General Information

Natural Resources
Environmental Protection
1501 Dam Road, Bradenton Florida 34212
Monday – Friday, Flexible 8-hour workday between 7AM – 6PM

Providing quality customer service to our citizens, business owners and visitors is Manatee County Government’s top priority, and that starts with our employees. We value Accountability, Civility, and Ethics in everything we do, and we look for friendly, innovative employees who share those values.

Natural Resources Department has a passion to preserve and protect our environment in Manatee County, mixed with a compassion for the well-being of our community and its visitors. From ecological testing of our estuaries’ water quality to offering classes in the outdoors, the Natural Resources Department staff take to heart their responsibilities of ensuring we are all surrounded by a safe and beautiful environment that will enhance the quality of life for all in Manatee County.

The Mining Services Program administers the county’s Phosphate Mining and Reclamation Code and provides oversight on major earthmoving projects with a primary focus on phosphate mining and borrow pit operations. The Phosphate Mining Code provides that mining activities are carried out in the most environmentally sensitive way possible and that reclamation restores the post-mining landscape to productive, beneficial use.

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.

The Environmental Program Manager – Mining Services position oversees all aspects of the Mining Services Program, from developing policies and regulations, permitting mining activities, inspecting operations, reviewing and interpreting scientific studies, evaluating reclamation, and assessing compliance. This position coordinates with County departments, other agencies and applicants and communicates findings and recommendation to audiences with various degrees of knowledge.

Manatee County strives to be an employer of choice and most of our employees turn jobs into long term careers with great benefits.

• Comprehensive benefits package – Your Choice Manatee Health Plan
• Generous vacation/sick leave, 11 paid holidays
• Florida Retirement System (FRS)
• Tuition reimbursement
• Autonomy to grow and find your career path with supportive leadership.

Job Description

What You Will Do

• 
  Provide input and guidance in defining, maintaining and interpreting the Phosphate Mining Code and regulatory requirements of the Mining Services Program.
• Permitting of master mining plans, operating permits and amendments, including frequent site inspections.
• Actively tracks master mining plan and operating permit conditions to ensure regulatory compliance.
• Reviews and analyzes environmental, hydrologic, and ecological data throughout the year to identify potential trends and compliance issues.
• Prepares Requests for Additional Information, Noncompliance notices and other written communications.
• Conducts research or manage consultants researching on reclaimed phosphate lands, conservation lands adjacent to mining, etc.

Who You Are

• Possess a sound understanding of environmental regulations and policies in Southwest Florida.
• Ability to convey complex information both orally and in writing with clarity and diplomacy.
• Attention to detail and exceptional file and data organization skills.
• Exhibits a level-headed approach when addressing compliance issues.
• Experience or training in wetland science, restoration ecology, hydrogeology, radiation and water chemistry a plus.

Minimum Qualifications

• Minimum of (5) years professional experience in environmental regulatory permitting and enforcement, natural resources management, ecological restoration, environmental support services, code enforcement, or closely related field.
• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university in related discipline.
• Minimum of (5) years related professional experience and one (1) year supervisory experience.
• A master’s degree from accredited college or university in an appropriate environmental field may substitute for one year of professional experience.
• Valid Florida driver’s license required within 30 days of hire.

Desired Skills

• Advanced knowledge of reclamation and restoration techniques highly desired.
• Prior experience with management of grant funded projects desired.
• Training in wetlands delineation and a Professional Wetland Scientist (PWS) certification is highly desired.