Environmental Specialist, Senior

DescriptionThe Lee County Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) is seeking a knowledgeable, detail-oriented, and service-driven Environmental Specialist, Senior to support the County’s Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program within the Department of Natural Resources.This position serves as a key resource in ensuring compliance with federal and state stormwater regulations, protecting surface water quality, and supporting environmental programs that benefit the residents and ecosystems of Lee County. The Environmental Specialist, Senior conducts field inspections, reviews stormwater and erosion control plans, performs water quality assessments, investigates illicit discharges, and leads public education and outreach efforts required under the NPDES MS4 permit.The ideal candidate is technically proficient, well-organized, and confident working both independently in the field and collaboratively with internal departments, regulatory agencies, contractors, and the public. Success in this role requires analytical skills, strong communication abilities, and a commitment to environmental stewardship and compliance.Duties and ResponsibilitiesWhat You’ll DoConduct MS4 inspections, including construction, industrial, commercial, proactive, and complaint-based inspections.Inspect stormwater facilities, outfalls, waterways, and other physical components of the stormwater system.Perform environmental data collection, water quality sampling, field assessments, and documentation required for NPDES reporting.Investigate illicit discharges, determine sources, develop resolutions, and enforce related LDC and County ordinance requirements.Review and evaluate erosion control plans and Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans (SWP3s) for development orders; approve or deny SWP3s and coordinate status updates with Community Development.Contribute to development order reviews by preparing and assisting with Natural Resources comments.Prepare and deliver educational materials and presentations for municipal staff, industry professionals, and the general public in accordance with NPDES permit requirements.Serve or become qualified as a certified instructor for the Florida Stormwater, Erosion, and Sedimentation Control Inspector course.Support development and maintenance of Standard Operating Protocols for the NPDES program.Develop, maintain, and manage program databases and GIS datasets; create GIS maps for departmental use.Support watershed-based bacterial pollution reduction efforts, which may include thermal imaging surveys, private lift station inspections, storm marker installation, and pollutant source tracking.Respond to citizen Requests for Action (RFAs) and collaborate with other County departments as needed for resolution.Assist with annual MS4 report preparation and documentation requirements.Review and approve dewatering requests for discharges into the MS4 through the LeeDOT right-of-way permitting process.Collaborate with LeeDOT and other County teams on flowway mapping, GIS structure identification, and water quality project support.Perform other related duties as assigned.Education, Experience, LicensingMinimum QualificationsWhat We’re Looking ForSkillsWe accept any combination of education and experience that gives the applicant the knowledge and skills needed for the job. This means:A Bachelor’s Degree in physical, natural, or biological science, environmental science, environmental engineering, civil engineering (water resources), ecology/environmental biology, geology/hydrogeology, GIS, or another closely related environmental field ANDOne (1) year of experience in natural resources or a closely related field, such as stormwater management/MS4 compliance, environmental compliance or regulatory enforcement, water quality monitoring and sampling, construction site erosion and sediment control, or environmental permitting/natural resources managementLicenses & CertificationsValid driver’s license with an acceptable driving recordFlorida Stormwater, Erosion, and Sedimentation Control Inspector certification, or ability to obtain within three (3) months of hireFlorida Stormwater, Erosion, and Sedimentation Control Instructor certification, or ability to obtain when availableHazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) certification, or ability to obtain when availableSupplemental InformationWork Schedule: Monday–Friday, 7:30 AM – 4:00 PMAbout The DepartmentThe Lee County Department of Natural Resources protects, maintains, and enhances the County’s natural systems through water resource management, environmental stewardship, stormwater program administration, and ecological restoration. The department collaborates with internal and external partners to support sustainable growth, preserve natural habitats, and maintain the quality and resilience of Lee County’s waterways and ecosystems.Learn more at: www.leegov.com/naturalresourcesAbout Lee CountyLee County is located in beautiful Southwest Florida and is home to over 800,000 residents. We are dedicated to serving our community with high-quality services and a focus on sustainability and innovation. Join us in making Lee County a great place to live, work, and visit. Find out more about Lee County at Lee County Government.Emergency Response/Recovery ActivitiesAll County employees are required to work before, during, or after an emergency as needed. This may include temporarily being assigned to work and performing duties outside of the normal scope of their position, location and work schedule to fit the needs of the County and its citizens.DISCLAIMER: The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this classification. All positions are subject to a criminal background check. A conviction in and of itself may not necessarily preclude employment. Some positions may be subject to a pre-employment drug screening. Certain service members and veterans, and the spouses and family members of such service members and veterans, who claim and meet eligibility requirements of veterans preference, receive preference and priority in employment and are encouraged to apply. Lee County Board of County Commissioners offers a comprehensive, and affordable benefits package. Our Board works in the best interest of employees and strives to provide the most complete, high-quality benefits package available at the lowest possible cost to the employee. Our Board continues to remain steadfast in maintaining one of the lowest levels of employee costs in our area.Lee County's benefits package is offered to both regular Full-time positions and Part-time positions that are regularly scheduled to work 60 hours or more bi-weekly. Medical benefits may be offered to On-Call, Temporary, Seasonal, and Intern employees who meet the Affordable Care Act eligibility criteria.Lee County employees eligible to participate in the Florida Retirement System (FRS) are required to contribute 3% of each paycheck to FRS. If you have retired from the Florida Retirement Pension plan you will not be eligible for renewed membership in either of the FRS retirement plan options. Retirees of the Investment Plan are eligible for renewed membership in the Investment Plan only. FRS reemployment rules apply for both.Below is a brief breakdown of what's included in the benefits package that is offered to our employees.For a more detailed look into our benefits package, please click visit our webpage at www.leegov.com/hr/Documents/Employee%20Benefits/2024%20Benefits/FULLTIME%20ACTIVE%20LCBOCC%202024%20Plan%20Year%20OE%20Guide%20FINAL%20AON%202023.09.12.pdf.To view our employee paid premiums, please visit: https://www.leegov.com/hr/Documents/Employee%20Benefits/2024%20Benefits/2024%20Active%20Employee%20Rates.pdfHealth Benefits Medical Insurance Plans include, but are not limited to: routine, preventative, mental health, hospitalization, and prescription drug benefits. Vision, Fitness, Weight Management, Natural Products and Services, and Hearing discount programs available. Dental Insurance Vision Insurance Flexible Spending Accounts Medical Reimbursement Account Dependent Care Reimbursement Account Pharmacy, including Mail-Order Pharmacy Informed Health Lines (Nurse Hotline) Basic Life Insurance (1x or 2x Annual Salary at no cost to employee) Optional Life Insurance Long-Term Disability (60% of pre-disability salary at no cost to employee) Short-Term Disability Sick Leave Pool Flu vaccinations Wellness ProgramsFinancial Benefits Florida Retirement System (FRS) Two Retirement Plan Options: FRS Pension Plan (Defined Benefit) FRS Investment Plan (Defined Contribution) Deferred Compensation (457) Plans Financial Savings/Management Programs Eligible for membership with Suncoast Credit Union Employee Leave Benefits Holiday Pay - 11 Paid Holidays Annually Paid Sick Leave Paid Vacation Leave Bereavement & Civic Duty Leave Family and Medical Leave Military Family & Medical Leave Educational LeaveEmployee Assistance ProgramServices available to employees that offers guidance, support, resources and information for personal and work-life issues. Confidential and provided at no charge to employees and their dependents.United Way 2-1-1 (Lee County Employee Resource Program)Lee County BOCC has partnered with United Way 211 to provide an Employee Resource Program which assists BoCC employees who may be experiencing distress due to economic hardship, health or other factors.Educational AssistanceReimbursement for coursework taken at an accredited college or university that is designed to enhance the knowledge, skills and abilities relating to the official duties that the employees perform.01Do you have experience in natural resources or a closely related environmental field? (Be sure to include this experience in the Work History section of your application.)Less than 1 year1–2 years3–4 years5 or more years02Do you possess a valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record?YesNo03Which statement best describes your status regarding the Florida Stormwater, Erosion, and Sedimentation Control Inspector certification?I currently possess the certificationI do not have it but can obtain it within three (3) monthsI cannot obtain this certification04What is your HAZWOPER certification status?Currently certifiedNot certified, but able to obtain when training becomes availableNot certified and unable to obtain05Do you have experience interpreting or applying environmental regulations such as the Clean Water Act, MS4 permit requirements, or stormwater BMPs?YesNo Required Question