Environmental Lands Section Manager

General Information

Work Location: 9000 Town Center Parkway, Lakewood Ranch, Florida 34202
Work Hours: Monday - Friday, 7:30am - 4:30pm (Flexible Hours)

Expected Starting Annual Range: $80,143.32 - $106,189.90

Leads the strategic acquisition and stewardship of environmentally sensitive lands in Manatee County. Implements and manages the Environmental Lands Program for the purpose of identifying, acquiring, preserving, and protecting endangered, environmentally sensitive, and significant parklands in Manatee County. Serves as staff liaison for the Environmental Lands Management and Acquisition Committee (ELMAC) and citizen advisory board functions.

Working Conditions
Typical indoor office environment. Periodic outdoor field work required, possibly in adverse weather conditions. Sitting for long periods of time, 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. Periodically required to drive county vehicles as part of the duties of the job. Occasional overnight travel required.

Job Description

Essential Functions
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.

Leads the contract negotiations for environmental related property acquisitions, conservation easements, life estates, and other conservation/preservation methods.

Leads the preparation of contracts and associated legal documents to memorialize the negotiated terms.

Serves as staff liaison to the Environmental Lands Management Committee (ELMAC).

Coordinates committee activities such as receiving land nominations, developing acquisition workplans, coordinating the official site naming process, and scheduling meetings.

Prepares and presents agenda packages for ELMAC, Board of County Commissioners, and state and federal agency approval.

Conducts assessments and title analysis related to environmental land acquisitions, rights of way, and easements.

Procures real estate appraisals. Coordinates, clears title, and manages closings for County real estate environmental land acquisitions.

Prepares work plans and interacts closely with the division manager to achieve objectives: formulates strategies on best ways to achieve objectives; keeps the division manager apprised of current issues and obstacles to overall mission.

Works closely with Financial Management in monitoring revenue and expenses, allocates fiscal resources appropriately.

Plans, assigns, directs and evaluates work of assigned staff; ensures quality, accuracy, neatness and efficiency of work projects; schedules and provides training to staff as necessary.

Prepares feasibility studies and reports to identify, assess, and evaluate undeveloped property for acquisition.

Develops a county-wide inventory of environmentally sensitive lands and manages priority lists.

Researches, prepares, and presents information and data to the public, advisory committee(s), and Board of County Commissioners regarding environmental land acquisitions.

Provides technical oversight and assistance, using research, data, maps and other information as needed to further enhance existing or future land acquisition projects. Assists with GIS mapping upgrades.

Builds and maintains strategic partnerships with state and municipal agencies, land trusts, conservation nonprofits, and other stakeholders to support acquisition and land management initiatives.

Works closely with the property owners and collaborates with the County Attorney’s Office and various County Departments, to ensure contracts, rezoning, due diligence, etc., comply with contract and grant requirements.

Manages fiscal activities of land acquisition program in conjunction with Financial Management and departmental Fiscal Services Manager.

Research and evaluate other potential acquisition funding mechanisms.

Maintains knowledge and understanding of current best practices, trends, laws, and issues affecting area of expertise.

Upon approval, attend educational events that will increase professional knowledge and be otherwise beneficial to the County.

Performs other related work (including weather or other extreme emergency duties) as required.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in business, public administration, planning, engineering, architecture, land conservation, or related field.

Five (5) or more years of progressively responsible experience in land conservation, land acquisition, environmental planning, or a related field, with supervisory and/or management experience.

Valid driver license required, with valid Florida driver license required within 30 days of hire.

Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

More

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Experience acquiring conservation lands for (or in conjunction with) local, state or federal land acquisition programs.

Able to prioritize tasks, deal effectively with competing and changing priorities, and meet deadlines.

Accurate, detail-oriented, and organized. Able to analyze and resolve difficult and sometimes complex situations and problems.

Working knowledge and understanding of Florida’s flora, fauna, habitat, ecosystems, and environmental issues.

Excellent knowledge and understanding of regulatory compliance necessary to successfully perform job duties.

Excellent knowledge and understanding of computer applications and software programs required to perform job duties, including GIS.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills and interpersonal skills, including public presentation skills, to be able to interact professionally and effectively with staff, management, elected officials, the general public, and other stakeholders. Able to influence others regarding policies, practices, and procedures.

Capable of working 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.