Environmental Permit Coordinator

Description
Under the general direction of the Natural Resources Director, the purpose of the position is to review vegetation and development permit applications for compliance with the Sanibel Plan, Sanibel Land Development Code and other applicable regulations. Responsibilities include implementation and enforcement of the Sanibel Plan and Land Development Code (LDC) as they relate to the City's natural resources and review and permitting of various projects which impact natural resources including but not limited to vegetation permits and site development applications. This position will also assist in reviewing and processing environmental permitting and code enforcement activities in coordination with other Natural Resources staff and other City departments. This position will comprise a combination of office and field work, in addition to providing responsive customer service assistance and coordination with the public, property owners, and contractors seeking guidance on ordinance requirements or recommendations for best management practices.
Duties
The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned.

Performs environmental planning and permitting, assisting in the preservation and protection of existing natural systems. Receives and verifies permit application requests submitted to the Natural Resources Department are complete and ready for staff review.

Reviews vegetation permit applications and development plans and issues vegetation permits, with site-specific conditions, to ensure compliance with wildlife and vegetation conservation standards and regulations.

Conducts field inspections and monitors development projects to verify completion and ensure compliance with the Comprehensive Land Use Plan, Land Development Code, and development permit conditions.

Assists the public in compliance with the provisions of the natural resources protection codes and regulations.

Possess initiative and independent performance, and contact and coordination with other Departments and Divisions, and regional and state agencies.

Plans and coordinates reviews with other Departments and outside agencies.

Assists with the preparation of environmental protection legal cases and presents testimony to the Code Enforcement Hearing Examiner and other judicial bodies, e.g., violations of wildlife preservation, vegetation violations.

Prepares and presents oral and written reports.

May require driving a motor vehicle to accomplish assigned tasks.

This position requires regular and reliable attendance and the employee's physical presence at the workplace.

Assists with special projects as assigned. Performs related work as required and as directed.
Required Education, Experience, License, Registration, and Certification Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university within the natural sciences, environmental studies, forestry, botany, biology, Urban and Regional Planning or related field
• Three (3) years of related experience in environmental regulation, forestry, site design/planning or code compliance
• Equivalent combination of education, training, certification, and experience will be considered.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Florida Driver's License, or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire or promotion.
• Sanibel Vegetation Competency Card and Fertilizer Endorsement (must be obtained within 6 months of employment)
• Professional Wetland Scientist and/or ISA Certified Arborist (preferred)
• FWC Gopher Tortoise Agent Certification (or ability to obtain)
• Florida Association of Code Enforcement (FACE) Level I & II Certifications (preferred)

Supplemental or Additional Information
Knowledge of Florida ecology and ecosystems.

Knowledge and experience in environmental planning terminology, principles, and practices.

Knowledge of local, state, and federal legislation and programs pertaining to environmental permitting, protection, and restoration.

Knowledge of site assessments, monitoring, and reporting.

Knowledge of wildlife biology, botany, general biology, habitat requirements, land management and restoration techniques, field data collection and monitoring, data collection and evaluation techniques, site preparation techniques, tools, and soils.

Knowledge of conflict resolution.

Read and comprehend maps, surveys, plans, and construction documents.

Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

Excellent oral and written communication skills, including public speaking.

Strong time-management skills.

Strong technical-writing skills.

Intermediate to advanced office software computer skills and mapping and data-entry computer software skills; data collection and evaluation techniques. Must be proficient in MS Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint. Proficiency in ESRI GIS is desirable. Knowledge of Energov, City View, or other enterprise permitting software is desirable.

Ability to perform highly specialized duties requiring knowledge of island vegetation and natural resource best management practices.

Ability to review site plan drawings and specifications.

Ability to manage, plan, organize and meet deadlines.

Ability to understand and apply applicable rules, regulations, policies, and procedures relating to environmental programs.

Ability to analyze and interpret complex data, conduct short and long-range natural resources planning, recognize, and solve natural resource management issues, maintain complex records, and draft technical reports.

Ability to effectively represent the organization to local, state, and federal officials and the general public on policy/procedures and present technical information, ideas, and recommendations clearly and succinctly in written and verbal form.

Ability to possess initiative and independent performance in coordination with other Departments within the City, and regional and state agencies.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and interact in a positive, professional manner with colleagues, outside organizations, and the general public.

Ability to organize own work, setting priorities and meeting deadlines.

Skill in adapting to a changing work environment, competing demands and ability to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees and those contacted in the course of the work.

Benefits for full-time employeesinclude:

• Health insurance and subsidy for family and spouse coverage
• Dental insurance
• Life Insurance
• Accidental Death & Dismembermentinsurance
• Retirement plan
• 457 Deferred compensation plan
• Retirement Health Savings Plan
• Roth IRA
• Vacation, medical and personal leave
• Blood donation leave program
• 10paid holidays
• Beach parking sticker at resident rate
• Reimbursementof co-pays for annual physical and cancer screenings
• Paid Family Membership to SanibelRecreation Center
• Unlimited Sanibel Causeway transponder
• Cape Coral bridges transponder, if applicable