Environmental Planner jobs in Florida

Under the direction of the Natural Resources Manager, the Environmental Planner III requires advanced professional environmental planning experience of high complexity relating to conservation, threatened and protected species management, mitigation and restoration plans, and sustainability and resiliency. Employees in this position must exercise independence in judgement and will lead more complex environmental planning assignments. 

• Performs advanced professional work related to a variety of environmental planning assignments.
• Manages complex environmental planning studies and reviews consultant proposals related to environmental impacts, preservation, and mitigation.
• Assists with development of environmental provisions for comprehensive plan amendments and land development regulations.
• Reviews re-zonings, annexations, site plans, and other development proposals for environmental impacts.
• Conducts research and prepares statistical reports on environmental topics.
• Develops plans, studies, and analyses for environmental, resiliency, and sustainability initiatives.
• Works in regional program areas relating to environmental resources planning, resiliency and sustainability, hazard mitigation coastal zone management and others.
• Performs field inspections to gather data relevant to plans and studies.
• Schedules and conducts meetings with advisory boards and elected officials regarding environmental topics.
• Presents reports and other findings to staff, elected and appointed bodies, environmental advocacy groups, and others.
• May conduct site visits to undeveloped properties as needed.

(These essential job functions are not to be construed as a complete statement of all duties performed.   Employees will be required to perform other related duties as assigned, including City-directed work assignments in the event of a declared emergency.)

• Advanced knowledge of the philosophies, principals, practices, and techniques of environmental planning.
• Knowledge and experience in development processes as they relate to environmental issues.
• Knowledge of Florida threatened and endangered species, environmental challenges and opportunities, coastal hazard mitigation, and other environmental issues specific to Florida.
• Knowledge of principles, methodology, practices of research and data collection.
• Knowledge of effective writing techniques.
• Knowledge of computer hardware and software programs, which may include Microsoft Office, Internet applications, and GIS.
• Ability to present concise, detailed oral and written administrative reports.  
• Excellent customer service skills, including the ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both in person and in writing.
• Ability to plan, organize and use mature judgment in evaluating situations and making decisions in accordance with established policy.  
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, officials, and the general public.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described herein are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.   Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

Working Conditions:   

While performing the duties of this job, the employee’s work is typically performed in a safe and secure work environment that may periodically have unpredicted requirements or demands.

Risk/Safety Conditions:  

This position requires minimal exposure or risk to physical health and/or physical safety (e.g., exposure to environmentally hazardous material, heavy equipment, etc.)

Physical Activities:

The work is sedentary: exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. Additional requirements include: balancing, bending, climbing, crouching, feeling, fingering, grasping, handling, hearing, kneeling, lifting, mental acuity, pulling, pushing, reaching, repetitive motion, speaking, standing, talking, visual acuity, and walking.

Position requires the operation of a City vehicle.

(Occasional=1-3 Hrs.; Frequent=3-5 Hrs.; Constant=5-8 Hrs. – Per Workday)

Education and Experience:

·        Master ‘s degree in Natural or Environmental Sciences, Biology, Environmental Planning, Ecology or a closely related field.

·        Four (4) years of professional work experience in environmental planning or a related field.  

·        AICP certification is desirable.

(A comparable amount of relevant training, education and/or experience may be substituted for the above qualifications.)

Licenses and Certifications:

Possession of or ability to obtain a valid Florida driver’s license by date of hire.