Environmental Specialist 3

Pinellas County Government • Clearwater, FL

2d • $67,000 - $72,000 • Onsite

About The Position

Create a lasting impact in your community by promoting responsible development that supports growth while protecting natural resources and practicing sustainability. Pinellas County is seeking an experienced, self-motivated, and solution-oriented Environmental Review Specialist 3 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, landscape design and public service—reviewing site plans, evaluating habitat impacts, assisting applicants, enforcing codes, and shaping outcomes that support the environmental goals of Pinellas County. As the lead Environmental Specialist on the team, you will also serve as a mentor and resource for junior staff and exercise a high degree of independence and sound professional judgement.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental, natural, biological, or physical science, engineering, landscape architecture, or related field plus three (3) years of related professional experience; or seven (7) years of professional level experience in the assigned field of environmental management; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Experience interpreting environmental regulations and performing complex environmental land development reviews. Experience with code enforcement procedures preferred.
• Excellent communication and customer service skills and ability to explain technical and regulatory concepts to a variety of audiences in a variety of forums, including public speaking.
• Sound professional judgment and the ability to work independently in the field and office. Leadership experience and the ability to coach junior staff to aid in their professional development.
• Working knowledge of Florida’s ecosystems, plant and animal species, and regulatory frameworks.
• Valid Florida Driver’s License.
• Ability to work during emergency/disaster events, if needed.
• Fieldwork includes exposure to outdoor elements—heat, humidity, insects, and inclement weather.
• Physical ability to perform inspections, including walking long distances and navigating uneven terrain.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with code enforcement procedures preferred.

Responsibilities

• Review site development plans and permit applications; conduct site inspections to ensure compliance with environmental codes and ordinances. This includes reviewing the work of junior reviewers and providing coaching as appropriate.
• Lead junior staff with guidance on challenging reviews and problem solve compliance issues with customers by collaborating with colleagues.
• Represent the DRS Environmental Team at development review meetings and be able to provide concise guidance on code requirements.
• Perform habitat and tree assessments, wetland line verifications, and listed species assessments. Train junior staff in these skill sets.
• Prepare and present enforcement materials for code enforcement cases and act as subject matter expert during legal proceedings.
• Issue permits, draft approval conditions, and maintain digital permitting and compliance records.
• Guide residents, contractors, and development professionals through environmental regulations.
• Collaborate with municipal, state, and federal partners on complex environmental reviews.
• Assist in developing educational materials and participate in outreach events.
• Lead continuous improvement efforts through process updates and overseeing new staff onboard training.

Benefits

• Looking for a strong retirement? We have you covered as members of the Florida Retirement System (FRS) with investment and pension options.
• We have deferred compensation programs and wellness centers to name a few perks.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level