What are the responsibilities and job description for the ECOLOGICAL RESOURCES COORDINATOR position at Manatee County, FL?
General Information
Manages ecological restoration programs and projects associated with the Ecological & Marine Resources Division of the Manatee County Natural Resources Department, including wetland restoration associated with grant funding and compensatory mitigation. Work entails the application of professional environmental management skills, comprehension and analysis of state and federal wetland regulations, and working knowledge of complex environmental assessment techniques.
Working Conditions
Indoor and outdoor work environments possibly exposed to heat and other outdoor weather extremes. Sitting for long periods working on computer. Lifting equipment or supplies up to 25 pounds alone and up to 50 pounds with assistance. Position requires visual acuity and depth perception, as well as ability to hear and identify sounds. Required to drive County vehicles and boats and operate specialized field equipment as part of the duties of the job. Occasional overnight travel required. Occasionally required to work other than normal business hours (i.e., Mon.-Fri.).
Note: This position has been designated by the Manatee County Commission as serving at the will and pleasure of the County Administrator. Employees so designated may be terminated at any time with or without cause.
Job Description
These are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position.
Area of Assignment - Ecological Resources
The Ecological & Marine Resources (EMR) Division was established to advance ecological restoration projects in Manatee County, which includes coastal plantings, oyster restoration, living shorelines, habitat management, and freshwater and tidal habitat restoration that benefits coastal resilience, hydrologic restoration, water quality, and wildlife habitats.
This position is responsible for coordinating multiple, concurrent ecological restoration projects throughout Manatee County, focusing on tidal, freshwater, and upland ecosystems. The role supports County Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) projects through wildlife surveys and protected species relocations, such as gopher tortoises. Core responsibilities include developing project scopes, managing contractors and consultants, overseeing budgets and grant funding, and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations. This position ensures EMR projects align with ecological goals, quality standards, and long-term shoreline, ecosystem, and community resilience.
The position works closely with consultants and contractors to advance project objectives. Responsibilities include scheduling fieldwork, reviewing and providing input on engineering plans, and coordinating permitting efforts with local, state, and federal regulatory agencies. Additional duties include supporting project development, securing services in accordance with County procurement guidelines, and managing external partners to keep projects on schedule, meet deliverable and grant deadlines, and maintain team communication.
A strong understanding of Florida’s ecosystems is essential, with specific expertise in native vegetation and species used in wetland (freshwater and tidal) and upland restoration. Experience in managing nuisance and exotic species, conducting wildlife surveys, and completing natural resource assessments is required to inform restoration strategies and adaptive management. This position will perform gopher tortoise surveys and support relocations under the license of our Authorized GTAs.
This position requires the ability to collect GPS data and utilize KMZ/CAD files and apply them to navigate GIS programs (e.g., ArcPRO). Candidates must be capable of creating interpretive maps, supporting spatial analysis, maintaining accurate records, and managing multiple map priorities in a dynamic environment.
Strong communication skills are required for writing technical memos, collaborating across departments, and presenting to regulatory agencies, elected officials, stakeholders, and funding partners. The position also requires interpersonal skills to resolve challenges, engage stakeholders, and represent the division at public and professional forums.
Candidates must demonstrate sound judgment, self-motivation, and strong organizational and time-management skills to consistently meet deadlines and deliver high-quality results. Familiarity with relevant software and computer systems is expected.
This position works closely with the Division Manager and departmental staff to support the County’s ecological restoration goals, track legislative developments, respond to public inquiries, and reinforce Manatee County’s leadership in natural resource protection and restoration.
Manages multiple, concurrent ecological restoration projects and mitigation projects, including field data verification, project scope development, contractor oversight, budget management, and project administration. Document contractor performance for reporting and quality control. Ensure that managed programs and projects stay within budget.
Ability to identify Florida native plants and specifically vegetation used in wetland (e.g., freshwater and tidal) and upland habitat restoration. Experience with nuisance and exotic vegetation identification and management.
Plans, reviews, and coordinates data analysis to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local rules and regulations related to the Division's ecological restoration projects.
Interprets and implements environmental permitting regulations, including field survey techniques to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
Ability to perform wetland delineations, marine resource surveys, and wildlife surveys and communicate results to regulatory entities to advance environmental permitting efforts related to projects.
Prepare, review and/or interpret environmental reports, environmental impact analyses, engineering plans, and other related documents to make sound environmental permitting and restoration decisions for the Department.
Conducts natural resource assessments, surveys, and reports for compliance with regulatory and granting agency requirements.
Prepare/Review environmental resource permit applications, narrative reports, and other documents needed to advance permitting for habitat restoration and mitigation projects.
Works with other Natural Resource Department Divisions to advance ecological restoration and habitat management projects.
Serve as a liaison to federal, state, and local agencies including the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration National Marine Fisheries Service, Southwest Florida Water Management District, Florida Department of Environmental Protection, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
Monitor and report on emerging federal, state, and local legislative initiatives to inform Division Manager regarding impacts on the program’s operation.
Presents on topics and programs related to areas of assignment to the Board of County Commissioners, at professional meetings, to community groups, and at other public forums to comply with grant requirements and to maintain the Division's reputation as a leading agency in the restoration field.
Investigates and resolves a variety of citizen inquiries and complaints related to areas of assignment. Prepares follow-up reports and correspondence.
Respond to internal customers (e.g., Departments within Manatee County). Collaborate and liaise with other natural resources personnel to enhance programs and services.
Prepares grant applications, oversees grant implementation, and prepares follow-up reports as required.
Uses Global Positioning System (GPS) software to collect and interpret field data. Performs spatial analysis and prepares interpretive maps using ArcGIS tools.
Assist the Division Manager in meeting division goals.
Performs other related work (including weather or other extreme emergency duties) as required.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in biological, environmental, or physical sciences, environmental engineering, environmental policy, environmental planning, or related field.
Three (3) or more years of professional experience in a natural resources related field.
Valid driver license required with valid Florida driver license required within 30 days of hire.
Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.More
Botany experience preferred.
Familiarity with marine resources, including oysters and seagrass.
Knowledge of environmental resource permitting highly desired.
Experience supporting or performing wet land delineations and wildlife surveys preferred.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Possesses a solid understanding of Florida’s ecosystems, including vegetation used in freshwater wetland, tidal marsh, and upland habitat restoration and/or wetland mitigation.
Ability to operate Global Positioning System (GPS) to collect and interpret field data and to create interpretive maps using ArcGIS tools.
Able to prioritize tasks, manage competing and changing priorities, and meet deadlines.
Accurate, detail-oriented, and organized.
Able to resolve difficult and sometimes complex situations and problems.
Good knowledge and understanding of current principles and practices in environmental resource permitting, ecological restoration/mitigation, and natural resources protection.
Good knowledge and understanding of local flora and fauna as it pertains to areas of assignment.
Good knowledge and understanding of regulatory compliance necessary to successfully perform job responsibilities, including state and federal permitting requirements for ecological restoration/mitigation, earth moving, and dredge/fill in state and federally jurisdictional wetlands and surface waters.
Good knowledge and understanding of computer systems and software applications required to perform job duties.
Good verbal and written communication skills and interpersonal skills, including public presentation skills, in order to interact professionally and effectively with staff, elected officials, funding agencies, the general public, and other stakeholders.
Ability to influence others regarding policies, practices, and procedures.
Works independently with limited supervision.
Veterans Preference
In accordance with Florida Statute 295.07, F.S., Chapter 55A-7, priority consideration in employment will be given to eligible veterans and spouses of disabled veterans. Applicants claiming preference must provide a DD Form 214 or other acceptable documentation with their application. We are committed to honoring the service and sacrifices of our veterans and their families.
EEO/ADA Statement
Manatee County Government is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you require any accommodations to participate in the recruitment process, please contact Human Resources at 941-748-4501 x 3865.
Drug-Free Workplace
Manatee County Government is a drug-free workplace in accordance with Federal and Florida Law.
Emergency Response/Recovery Activities
All employees may be required to work before, during, or after an emergency. During an emergency, employees may temporarily be assigned to work and perform duties outside the normal scope of their position, location, and work schedule to fit the needs of the County and its citizens.
