Environmental Review Specialist 1

Pinellas County Government•Clearwater, FL

8d•Onsite

About The Position

Make a lasting impact on your community by guiding development that protects natural resources by promoting responsible and sustainable development practices. Pinellas County is seeking a knowledgeable, detail-oriented, and mission-driven Environmental Review Specialist to join our Development Review Services team. In this role, you’ll conduct both field and office reviews of development projects to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local environmental regulations. You’ll work at the intersection of environmental science, planning, and public service—reviewing site plans, collecting air and water samples and investigating potential environmental hazards, calculating drainage and water retention rates, assisting applicants, issuing permits and inspecting for compliance, enforcing codes, and shaping outcomes that support the environmental goals of Pinellas County.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in environmental, natural, biological, or physical science, engineering, or related field and one (1) year of related professional experience; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
Solid understanding of environmental regulations and the principles of environmental land development review.
Excellent communication and customer service skills and ability to explain technical and regulatory concepts to a variety of audiences.
Valid Florida Driver’s License.
Ability to work during emergency/disaster events, if needed.

Nice To Haves

Experience in site development review, environmental regulation, permitting, or enforcement is preferred.

Responsibilities

Reviews site development plans and permit applications, conducts field investigations for compliance with environmental codes and ordinances, recommends modifications to ensure regulatory compliance, and inspects sites for certificates of compliance with approved site development plans.
Performs field inspections and makes recommendations and limited decisions on the removal of protected vegetation and issues permits.
Prepares and serves fine citations and appears in court as a witness.
Assists businesses, contractors, developers, engineers, and the public with interpretation of environmental regulations and compliance with federal, state, and local environmental laws, codes, and ordinances.
Conducts sampling and field investigations for air or water quality programs including the operation, calibration, and routine maintenance of specialized sampling apparatus and pollution control testing and monitoring equipment.
Collects and maintains technical environmental data, interprets the results of laboratory tests, evaluates ecological and environmental impact, and develops reports on specialized studies.
Performs quality assurance tests and audits validating the integrity of environmental data and performs technical statistical analyses of data using automated programs.
Evaluates conformance with established environmental codes, ordinances, and regulations and initiates field enforcement actions based on inspection findings of administrative or operational non-compliance.
Conducts permitting reviews and special assessments on mangroves, wetlands, and uplands to protect environmentally sensitive areas.
May assist in Environmental Specialist trainee development.
Coordinates the activities of volunteer personnel as needed within the section or department.
Investigates citizen complaints on land use, air, or water quality matters including fish kills, noxious odors, hazardous waste, etc.
Maintains original documents and scans and files electronically.
Investigates citizen complaints on water quality and other matters.
Identifies needs for and ideas of new educational publications for businesses and provides applicable materials to businesses.