PLANNING CONSULTANT

at  The State of Florida

Requisition No: 835868
Agency: Environmental Protection
Working Title: PLANNING CONSULTANT - 37002148
Pay Plan: Career Service
Position Number: 37002148
Salary: $53,560.00 annual salary
Posting Closing Date: 09/11/2024
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REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

Skilled in communicating effectively both verbally and in writing.
Skilled in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with others.
Skilled in overseeing people and applying management principles and practices.
Skilled in dealing with the public and coworkers in a tactful and courteous manner.
Knowledge of the concepts, terminology, principles, and analytical methods for aquatic ecosystems and their management.
Skilled in analyzing and interpreting scientific and technical data and information and writing reports.
Skilled in planning, organizing, prioritizing, and coordinating work assignments.
Skilled in understanding and applying applicable rules, regulations, policies, and practices.
Ability to operate an outboard motorboat and a computer.
Must have experience with water quality and seagrass monitoring.
Experience in the field with operating and trailering motorboats.
Ability to swim, snorkel and dive safely, sometimes in conditions with low visibility and strong currents.

REQUIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

SCUBA certification from a nationally recognized institution to be obtained within the first six months of employment
A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in one of the biological or environmental sciences and three years of verifiable related experience; or any combination of post-secondary education or verifiable related experience, as described above, for a total of seven years.
Ability to travel.
Must have prior approval and meet the snorkeling and diving validation requirements in the DEP Underwater Operations Manual. This is a medically monitored position.
Experience operating airboat preferred.
Other Job Related Requirements for this position:
Valid driver’s license
Ability to travel as needed.

THE WORK YOU WILL DO:

This position serves as the Planning Consultant for the Nature Coast Aquatic Preserve. The incumbent is responsible for overseeing the protection and management of the Office of Resilience and Coastal Protection’s managed areas through the implementation of priority goals, objectives and strategies outlined in the Nature Coast Aquatic Preserve Management Plan. The Incumbent will work with the Regional AP Manager and the Big Bend Seagrasses AP Manager to plan, coordinate, and implement resource management, restoration activities and research/monitoring related to the enhancement of the environment and preservation of natural and cultural resources.
The Difference You Will Make:
You will be working for DEP’s Office of Resilience and Coastal Protection that has a multi-faceted approach to resilience, including coral reef protection; preservation of coastal and aquatic management areas; beach and inlet management; and the implementation of ecosystem restoration projects to prepare Florida’s coastal communities and state-managed lands for the effects of sea level rise, coastal flooding, erosion and storms. You will coordinate with internal and external partners (both inter and intra agency partners) agencies to share data resources, expand monitoring networks and avoid duplication. You will also promote and facilitate visiting scientist research for identifying and quantifying causes of habitat loss and will assess the success of restoration activities.

YOUR SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:

This position will oversee the implementation of the Contract between DEP and UF/SeaGrant to complete water quality and seagrass monitoring in the Nature Coast Aquatic Preserve per contract deliverables. The position will also oversee the implementation of the RESTORE-funded project (through DWRA) to further research on the biodiversity and productivity of nearshore hardbottom habitats. The incumbent is responsible for the creation of an annual work plan and facilitation of field work amongst DEP staff, Contractors and Researchers. They are also responsible for regular reporting, ensuring that UF subaward deliverables are complete, and timelines are being met.
This position will work closely with the Regional Manager to identify scientific issues related to coastal and local needs. They will also work closely with regulatory agencies, including DEP southwest district, and SWFWMD staff having jurisdiction within aquatic preserves in the Nature Coast.
The incumbent is responsible for compiling, analyzing, and synthesizing highly complex data generated from the UF contract and the RESTORE subaward.