ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST II - 37020774

State of Florida • Palm Valley, FL

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve (GTMNERR) is seeking a full-time Environmental Specialist II (ESII) to support the mission of the GTMNERR as defined in its current Management Plan of achieving the conservation of natural biodiversity and cultural resources by using the results of research and monitoring to guide science-based stewardship and education strategies. This position will serve as the GTMNERR volunteer coordinator. Utilizing the knowledge of natural, cultural, and environmental concepts, this position will:

Develop, organize, and manage GTMNERR’s volunteer recruitment, training, and recognition programs to expand the ability of the Reserve to accomplish its mission using volunteers. This includes scheduling of volunteer training opportunities, coordination of Reserve staff involvement with volunteers, planning publicity for opportunities at the Reserve, arranging volunteer work schedules and recommending policies and rules to govern GTMNERR’s volunteer program; and development of continuing education programs and training for the volunteers.
Organize and maintain records related to GTMNERR volunteer program. These duties include constructing and maintaining a filing system in hard copy and a computer database of current volunteers and appropriate information and preparing monthly, quarterly, and annual reports of volunteer time and activities for grants and other reporting purposes. These records will include a record of orientation, safety training, maintenance of daily volunteer time logs and position descriptions for volunteers, as well as appropriate release forms regarding emergency information and liability waivers.
Serve as a liaison to the Friends of the GTM Reserve. Provide coordination between the CSO and the volunteers.
Provide visitor services at GTMNERR Environmental Education Center. These duties include assisting front desk staff, answering visitor inquiries, helping with audio visual programs and interactive exhibits, and interpreting natural and cultural history for visitors. This position will coordinate facility reservations for agency partners. This position will also use these interactions to make visitors aware of volunteer opportunities available at the Reserve, when appropriate.
Assist with special events, projects, and new programs, as well as administration duties as assigned.
Work closely with the GTMNERR staff to integrate the volunteers with the overall GTMNERR Education, Research, Stewardship, and Resource Management programs. These activities may include volunteer recognition events, volunteer recruitment at public event booths, and assisting with operations, staffing and attending special events.
Performs other related work as required.

Requirements

• At least 4 years of verifiable related experience in volunteer management, coastal or estuarine field research, monitoring, or resource management.
• Post-secondary degrees from an accredited college or university with a major in estuarine ecology, biology, or environmental biology may be used as an alternative for the required years of experience on a year-for-year basis.
• Valid driver's license.
• Knowledge of environmental concepts.
• Ability to communicate effectively with staff and co-workers.
• Ability to deal with the public in a tactful and courteous manner.
• Ability and skills in public speaking.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to plan, organize, and coordinate work assignments.
• Ability to effectively communicate to a variety of audiences, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to utilize problem solving techniques.
• Ability to effectively coordinate the work activities of others.
• Knowledge of personal computers and proficient with desktop computer software.
• Ability to engage and inspire volunteers of all ages.
• Ability to efficiently plan, organize and coordinate volunteer programs and other work assignments.
• Ability to work irregular hours including weekends and evenings.
• Successful completion of background screening.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with volunteer management software such as Volgistics, Tandem, etc.
• Direct experience working within a NERRS reserve.

Responsibilities

• Develop, organize, and manage GTMNERR’s volunteer recruitment, training, and recognition programs.
• Schedule volunteer training opportunities.
• Coordinate Reserve staff involvement with volunteers.
• Plan publicity for volunteer opportunities.
• Arrange volunteer work schedules.
• Recommend policies and rules to govern GTMNERR’s volunteer program.
• Develop continuing education programs and training for volunteers.
• Organize and maintain records related to GTMNERR volunteer program.
• Construct and maintain a filing system in hard copy and a computer database of current volunteers.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual reports of volunteer time and activities.
• Serve as a liaison to the Friends of the GTM Reserve.
• Provide coordination between the CSO and the volunteers.
• Provide visitor services at GTMNERR Environmental Education Center.
• Assist front desk staff.
• Answer visitor inquiries.
• Help with audio visual programs and interactive exhibits.
• Interpret natural and cultural history for visitors.
• Coordinate facility reservations for agency partners.
• Make visitors aware of volunteer opportunities.
• Assist with special events, projects, and new programs.
• Perform administration duties as assigned.
• Work closely with GTMNERR staff to integrate volunteers with Education, Research, Stewardship, and Resource Management programs.
• Assist with operations, staffing and attending special events.

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
• Tuition waivers

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree