St. Johns County residents enjoy a healthy quality of life with many perks including one of the top rated public school systems in the State of Florida, miles of beach shoreline, peaceful estuary scenery of the St. Johns River, long established agriculture and equestrian scene, and the nation’s oldest city, historic St. Augustine. In 2019 St. Johns County was ranked the 10th fastest growing county in the United States showcasing that there is truly something for everyone in St. Johns County!
The St. Johns County Growth Management Department, Environmental Specialist is responsible for supporting assigned programs that maintain the preservation of local environmental resources. Assists with compliance, endangered species, land management, and habitat resources. This includes assessments, surveys and related reports or documents.
Employees work in a team-oriented environment and coordinates with other Departments and Divisions to provide the best services to our citizens and to maintain the quality of life that brought so many to St. Johns County.
The ideal Environmental Specialist candidate must possess St. Johns County’s core values of Dedication, Openness, Adaptability, Visionary, Fiscal Responsibility, Integrity, and Humility and must work well in a collaborative team environment.
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES
- Assists with the maintenance of Environmental Services Division databases regarding compliance, endangered species, habitat, and historic resources. This includes assessments, surveys and related reports or documents.
- Perform specific duties associated with the position as outlined below and identified in the job assignment.
- May develop and present educational or outreach programs, as assigned. May supervise the work of volunteer or seasonal employees, as assigned.
- Maintains a full-time presence on the job.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Compliance:
- Conducts monthly visual inspections of county-owned fuel storage tanks to maintain compliance with state regulations, as assigned; advises personnel of needed upgrades or repairs; maintains annual permits and insurance renewals.
- Conducts bacteriological water sampling and monthly inspections of all county-owned water systems to maintain compliance with state regulations, as assigned; coordinates the scheduling of work orders to maintain a properly functioning water system.
Habitat Conservation:
- Maintains sea turtle nesting data collected by volunteers, assigned; completes and prepares weekly seat turtle nesting data summaries.
- Processes beach use permits, as assigned.
- Updates Beaches Hotline related to beach driving conditions and coastal wildlife alerts, as assigned.
- Develops maps and data layers needed for habitat conservation planning, as assigned.
Environmental Review:
- Performs environmental reviews of residential and commercial land development projects.
- Conducts landscape inspections to ensure compliance with the Land Development Code.
- Conducts environmental compliance inspections for complaints received through the PRIDE system.
- Assists with the development of land management plans for county-owned parcels for wetland mitigation, conservation, and passive recreation.
Cultural/ Historic Resources Preservation:
- Reviews Demolition permitting and develops mitigation processes and preservation strategies for historically significant structures and other environmental resources under demolition review.
- Conducts research, field assessments and recording activities associated with historic resources.
- Consults with private landowners and County departments to develop preservation and restoration management strategies, including the creation of incentives and other preservation programs.
- Reviews development proposals for their impact to historic resources.
- Updates Florida Master Site File forms for architectural resources county-wide.
ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS
- A Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Ecology or Environmental Science or similar course of study with a minimum of three (3) years of experience. An advanced degree my substitute for one (1) year of required experience.
- Must possess and maintain a valid Florida driver’s license and any other endorsements necessary to legally operate vehicles used while assigned to this position.
- Must possess good interpersonal and communication skills to serve others.
- Must be able to comprehend, speak and write the English language.
- Must be able to operate a computer.
ESSENTIAL SKILLS
- Knowledge of relevant environmental codes and ordinances.
- Knowledge of federal and state historic resource laws and regulations.
- Knowledge of local, state and federal environmental permitting regulations.
- Knowledge of local government historic preservation planning strategies and processes.
- Knowledge of Geographic Information Systems technology and principles.
- Knowledge of computers and job-related software programs.
- Skill in the analysis of problems and the development and implementation of solutions.
- Skill in the preparation of clear and precise administrative reports.
- Skill in oral and written communication.
ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS
- Working Conditions may include some exposure to environmental changes (e.g., outdoor weather and/or field conditions, warehouses, garages, etc.), extreme noises, odors, heights and/or dust.
- Physical Activity may include sitting, walking, lifting heavy objects up to 25lbs, kneeling, crouching, reaching, or standing.
Salary Range:
$56,784.00 -$76,523.20
Compensation Grade:
BCC PG17
Department:
Growth Management Services
Location:
4040 Lewis Speedway
St. Augustine, FL 32084

St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners is a drug free workplace and equal opportunity employer. All employment actions are taken without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, handicap, disability, marital status, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information.
VETERANS’ PREFERENCE. Pursuant to Chapter 295, Florida Statutes, candidates eligible for Veterans’ Preference will receive preference in employment for Career Service vacancies and are encouraged to apply. Certain service members may be eligible to receive waivers for postsecondary educational requirements. Candidates claiming Veterans’ Preference must attach supporting documentation with each submission that includes character of service (for example, DD Form 214 Member Copy #4) along with any other documentation as required by Rule 55A-7, Florida Administrative Code. Veterans’ Preference documentation requirements are available by clicking here. All documentation is due by the close of the vacancy announcement.
An applicant eligible for Veteran's Preference who believes he or she was not afforded employment preferences in accordance with Florida law may file a complaint requesting an investigation with the Florida department of veterans affairs. Veteran's Preference Coordinator, 11351 Ulmerton Road, Suite 311, Largo, FL 33778. A complaint must be filed within 60 calendar days from the date that the notice of hiring decision is received by the applicant or within three calendar months of the date of the application is filed within the employer if no notice is given. If no notice is given, it is the responsibility of the preferred applicant to contact the employer to determine if the position has been filled.
