Planning Consultant

The Work You Will Do:

This position serves as the Planning Consultant for the Nature Coast Aquatic Preserve. The incumbent is responsible for overseeing the protection and management of the Office of Resilience and Coastal Protection’s managed areas through the implementation of priority goals, objectives and strategies outlined in the Nature Coast Aquatic Preserve Management Plan. The Incumbent will work with the Regional AP Manager and the Big Bend Seagrasses AP Manager to plan, coordinate, and implement resource management, restoration activities and research/monitoring related to the enhancement of the environment and preservation of natural and cultural resources.

The Difference You Will Make:

You will be working for DEP’s Office of Resilience and Coastal Protection that has a multi-faceted approach to resilience, including coral reef protection; preservation of coastal and aquatic management areas; beach and inlet management; and the implementation of ecosystem restoration projects to prepare Florida’s coastal communities and state-managed lands for the effects of sea level rise, coastal flooding, erosion and storms. You will coordinate with internal and external partners (both inter and intra agency partners) agencies to share data resources, expand monitoring networks and avoid duplication. You will also promote and facilitate visiting scientist research for identifying and quantifying causes of habitat loss and will assess the success of restoration activities.

How You Will Grow:

DEP encourages its leaders to constantly innovate and seek efficiencies. We believe in supporting and encouraging you as you take on important and often complex projects while offering you the opportunity to gain valuable experience quickly.

Where You Will Work:

Crystal River- The Nature Coast Aquatic Preserve office is located on the Crystal River in Citrus County, Florida. Crystal River is a modest-sized town that is self-proclaimed as the “Home of the Manatee”. The Nature Coast Aquatic Preserve in west central Florida on the Gulf of Mexico from Pasco County to Citrus County. This preserve is approximately 450,000 acres making it the second largest aquatic preserve in Florida. It provides habitat to sea and shore birds, oysters, scallops, pink shrimp, blue crab, sea turtles, sponges, coral, sport fish, dolphins, and the threatened Gulf sturgeon and Florida manatee. In addition to the many leisure activities provided by living in a coastal area like Crystal River, Florida, residents pay no state income tax. The percentage of time required to travel the managed areas to perform mission critical duties is approximately 10-30% of the average working day.

Your Specific Responsibilities:

This position will oversee the implementation of the Contract between DEP and UF/SeaGrant to complete water quality and seagrass monitoring in the Nature Coast Aquatic Preserve per contract deliverables. The position will also oversee the implementation of the RESTORE-funded project (through DWRA) to further research on the biodiversity and productivity of nearshore hardbottom habitats. The incumbent is responsible for the creation of an annual work plan and facilitation of field work amongst DEP staff, Contractors and Researchers. They are also responsible for regular reporting, ensuring that UF subaward deliverables are complete, and timelines are being met.

This position will work closely with the Regional Manager to identify scientific issues related to coastal and local needs. They will also work closely with regulatory agencies, including DEP southwest district, and SWFWMD staff having jurisdiction within aquatic preserves in the Nature Coast.

The incumbent is responsible for compiling, analyzing, and synthesizing highly complex data generated from the UF contract and the RESTORE subaward.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Skilled in communicating effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Skilled in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with others.
• Skilled in overseeing people and applying management principles and practices.
• Skilled in dealing with the public and coworkers in a tactful and courteous manner.
• Knowledge of the concepts, terminology, principles, and analytical methods for aquatic ecosystems and their management.
• Skilled in analyzing and interpreting scientific and technical data and information and writing reports.
• Skilled in planning, organizing, prioritizing, and coordinating work assignments.
• Skilled in understanding and applying applicable rules, regulations, policies, and practices.
• Ability to operate an outboard motorboat and a computer.
• Must have experience with water quality and seagrass monitoring.
• Experience in the field with operating and trailering motorboats.
• Ability to swim, snorkel and dive safely, sometimes in conditions with low visibility and strong currents.

Required or Preferred Qualifications:

• SCUBA certification from a nationally recognized institution to be obtained within the first six months of employment
• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in one of the biological or environmental sciences and three years of verifiable related experience; or any combination of post-secondary education or verifiable related experience, as described above, for a total of seven years.
• Ability to travel.
• Must have prior approval and meet the snorkeling and diving validation requirements in the DEP Underwater Operations Manual. This is a medically monitored position.
• Experience operating airboat preferred.

Other Job Related Requirements for this position: 

• Valid driver’s license
• Ability to travel as needed.

POSITION OF SPECIAL TRUST REQUIREMENT:

This position is designated as a Position of Special Trust in accordance with DEP-422 (Positions of Special Trust or Responsibility). Any applicant being considered for employment must successfully complete a Level 2 State and National criminal history check as a condition of employment before beginning employment, and also be screened in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 435, F.S.  No applicant may begin employment until the background screening results are received, reviewed for any disqualifying offenses, and approved by the Agency.                     

DEP is committed to successfully recruiting and onboarding talented and skilled individuals into its workforce. We recognize the extensive training, experience, and transferrable skills that veterans and individuals with disabilities bring to the workforce. Veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to contact our recruiter for guidance and answers to questions through the following email addresses: