GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

This individual works under the direction of the Conservation & Strategic Initiatives Division Manager and provides administrative and technical support as well as environmental expertise. Daily tasks include project management, report and presentation prep, photometric review, and interdepartmental collaboration. The employee will assist with several ongoing projects including the City’s Dark Sky Initiative, Palatlakaha River Blueway, Lake David Shoreline Restoration and Trail, Wilson Island acquisition and others assigned.  

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

The following duties provide a general list of tasks. The position may or may not perform all the tasks listed and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and evolving business practices:

• Support initiatives and projects that advance Groveland’s Strategic Plan priorities. 
• Implement Groveland’s vision for balanced growth alongside protection of agriculture and natural resources. 
• Collaborate with city departments, project consultants, state agencies, elected officials, and other partners on conservation projects, programs and events. 
• Conserve and protect Groveland’s most important natural areas and increase opportunities for public access. 
• Integrate Light Imprint Design techniques into stormwater management, streetscape design, and other placemaking projects. 
• Ideate with project partners and media professionals to improve storytelling for conservation priorities.
• Develop funding strategies and build new partnerships to enhance Groveland’s conservation program.  
• Identify, pursue, and manage grants to help fund agricultural easements and conservation land acquisitions. 
• Educate and foster environmental stewardship within the Groveland community. 
• Create new opportunities to celebrate the city’s Natural Charm brand and unique environmental resources. 
• Enhance streetscapes within Groveland’s city limits with native and ornamental plantings and other beautification elements. 
• Craft policy language to support department priorities including a revised landscape code. 
• Plan and develop the city’s trail infrastructure network, including blueway trails. 
• Strategize with Lake County to increase conservation efforts through the Joint Planning Agreement (JPA), prioritizing protecting existing agricultural lands from development. 
• Maintain the city’s International Dark Sky Community certification and complete annual reporting. 
• Review photometric plans to ensure proposed projects meet Groveland’s dark sky lighting code requirements. 
• Assist with the city’s comprehensive streetlighting retrofit to dark sky fixtures by working with utility providers. 
• Coordinate and plan special events such as the Groveland Star Party to further the city’s conservation efforts. 
• Contribute to a team environment by assisting coworkers as needed to meet deadlines. 
• Prioritize career growth and continuing education by pursuing relevant certifications and attending conferences, training, and classes. 

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental science studies, forestry, sustainability, or closely related field is required. 
• Master’s degree in environmental science/studies, sustainability, resource management, or related field (preferred). 
• One (1) year of experience working in the environmental sector, local government or related environment or other relevant experience. 
• Familiarity with Central Florida flora and fauna, ecosystems, watersheds, prime conservation lands, environmental organizations, programs for land protection, state government structure, dark sky principles, native Florida landscape plant palette, and light imprint design strategies. 
• Familiarity with the Florida Wildlife Corridor conservation efforts. 

LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS OR REGISTRATIONS: 

• Must possess and maintain a valid Florida driver’s license. Applicants who possess a valid out of state driver’s license must obtain the Florida license within ten (10) days of employment. 
• Certified Natural Resources Professional (CNRP) is desirable but not required. 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Experience using Microsoft Office suite, Google Slides and Docs 
• Experience using Canva or other graphic design tools. 
• Basic knowledge of AI research tools for increased productivity.  
• Strong communication skills and the ability to connect with others.  
• Demonstrates creativity and passion.  
• Takes initiative and displays leadership abilities.  
• Ability to answer routine technical questions from the public, by telephone, email, and in person. 
• Ability to maintain records. 
• Ability to perform research, collect data, and compile simple reports and correspondence.? 
• Ability to establish working relationships with other employees and the public. 
• Ability to have independent judgment and initiative.  

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Acceptable vision (with or without correction)
• Acceptable hearing (with or without correction)
• Bending
• Driving 
• Can at sometimes require exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally to pick up and or move objects from one area to another. 

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:

• Involves limited inspection of potential conservation parcels and other project field sites. 
• Includes limited field work including photometric inspections, landscape installation, and providing guidance to contractors or other city staff to best implement capital projects. 
• Event planning and execution requires physical work. 
• Periodic participation at evening meetings and events (infrequent).