Air Quality, Calibration, Communication Skills, Community Development, Compensation and Benefits, Conservation, Customer Support/Service, Data Analysis, Data Quality, Detail Oriented, Driver's License, Environmental Compliance, Environmental Impact, Environmental Law, Environmental Regulations, Environmental Sciences, Federal Compliance Regulations, Green Business, Hazardous Materials/Substances, Interpret Regulations, Laboratory Analysis, Laboratory Testing, Land Development, Land Use, Maintain Compliance, Natural Resources, Physical Science, Quality Assurance, Regulations, Regulatory Compliance, Reporting Skills, Statistics, Stewardship, Sustainability, Testing, Water Quality Testing, Water Sampling
Environmental Review Specialist 1
Location: 440 Court Street, Clearwater, FL
Make a lasting impact on your community by guiding development that protects natural resources by promoting responsible and sustainable development practices.
Are you an environmental professional who values balance between the built and natural environments? Pinellas County is seeking a knowledgeable, detail-oriented, and mission-driven Environmental Review Specialist to join our Development Review Services team.
In this role, you'll conduct both field and office reviews of development projects to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local environmental regulations. You'll work at the intersection of environmental science, planning, and public service-reviewing site plans, collecting air and water samples and investigating potential environmental hazards, calculating drainage and water retention rates, assisting applicants, issuing permits and inspecting for compliance, enforcing codes, and shaping outcomes that support the environmental goals of Pinellas County.
What Would You Do?
- Reviews site development plans and permit applications, conducts field investigations for compliance with environmental codes and ordinances, recommends modifications to ensure regulatory compliance, and inspects sites for certificates of compliance with approved site development plans;
- Performs field inspections and makes recommendations and limited decisions on the removal of protected vegetation and issues permits;
- Prepares and serves fine citations and appears in court as a witness;
- Assists businesses, contractors, developers, engineers, and the public with interpretation of environmental regulations and compliance with federal, state, and local environmental laws, codes, and ordinances;
- Conducts sampling and field investigations for air or water quality programs including the operation, calibration, and routine maintenance of specialized sampling apparatus and pollution control testing and monitoring equipment;
- Collects and maintains technical environmental data, interprets the results of laboratory tests, evaluates ecological and environmental impact, and develops reports on specialized studies;
- Performs quality assurance tests and audits validating the integrity of environmental data and performs technical statistical analyses of data using automated programs;
- Evaluates conformance with established environmental codes, ordinances, and regulations and initiates field enforcement actions based on inspection findings of administrative or operational non-compliance;
- Conducts permitting reviews and special assessments on mangroves, wetlands, and uplands to protect environmentally sensitive areas;
- May assist in Environmental Specialist trainee development;
- Coordinates the activities of volunteer personnel as needed within the section or department;
- Investigates citizen complaints on land use, air, or water quality matters including fish kills, noxious odors, hazardous waste, etc.;
- Maintains original documents and scans and files electronically;
- Investigates citizen complaints on water quality and other matters;
- Identifies needs for and ideas of new educational publications for businesses and provides applicable materials to businesses;
What Do You Need To Have?
Bachelor's degree in environmental, natural, biological, or physical science, engineering, or related field and one (1) year of related professional experience; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
Solid understanding of environmental regulations and the principles of environmental land development review.
Excellent communication and customer service skills and ability to explain technical and regulatory concepts to a variety of
Experience in site development review, environmental regulation, permitting, or enforcement is preferred.
Additional Requirements
Valid Florida Driver's License.
Ability to work during emergency/disaster events, if needed.
Fieldwork includes exposure to outdoor elements-heat, humidity, insects, and inclement weather.
Physical ability to perform inspections, including walking long distances and navigating uneven terrain.
Our benefits rank among the top in the area!
- Looking for a strong retirement? We have you covered as members of the Florida Retirement System (FRS) with investment and pension options.
- We have deferred compensation programs and wellness centers to name a few perks. Check out these and more!
Want To Learn More?
Please review the full classification description with the Physical/Mental Demands and Working Conditions at the below link.
Environmental Specialist 1, C21
Join us in shaping a future where growth and conservation go hand in hand. Apply today to be part of a team that values science, service, and environmental stewardship.