Environmental Specialist III, Sea Turtle Habitat Conservation Plan Manager, County of Volusia

Position Overview

Salary: $69,739 to $80,120 annually

Description

The County of Volusia is hiring an Environmental Specialist III to serve as the Sea Turtle Habitat Conservation Plan Program Manager in Daytona Beach, Florida, at $69,739 to $80,120 annually, with applications accepted on a continuous basis.

The Environmental Management Division within the County’s Growth and Resource Management department oversees coastal habitat protection, permitting, and compliance for one of Florida’s most ecologically significant nesting coastlines. The Sea Turtle Habitat Conservation Plan implements the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Incidental Take Permit for beach driving and coordinates lighting and coastal construction reviews.

This position is responsible for ensuring compliance with the USFWS Incidental Take Permit and Habitat Conservation Plan, reviewing coastal construction projects under the County Beach and Dunes ordinance, and overseeing the sea turtle lighting protection program. The role supervises two environmental specialists, a contract worker, and seasonal support staff.

Responsibilities

• Manage environmental projects, studies, and programs related to coastal habitat protection and enhancement, permitting, contracted activities, and training of staff and contractors.
• Supervise and coordinate all Habitat Conservation Plan staff, contracts, and activities.
• Compile information for the HCP program annual report.
• Coordinate field office activities and provide staff direction.
• Provide public assistance and information through citizen contact.
• Provide expert testimony in code enforcement cases as needed.
• Make presentations at public hearings and other public meetings.
• Conduct field inspections to identify and resolve HCP compliance issues as needed.
• Review and approve environmental permits.
• Review conditions for special event permits.
• Organize and conduct volunteer programs.
• Handle program budgeting and budget requests.
• Act as liaison with state and federal officials.
• Respond to emergency situations and be available on-call on weekends and holidays.
• Adhere to Federal, State, County, and Local ordinances.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED and eight years of experience in environmental management with a concentration in sea turtle habitat management, managing a sea turtle program, habitat conservation plan, or marine biology.
• OR a Bachelor of Science in Biology, Environmental Science, Conservation, Zoology, Marine Biology, or related field, and four years of experience in environmental management with a concentration in sea turtle habitat management or marine biology.
• A comparable amount of education, training, or experience may be substituted.
• Valid Florida driver’s license at time of hire, maintained thereafter.
• Ability to traverse undeveloped, uneven, wet, broken terrain including sandy and rocky areas.
• Ability to lift and carry 20 lbs and operate motorized vehicles.

Preferred Qualifications

• At least three years of experience working with environmental ordinances including coastal construction and sea turtle lighting plan reviews and compliance and enforcement activities.
• At least three years of direct supervision of staff or volunteers.

Additional Notes

• Full-time position.
• Available to work outside normal business hours and be on-call on weekends and holidays.
• Both inside and outside work; exposure to inclement weather including humidity, heat, rain, cold, dust, mildew, noise, bright light, insects, and extended periods in the sun.
• May be assigned to other County locations based on operational needs.
• Volusia County is a drug-free workplace and an Equal Opportunity Employer; veterans’ preference applies in accordance with federal, state, and local laws.

How to Apply

Apply through the County of Volusia careers portal at GovernmentJobs.com. The position is posted with a continuous closing date; review of applications is ongoing.