GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

The individual works under the direction of the Conservation & Strategic Initiatives Division Manager and will provide administrative and technical support as well as environmental expertise, including project coordination, grant writing and management, special projects, as well as support for the City’s Dark Sky Initiative, Palatlakaha River Blueway, Lake David Shoreline Restoration & Trail, Wilson Island acquisition and management plan and others.

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 projects and initiatives that contribute to the Groveland Strategic Plan.
• Implement Groveland’s vision for balanced growth alongside protection of natural resources.
• Collaborate with the Planning & Zoning Division, CRA staff, Public Works Department, Parks Department and others on projects that will advance conservation efforts.
• Create and support projects that conserve and protect natural areas within city limits.
• Educate and foster environmental stewardship within the Groveland community.
• Increase natural green spaces within Groveland city limits. 
• Grow the City’s trail infrastructure network, including Blueway trails. 
• Collaborate with Lake County to increase conservation efforts through the Joint Planning Agreement (JPA). 
• Maintain International Dark Sky Community certification and complete annual reporting. 
• Review photometric and landscape plans to ensure projects meet city code requirements. 
• Coordinate and plan special events to further the City’s conservation efforts. 
• Prioritize continuing education efforts through certifications, conferences, and classes. 

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental science studies, forestry, sustainability, or closely related field is required. 
• Master’s degree in one of the above-mentioned areas preferred. 
• One (1) year of experience working in an environmental capacity, preferably for the public sector in a local government role. 
• Familiarity with Central Florida flora and fauna, ecosystems, watersheds, prime conservation lands, environmental organizations, programs for land protection, etc. is desirable. 
• 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) preferred but not required. 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Principles and practices of natural resource management (forestry, wildlife, water, soil, etc.). 
• Environmental laws and regulations (e.g., NEPA, ESA, Clean Water Act). 
• Land use planning and conservation techniques. 
• Field data collection methods and ecological monitoring. 
• GIS, remote sensing, and mapping technologies. 
• Principles of ecology, biology, and environmental science. 
• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite include Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.
• Strong communication skills and ability to connect with others.
• Demonstrates creativity and passion.
• Takes initiative and shows leadership abilities.
• Ability to answer routine technical questions from the public, by telephone or 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 judgement 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. 
• Talking  

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:

• Works in an office setting primarily with standard office equipment (computers, printers, calculators, etc.). 
• Involves limited inspection of potential conversation parcels and other project field sites. 
• Includes limited field work including landscape installation, inspections, and providing guidance to contractors or other city staff to best implement projects. 
• Exposure to various weather conditions (sun, rain, heat, cold) during outdoor education programs, site visits, or environmental clean-up events. 
• Walking or standing for long periods, possibly on uneven terrain.  

(Reasonable accommodation will be made for otherwise qualified individuals with a disability.)