, natural sciences, biological sciences, physical sciences or environmental policy. Post-secondary degrees from an accredited college or university with a major in chemistry, environmental science, natural sciences, biological sciences, physical sciences or environmental policy may be used as an alternative for the required years of experience on a year-for-year basis
• A credential evaluation report from an approved agency must be submitted along with all foreign degrees.
• Valid Driver’s License
• Occasional overnight travel
• Florida Certified Contract Manager (FCCM) designation or ability to obtain within one year of completing the on-the-job requirements for eligibility to take the FCCM training.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelors degree in chemistry, environmental science, natural sciences, biological sciences, physical sciences, or environmental policy from an accredited university or college.

Responsibilities

• Basin Management Action Plan (BMAP) Development: Works with Department staff and stakeholders to establish locally supported BMAPs. Responsible for consensus-building and group decision-making. This includes organizing meetings, leading discussions, preparing agendas, background papers, maps, tables, presentation materials and other documents and materials, and coordinating with TMDL and BMAP development contractors to provide a basis for decision-making in developing and implementing BMAPs. Formulates basin-specific approaches to stakeholder participation in developing BMAPs. Contacts stakeholders individually by phone, e-mail, or other means, including follow-up with stakeholders to ensure that minutes, action items, and other tasks are completed. Maintains e-mail distribution lists for specific basins to inform stakeholders of TMDL/BMAP-related meetings and disseminate TMDL/BMAP information. Ensures that Program and District Office staff are informed of and involved in BMAP development processes. Manages projects, particularly with respect to projects supporting BMAP development. Prepares draft BMAPs or BMAP sections that reflect stakeholder input. Ensures proper coordination in the Department and among stakeholders in BMAP drafting and review and in securing local acceptance, Department approvals, and Secretarial adoption of BMAPs.
• Stakeholder Involvement and Coordination: Works to coordinate activities with stakeholders, such as for water quality project identification, model development or updates, draft BMAPs, and participating in TMDL development. Prepares informational materials for use by the public and internally; develops maps, tables, calendars, templates, and other documents to strengthen stakeholder support and participation in plan development and other stakeholder processes. Works with stakeholders to organize workshops and briefings and makes presentations to governmental agencies, local officials, the public, and other interested parties. Organizes and participates in specific basin stakeholder meetings and assists other Basin Coordinators in organizing and conducting local decision-making processes
• Plan Monitoring and Reporting: Assures that BMAP implementation meetings and reporting requirements are carried out as identified and scheduled in adopted BMAPs and other related watershed plans. Initiates meetings and other communications with stakeholders and Department staff on the status of actions identified in BMAPs, on water quality results, and on the status of other environmental responses to BMAP implementation. Provides summary progress reports and other information to Program and Division managers on actions identified in approved BMAPs and related plans.
• Other Duties: Serves as facilitator, team leader, or member of Program/Section approved teams to ensure completion of assigned tasks. Assists WMDs, local governments, and federal agencies in incorporating priority water quality improvement projects and budgets in applicable planning documents, such as watershed restoration plans. Review and comment on WMD Surface Water Improvement and Management Act (SWIM) Plans, best management practice (BMP) manuals, and other efforts related to both urban and agricultural nutrient source protection. Assists in the development and implementation of financial assistance agreements, contracts and grants related to water quality restoration.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Annual and Sick Leave benefits;
• Nine paid holidays and one Personal Holiday each year;
• State Group Insurance coverage options, including health, life, dental, vision, and other supplemental insurance options;
• Retirement plan options, including employer contributions (For more information, please click www.myfrs.com);
• Tuition waivers;

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees