NPDES Coordinator - Polk County

Position Information
Organization: Polk County
Category: Management
Position Status: Full-Time
Position Title: NPDES Coordinator
Office Location: Bartow, Florida

Position Description: Must have the physical, developmental and mental ability to perform job tasks, work efforts, responsibilities and duties of the job illustrated. The job description herein provides for the range of duties to be performed for this position. It is not intended to reflect all duties that are required within this position.

MAJOR FUNCTION: Responsible lead staff position involving professional, technical, administrative and educational work relating to the County’s National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit for Municipal Stormwater. Oversees the program for collection, evaluation, and reporting of data on surface water quality and stormwater runoff. Coordinates activities with the public, county staff, and state and federal agencies on issues pertaining to water resources and environmental management. Assist the Water Resources Manager by coordinating the collection of data required for compliance with the County’s NPDES stormwater permit, preparation of NPDES compliance reports, and grant application submittal for funding projects to enhance Polk County’s surface water resources.

ILLUSTRATIVE DUTIES: This is a team leadership position that coordinates with the 17 municipalities, the Florida Department of Transportation, and numerous county division directors for the collection of data required for the preparation of the Annual Report for Polk County’s NPDES stormwater permit. The Coordinator is the primary liaison with Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) on surface water quality issues. This position oversees the efforts of two environmental specialists for collection of stormwater infrastructure data needed to map the County’s storm sewer system for use in modeling the pollutant loads discharged to surface waters. Coordinates with engineering consultants for conducting pollutant load modeling and utilizes the results for ranking outfalls within the watersheds of impaired waters for additional storm event monitoring.

The Coordinator is responsible for establishing scientific procedures and methodology for the collection of stormwater monitoring data for outfall modeling. Works with the Natural Resources Laboratory Manager in the design and implementation of the surface water ambient monitoring program and conducts evaluations of the water resources data for reporting the status of lakes and streams throughout the county. This position conducts complex field investigations for collection and analysis of water samples, habitat assessments, and biological reconnaissance on lakes and streams.

Reviews analytical results and completes statistical analysis of data for the preparation of technical reports. Reviews the Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) established by the FDEP and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for identifying program activities targeted at reducing pollutant loads on a watershed basis. Actively participates in the Basin Management Action Plan (BMAP) process for impaired waters as the lead representative for water quality related issues. This position is responsible for reviewing potential surface water restoration projects on lakes and streams, wetlands, and stormwater and makes recommendations concerning the efficacy of biological Best Management Practices (BMP’s) to reduce pollutant concentrations and improve treatment efficiency. Oversees and reviews technical water resource consultant work and budgets and coordinates implementation of the biological aspects of these projects with consultants and representatives of federal, state and local agencies.

The Coordinator assists in identifying funding sources and preparation of grant applications for project funding, and prepares the Quality Assurance Plans necessary to comply with grant requirements. Addresses citizen and internal customer needs related to Polk County surface water management issues. Works with staff to investigate the source of water quality related complaints and determines solutions by providing alternatives and recommendations for resolving surface water quality issues. Coordinates with the County’s Code Enforcement staff and the Sheriff’s Office relating to the illicit discharge of pollutants that result in water quality violations.

This position requires travel, as necessary, to site locations and meets with the public, both in the office and in the field to explain county procedures, and the various aspects of water resources and stormwater management. Prepares and makes presentations in oral and written form to the Board of County Commissioners, County staff and operational work units, and other agency staff. The Coordinator is responsible for developing and implementing public educational programs on water resource issues and makes presentations to the general public, technical organizations and schools. Lectures at the FDEP Erosion and Sediment Control certification course and coordinates with other agencies, organizations, groups and businesses to develop or enhance partnerships for the exchange of information on water resource projects and environmental education. Prepares and presents technical information on water quality and water resource projects to county staff, the general public, and Administration.

Performs related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS: Knowledge of the principles, practices and theories related to stormwater and surface water management. Knowledge of the means, methods and techniques of data collection and analysis of stormwater and surface water. Knowledge of the regulations regarding stormwater and surface water management activities of other local, state, and federal agencies. Knowledge of statistical evaluation of scientific data. Knowledge of and ability to operate a personal computer using the GIS and database software as utilized by the work unit. Ability to read, understand, and interpret scientific literature, calculations, and other stormwater and surface water management related information. Ability to become knowledgeable of county goals, procedures, practices, regulations, policies and ordinances. Ability to become familiar with the relationships which exist between Polk County programs and other county, state, and federal stormwater and surface water management programs. Ability to evaluate stormwater and surface water management problems and recommend effective solutions. Ability to analyze and solve citizen/customer problems or concerns. Ability to communicate effectively in written and oral formats. Ability to use good judgment and make independent decisions. Ability to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with employees, officials and the public. Ability to drive motor vehicles and operate small boats. Ability to work in the field during inclement weather.

Position Requirements:

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Graduate of an accredited four (4) year college/university with a degree in environmental/engineering sciences and have a minimum of five (5) years of water resource management and NPDES stormwater program work experience. Applicants must have a working knowledge of and experience in the use of Geographical Information System (GIS) software used by the Division (ArcView). They must be able to produce maps, query database information in preparation of reports, run statistical analyses of water quality data on lakes and streams, and be able to maintain a GIS inventory of stormwater infrastructure components.

Applicants must be able to utilize a personal computer and be familiar with the MS Office software used by the Division (eg. Word, Excel, Power Point, Publisher, and Access). Must have a working knowledge of the equipment used within this work unit for data collection.

Must have a valid driver’s license and be able to secure a valid Florida driver’s license at the time of employment within this classification.

A comparable amount of related training and experience may be substituted for the minimum qualifications.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENT: This position may be required to report for work when a declaration of emergency has been declared in Polk County.

SPECIAL PREFERENCE: Preference for individuals with a working knowledge of multi-media software for developing presentations and the audio visual equipment needed for presenting. Extensive public speaking and environmental education experience is preferred.

Salary Information: Pay Range: $27.45/hr - $34.32/hr.

How to Apply: Apply on the County's website.

Organization Information
Organization: Polk County
Point of Contact: Tabitha Biehl
Address: 4177 Ben Durrance Road
City: Bartow
State: Florida
Zip Code: 33830
Phone: 863-534-7377
Email: [email protected]