Natural Resources Specialist, Senior (Water Conservation Manager)
SALARY: $57,549.65 - $91,849.68 Annually
OPENING DATE: 03/19/20
CLOSING DATE: Open until a sufficient number of applications has been received.
REQUIREMENTS AND PREFERENCES:
Broward County's Board of County Commissioners is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Natural Resources Specialist, Senior (Water Conservation Manager). The successful candidate will be responsible for coordinating water conservation efforts, public outreach, education, and reporting on water usage including operations of the Broward Water Partnership (BWP), Conservation Pays Program and the Broward NatureScape Irrigation Service (NIS), to achieve measured water savings in support of regional water conservation goals and water utility permit requirements.
This is a senior-level supervisory position responsible for coordinating the development and implementation of county-wide water resources initiatives to address urban and natural systems needs with a focus on current and future conditions planning. Responsibilities require active leadership in the administration of water resources assessment, water conservation, and water policy and planning programs. The position requires extensive collaboration with local governments, water managers, and agency partners to advance integrated water resource management strategies, climate resilience, and multi-jurisdictional initiatives. Program efforts include the development and application of advanced hydrologic models and future conditions scenarios to guide planning decisions. Program initiatives are supported by a diverse team and include partnerships focused on water resources sustainability, conservation, protection and education, and agreements with the Broward School District, municipalities and water utilities. Work requires supervision of program staff, review and preparation of technical documents, contract and budget management, staffing of boards and committees, and legislative support. This position requires superior communication skills (verbally and in writing), frequent public speaking and strong personal initiative.
This is a demanding position in a fast-paced environment overseeing award-winning programs. Work involves direct coordination with the Division Director and an ability to work independently under general guidance, within organizational policies, and the reporting of major activities to executive level administrators through conference, presentations, and reports.
Minimum Education and Experience Requirements
Requires a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in environmental science, biology, ecology, natural resources management or closely related field.
Requires two (2) years' experience related to natural resources protection appropriate to area of assignment including one (1) year of lead work/supervisory experience.
Special Certifications and Licenses
Must possess a valid Florida driver's license at the time of appointment and maintain it for the duration of assignment.
Preferred candidates will be certified as Water Conservation Specialists, such as Florida Water Star Accredited Professional, FYN Master Gardner or NWF Habitat Steward. Preferred candidates will have five (5) years' experience related to natural resources protection work relevant to the position or closely related experience including two (2) years of lead work/supervisory experience.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
The functions listed below are those that represent the majority of the time spent working in this class. Management may assign additional functions related to the type of work of the job as necessary.
- Coordinates the implementation of the BWP and NIS programs with partner municipalities and other County municipalities and agencies, in accordance with state and local contract requirements, and annual program goals (rebate, water savings, and engagement).
- Coordinates the implementation of residential rebate programs to promote indoor and outdoor water conservation, and the distribution and installation of water-saving devices including high efficiency toilets, shower heads, aerators, spray nozzles, soil moisturizer sensors, smart irrigation controllers and others.
- Coordinates staff to fulfill field evaluations of landscapes and irrigation systems, provide recommendations, and achieve water savings via system operations and landscape improvements.
- Manages the procurement of professional services for public relations and oversees development and implementation of annual conservation campaigns to support community-wide outreach and engagement.
- Supervises and participates in the review of environmental technical and scientific studies and designs pertaining to water conservation ad indoor and outdoor efficiency, prepared by professional consultants and academia.
- Defines technical specifications for the water conservation devices, materials and equipment used in the irrigation evaluations and coordinated eventual distribution of devices among partners.
- Coordinates with local and state agency partners to track, compiles and report information about water use on a county-wide basis, by source and sector to support conservation efforts and long-term planning.
- Compiles technical and statistical reports on programmatic water conservation savings for program partners and interested parties; prepares recommendations for the consideration of senior administrators and committees.
- Develops manuals, guidelines and procedures to improve water use efficiency as part of community-wide practice; assists in writing, amending, and updating County environmental rules and regulations pertaining to irrigation efficiency and makes recommendations with respect to industry best management practices.
- Provides outreach and community engagement, using a variety of traditional and online/social media tools, with the support of consultant services; recognizes partner municipalities and water utilities efforts for achieving program goals and engagement.
- Responds to inquiries from public and government staff; supervises investigations of complaints involving non-compliance with environmental rules, and prepares correspondence dealing with enforcement of environmental rules and ordinances pertaining to water conservation.
- Makes presentations to schools, civic groups, chambers of commerce, and other business and civic associations to publicize the County's environmental programs and ordinances.
- Prepares informational and educational materials and programs relating to water conservation; organizes workshops and trainings on water conservation, indoor savings, irrigation system efficiency, and landscape best management practices.
- Prepares and manages contracts and grants to ensure that terms of inter-local, interagency, and other contractual agreements are met, including timelines, performance measures, reporting, deliverables, budgeting and invoicing.
- Provides staff supervision, oversight of office and field operations; directs and coordinates the training and instruction of subordinates in the gathering, evaluation and reporting of water conservation results; prepares annual performance reviews.
- Performs related work as assigned.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
Physical Demands
Physical demands refer to the requirements for physical exertion and coordination of limb and body movement.
Performs light work that involves walking or standing most of the time and involves exerting up to 20 pounds of force on a regular and recurring basis, or skill, adeptness and speed in the use of fingers, hands or limbs on repetitive operation of mechanical or electronic office equipment or tools within moderate tolerances or limits of accuracy.
SPECIAL INFORMATION:
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Compliance
Broward County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The ADA requires Broward County to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss ADA accommodations with management.
Emergency Management Responsibilities
Note: During emergency conditions, all County employees are automatically considered emergency service workers. County employees are subject to being called to work in the event of a disaster, such as a hurricane, or other emergency and are expected to perform emergency service duties, as assigned.
County-wide Employee Responsibilities
All Broward County employees must serve the public and fellow employees with honesty and integrity in full accord with the letter and spirit of Broward County's Employee Code of Ethics, gift, and conflict of interest policies.
All Broward County employees must establish and maintain effective working relationships with the general public, co-workers, elected and appointed officials and members of diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, political affiliation, familial status, sexual orientation, pregnancy, or gender identity and expression.
BROWARD COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER AND PROVIDER OF SERVICES
APPLICATIONS MAY BE FILED ONLINE AT http://www.broward.org/careers