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COASTAL RESOURCES SPECIALIST

Salary: $ 62,000.00

Distinguishing Features of the Position (Summary)

The Coastal Resources Specialist will support the management, conservation, and restoration of coastal and inland ecosystems in Cameron County by leveraging local resources to secure external funds. Expertise water quality management, estuarine watershed management geographic information systems, and coastal system process. The specialist will contribute to de development of Estuary Program in the Lower Laguna Madre, design and implement monitoring projects, and analyze spatial and ecological data to inform natural resource management decisions.

The Coastal Resources Specialist performs professional-level work in the coordination, planning, development and implementation of shoreline, coastal and estuary project. Pursue State, Federal and Local grants and funding opportunities for program activities. Develop strategies to support short-term and long-term coastal, natural resources and resiliency priority projects assigned by the Natural Resources Director (NRD) and County Commissioners. Work in direct coordination the Parks Department and County Engineer to implement the Cameron County Dune Protection and Beach Access Plan and Erosion Response Plan, Develop the Lower Laguna Madre Estuary Program and Comprehensive Conservation Management Plan. Responsibilities include the management and coordination of grant applications and prepare reports and presentations. The incumbent is expected close coordination NRD in carrying out assigned duties, who reviews work through reports, and overall results achieved.

Essential Functions

The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned.

• Develops short-term and long-term coastal protection and resiliency priority projects.
• Develops the Lower Laguna Madre Estuary Comprehensive Conservation Management Plan
• Develops and implements the Cameron County Dune Protection and Beach Access Plan and Cameron County Erosion Response Plan
• Provides support and recommendations to the Cameron County Dune Protection Committee
• Implements sound scientific and ecological principles necessary for shoreline and coastal restoration and estuary management.
• Represent Cameron County local committees, advisory boards and stakeholder groups and utilize their resources to support the Department's mission.
• Establish and develop strategic partnerships with local higher education institutions to ensure scientific and ecological principles are integrated in the decision-making process.
• Works with community-based projects such as dune restoration, beach cleanups and educational outreach.
• Supports annual beach monitoring programs and prepares related reports for the US Army Corp of Engineers in consultation with the US Fish & Wildlife Department
• Makes effective oral presentations to all levels of employees, elected officials, County management, government organizations and the general public
• Researches grant opportunities pursues coastal funding for coastal improvement projects, natural resources and resiliency.
• Generates and Analyzes geographic and geo reference data relevant to natural resources management.
• Supports the preparation and monitors grant applications for coastal improvement projects.
• Ensures compliance with grant requirements
• Collects information to complete necessary reports and presentations

Ability to:

• Manage multiple projects with competing deadlines
• Present information clearly and concisely to various audiences
• Work independently with minimal supervision
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with other County Departments, the public, and other interested and affected parties
• Maintain a professional demeanor during stressful situations

Additional Functions

Performs other related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor of Science Degree in Engineering, Science or Technology from an Accredited School in Environmental Science/Engineering (graduate degree preferred), or related discipline with a minimum of three (3) years of experience environmental and coastal resiliency projects. Clear Understanding of Cameron County's Coastal setting and needs. Strong skills in GIS and use of UAVs is desired. Experience in coordinating and participating with stakeholder-based groups and locally appointed advisory boards. Experience in working with multidisciplinary professionals and local governmental agencies.

ADA Compliance

Physical Ability: Tasks require the ability to exert medium physical effort in medium work, but which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of medium weight (20-50 pounds). Tasks may involve extended periods of time climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motion at a keyboard or work station.

Sensory Requirements: Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate sounds and visual cues or signals. Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally.

Environmental Factors: Essential functions are regularly performed with exposure to adverse environmental conditions. Exposure to damp/wet surfaces, duty conditions, fumes and odors, and infectious diseases.

Benefits: Cameron County Offers Excellent Fringe Benefits, Including: Health and Life Insurance Protection, Sick and Annual Leave, Retirement System, and Paid Holidays. Cameron County has a mandatory direct deposit payroll program.

AA/EEO/MFD EMPLOYER