Environmental Specialist III (Working Title: Water Quality Specialist):  Coordinates data from bay and creek water quality sampling by vendors and in-house sampling programs. Manages Access database and converts data formats for posting on the Sarasota Water Atlas websites and uploads to the FDEP WIN database. Manages the SIMPLE-Monthly pollutant loading model including gathering and input of data from septic's, wastewater and other sources. Analyzes data, conducts QA and drafts monitoring reports for the NPDES MS4 stormwater permit.  Works with Geographic Information System (GIS) data.  Tracks impaired waters, TMDLs and water quality regulations. 

Duties:

• Gathers water quality data in support of the NPDES MS4 permit.  Conducts regular and timely uploads to the in-house database, to the Atlas and to WIN.  Ensures data completeness, conducts QA, re-formats data for transfers.  Manages the database.  Collaborates with vendors, RAMP, QA office, fellow team members and other organizations.  Ensures compliance with rules and SOPs.  Calibrates meters, conducts sampling (as needed).
• Technical lead for pollutant loading model (SIMPLE-monthly) including updates and model upgrades working with consultants. Assembles input data from a variety of sources in GIS format.  Runs the model for various scenarios.  Assembles complex results, analyzes and reports the meaning of the loading estimates for project planning.  Estimates project loading using BMPTrains model.  Support for loading estimates for projects, TMDL load reductions, and NPDES loading estimates for annual reports. Uploads project load reductions to the Atlas Projects Catalog.  Training is available.
• Tracking of regulatory matters related to water quality including impaired waters, TMDL's, and related issues.  Conducts in-depth technical analysis. screens data, investigates mapping issues, corrects application of numeric nutrient criteria, and more.  Conducts timely analysis of regulatory matters to provide technical review comments to agencies within brief comment deadlines.
• Analyzes data using statistical software and other techniques to provide a factual basis for important and costly management decisions related to projects and operations of the stormwater system.  Conducts technical troubleshooting for projects and processes related to water quality.  Conducts mapping, analysis and presentation of data using ESRI GIS and other software's.
• Technical support for compliance with TMDL priority water bodies may include sampling plans, investigation of pollution sources, data analysis, collaboration, annual reporting and more.  Substantial as needed support for projects that come up.  Some public speaking and professional writing for two different audiences – the general public and the scientific community.

Minimum Qualifications:  A Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university in one of the biological or physical sciences, Environmental Engineering or a related field and three (3) years related experience.  A Master’s Degree may substitute for one year of professional experience.  Progressively responsible professional experience may be substituted on a year-for-year basis for the required college degree.  A valid Driver’s License is required.  Must complete ICS100, 200 & 700 within one year of employment. 

Preferred Qualifications:  Advanced degrees or additional years of experience.  GIS training or certificate.  Database management.  Statistical analysis techniques.  Boat handling.  Familiarity with Florida marine and freshwater aquatic ecosystems.  SCUBA certification.

Job Competencies:  MS Office software including Word, Access, Excel, PowerPoint.  Adobe Acrobat.  Field sampling equipment such as beta bottles, meters usage and calibration, and other water sampling tools.

Physical Demands:   Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and frequently lifts/moves up to 25 pounds.  Frequently works outdoors and in in high, precarious places. Occasionally works around fumes, caustic chemicals and with dangerous equipment (risk of electrical shock).  Wears protective clothing.

Sarasota County Government is committed to wellness and successful applicants must be tobacco free for twelve months preceding date of application.

Drug Free Work Environment             EOE/AA/ADA