DescriptionUnder general supervision of the Natural Resources Director, the purpose of the position is to assist with environmental management at the City’s beach parks, beach accesses and other conservation lands and to evaluate vegetation and development permit applications for compliance with the Sanibel Land Development Code and other applicable regulations. Performs work at an entry-to-mid staff level, and is responsible for management of dune, coastal scrub, hardwood hammock, wetland, and mangrove habitats, developing and implementing mitigation strategies to offset impacts of visitor pressure on wildlife and wildlife resources at the City’s beach parks and other conservation lands. Objective is to protect and restore the City’s natural resources, and to enforce all applicable City, State and Federal environmental and wildlife conservation laws.
DutiesThe following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned.
Assists with environmental management and maintenance of City owned conservation lands, including conducting surveys and preparing vegetation and wildlife plans for beach dune, coastal scrub, and mangrove habitats.
Develops and implements programs and mitigation strategies to offset impacts of visitor pressure on native and migratory wildlife and critical wildlife habitat resources at the City’s beach parks and conservation lands.
Assists with preparation and submission of annual reports for City owned recreational areas that were purchased through the state-funded land acquisition program.
Plans, coordinates, monitors and reviews conservation projects with other City departments, various government agencies, outside private and public agencies and consultants, private developers, owners and contractors.
Provides education on the City’s Dark Skies ordinance as it pertains to marine turtle protection. Performs after-hours inspections during sea turtle nesting season, maintains records of beachfront lighting violations, and addresses documented violations to achieve compliance.
Assists Department with beach erosion monitoring and implementation of the Sanibel Beach Management Plan.
Participates in water quality monitoring and assisting with implementation of the City’s Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan.
Assists in the administration, coordination, and monitoring of the City’s invasive plant control efforts; may participate in manual labor to remove invasive plants.
Assists with prescribed burns on City owned conservation lands for wildlife habitat management.
Assists with the preparation of environmental protection legal cases and presents testimony to the Code Enforcement Board and other judicial bodies, e.g., violations of wildlife preservation, vegetation violations.
Assists with grant preparation, application, and planning for various natural resources protection and restoration projects.
Reviews vegetation permit applications and development plans to ensure compliance with wildlife and vegetation conservation standards and regulations.
Performs field inspections and monitors development permits to ensure compliance with the Comprehensive Land Use Plan and Land Development Code.
Operates word processors, and various electronic devices, and/or performs various documentation, such as correspondence, and memoranda, etc.
Performs other related duties and assignments as required.
Required Education, Experience, License, Registration, and Certification Qualifications EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE - Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college in the field of Natural Resources, Environmental Science, Biology, Ecology, Agriculture or a related field; and
- Three (3) years’ experience environmental, vegetation and wildlife management.
- Equivalent combination of education, training, certification and experience will be considered.
CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS - Must possess and maintain a valid Florida Driver’s License, or ability to obtain within 90 days of hire or promotion.
- Sanibel Vegetation Competency Card, Fertilizer Endorsement, and Professional Mangrove Trimmer (Or within 6-months of hire as a condition of continued employment.)
The following certifications are desired: - Professional Wetland Scientist
- ISA Certified Arborist
- FWC Gopher Tortoise Agent Certification
- Florida Association of Code Enforcement
Supplemental or Additional InformationKnowledge of Florida ecology and ecosystems.
Knowledge of wildlife biology, botany, general biology, habitat requirements, land management and restoration techniques, field data collection and monitoring, data collection and evaluation techniques, site preparation techniques, tools, and soils.
Ability to analyze and interpret complex data, conduct short and long-range natural resources planning, recognize, and solve natural resource management issues, maintain complex records, and draft technical reports.
Knowledge of local, state, and federal legislation and programs pertaining to environmental permitting, protection, and restoration.
Knowledge of island vegetation and plant poisons, and ability to work in areas of dense vegetation, to perform highly specialized duties requiring ability to use tools and equipment for removal and control of noxious plants.
Knowledge of site assessments, monitoring, and reporting.
Knowledge of conflict resolution.
Knowledge of Microsoft Office 360, OneDrive, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and Adobe Acrobat with proficiency at Intermediate or higher.
Knowledge of ESRI ArcGIS to create layers and maps, is desirable.
Ability to read, analyze, interpret, and understand professional journals, technical procedures, governmental regulations, blueprints, drawings, and related construction documents.
Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.
Ability to compose effective and accurate correspondence and deal with routine and non-routine matters.
Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from managers, colleagues, elected officials, and the general public.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and interact in a positive, professional manner with colleagues, outside organizations, and the general public.
Ability to possess initiative and independent performance in coordination with other Departments within the City, and regional and state agencies.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and interact in a positive, professional manner with City Officials, Department Directors, fellow staff, city vendors, and the general public.
Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
Ability to be adaptable to performing under frequent deadlines, re-prioritization of tasks and assignments and in response to urgent matters or emergencies.
Ability to operate word processing equipment, technology, and various electronic devices, in transferring/transcribing/composing various documentation, correspondence, emails, memoranda, meeting minutes, etc.
Ability to maintain a clean work environment.
Benefits for full-time employeesinclude:
- Health insurance and subsidy for family and spouse coverage
- Dental insurance
- Life Insurance
- Accidental Death & Dismembermentinsurance
- Retirement plan
- 457 Deferred compensation plan
- Retirement Health Savings Plan
- Roth IRA
- Vacation, medical and personal leave
- Blood donation leave program
- 10paid holidays
- Beach parking sticker at resident rate
- Reimbursementof co-pays for annual physical and cancer screenings
- Paid Family Membership to SanibelRecreation Center
- Unlimited Sanibel Causeway transponder
- Cape Coral bridges transponder, if applicable
