Environmental Specialist, Senior

The Lee County Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) is seeking a knowledgeable, detail-oriented, and service-driven Environmental Specialist, Senior to support the County’s Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program within the Department of Natural Resources.

This position serves as a key resource in ensuring compliance with federal and state stormwater regulations, protecting surface water quality, and supporting environmental programs that benefit the residents and ecosystems of Lee County. The Environmental Specialist, Senior conducts field inspections, reviews stormwater and erosion control plans, performs water quality assessments, investigates illicit discharges, and leads public education and outreach efforts required under the NPDES MS4 permit.

The ideal candidate is technically proficient, well-organized, and confident working both independently in the field and collaboratively with internal departments, regulatory agencies, contractors, and the public. Success in this role requires analytical skills, strong communication abilities, and a commitment to environmental stewardship and compliance.

What You’ll Do

• Conduct MS4 inspections, including construction, industrial, commercial, proactive, and complaint-based inspections.

• Inspect stormwater facilities, outfalls, waterways, and other physical components of the stormwater system.

• Perform environmental data collection, water quality sampling, field assessments, and documentation required for NPDES reporting.

• Investigate illicit discharges, determine sources, develop resolutions, and enforce related LDC and County ordinance requirements.

• Review and evaluate erosion control plans and Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans (SWP3s) for development orders; approve or deny SWP3s and coordinate status updates with Community Development.

• Contribute to development order reviews by preparing and assisting with Natural Resources comments.

• Prepare and deliver educational materials and presentations for municipal staff, industry professionals, and the general public in accordance with NPDES permit requirements.

• Serve or become qualified as a certified instructor for the Florida Stormwater, Erosion, and Sedimentation Control Inspector course.

• Support development and maintenance of Standard Operating Protocols for the NPDES program.

• Develop, maintain, and manage program databases and GIS datasets; create GIS maps for departmental use.

• Support watershed-based bacterial pollution reduction efforts, which may include thermal imaging surveys, private lift station inspections, storm marker installation, and pollutant source tracking.

• Respond to citizen Requests for Action (RFAs) and collaborate with other County departments as needed for resolution.

• Assist with annual MS4 report preparation and documentation requirements.

• Review and approve dewatering requests for discharges into the MS4 through the LeeDOT right-of-way permitting process.

• Collaborate with LeeDOT and other County teams on flowway mapping, GIS structure identification, and water quality project support.

• Perform other related duties as assigned.

What We’re Looking For

Minimum Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s Degree in physical, natural, or biological science, environmental science, environmental engineering, civil engineering (water resources), ecology/environmental biology, geology/hydrogeology, GIS, or another closely related environmental field
    AND
• One (1) year of experience in natural resources or a closely related field, such as stormwater management/MS4 compliance, environmental compliance or regulatory enforcement, water quality monitoring and sampling, construction site erosion and sediment control, or environmental permitting/natural resources management

Licenses & Certifications

• Valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record
• Florida Stormwater, Erosion, and Sedimentation Control Inspector certification, or ability to obtain within three (3) months of hire
• Florida Stormwater, Erosion, and Sedimentation Control Instructor certification, or ability to obtain when available
• Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) certification, or ability to obtain when available

Work Schedule: Monday–Friday, 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM

About the Department

The Lee County Department of Natural Resources protects, maintains, and enhances the County’s natural systems through water resource management, environmental stewardship, stormwater program administration, and ecological restoration. The department collaborates with internal and external partners to support sustainable growth, preserve natural habitats, and maintain the quality and resilience of Lee County’s waterways and ecosystems.

Learn more at: www.leegov.com/naturalresources

About Lee County:

Salary : $28 - $31