PRIMARY JOB FUNCTION:  Under the general direction of the Public Works Director, leads a team of scientific professional (3 direct reports) in a lake-centric community fulfilling the Division's Mission to "Maintain and improve local natural resources through management based on a sound understanding of social, economic, and ecological systems".  Leads the design, development, and implementation of research efforts, management practices, strategic planning, grant acquisition, and educational outreach efforts related to lake water quality, hydrology, stormwater, and the natural environment.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:  Sets direction for the City’s natural resources program. Guides strategy for future projects to include scopes of work, funding mechanisms, contract development, and implementation schedule. Works collaboratively with the Drainage team to effectively manage the City’s stormwater system to maximize efficiency while reducing water quality impacts to lakes. Manages large scale projects (construction of treatment wetlands, construction of Low Impact Development projects, grant funded community education efforts, stormwater master planning, etc.). Oversees collection of vegetative, water quality, and hydrologic data used to drive direction of natural resources program and ensures the data is functionally organized for decision making and posterity. Utilizes asset management software and other Smart City initiatives to efficiently track and manage division work and resources. Develops, monitors and maintains Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to increase efficiency of processes. Provides support on developing and enforcing policies related to lakes, stormwater, and natural resources. Oversees the preparation of the annual National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit, Florida Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) requirements, and involvement in Basin Management Action Plans (BMAPs). Oversees management of City-owned lakeshores, conveyance swales, stormwater management parks and related properties, permitted stormwater ponds, and the street sweeping program. Supports the City’s Citizen Lakes Advisory Committee and works with them to prepare an annual report to the City Commission on lakes. Oversees City’s stormwater fund to include fee establishment, fee processing, and annual budgeting for future projection of needs. Manages outreach programing to include working with educational institutes, leading guided field tours, and giving various public presentations on subject matter, and an internet presence. Address concerns of residents using tact and diplomacy.

Serves on various internal City teams and committees. Serves as a liaison to local, regional, and state; agencies, committees, working groups, and technical advisory boards. Engages in various professional organizations and continuing education to keep Winter Haven on the cutting edge of natural resource management. Cultivates a learning environment for the Division by creating supportive professional development opportunities for staff.

As a member of the Public Works leadership team will collaborate with other Divisions and Departments that overlap with natural resources issues, serving as a point person for the greater community. Safely operates City vehicles and vessels to perform work in the field and on the water. Weekend, evening, holiday, and special project work may be required. Must be available to perform essential job functions outside of regular work hours responding to emergency situations. This is not intended to be an all-inclusive listing of essential job functions; the performance of other essential functions may be required.

KNOWLEDGE SKILLS & ABILITIES: Must be able to apply technical understanding of natural systems to development of vision and direction resulting in actionable long-term initiatives. Program/project management, supervision, and leadership skills related to natural resources; data management and statistical analysis, ability to develop and use scientific information for making decisions; translating scientific information and natural resource goals into programs supported by the community; interpreting and writing policy to assist in the management of natural resources; ability to develop effective grant applications, ability to communicate with the technical and lay audiences using both oral and written skills to include academic style writing and documentation; interpreting and developing contracts for accomplishing projects; fiscal management and planning; budget development; physical work related to the collection of field data and supervising work in a natural setting in and around lakes, wetlands, and streams. Exceptional interpersonal, leadership, management, and organizational skills are required. Must have knowledge of and the ability to use scientific field equipment, geospatial information systems, assorted software applications expected in a progressive scientific work environment (Microsoft Access, statistical programming like the R-project and Python, advanced Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Word skills, data visualization tools such as Tableau and Microsoft Power Bi, along with various electronic media tools). Must possess the learning agility to adapt quickly as software and other needs change.

MINIMUM EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:  Graduation from a four year accredited college or university with a degree in ecology, natural resource management, limnology, forestry, soils science, environmental science, or other related field is required. A master's degree in a related field, business, or public administration is preferred. Five years' experience in a progressively responsible position related to natural resources management. Two years’ experience in the planning and implementation of management and maintenance of programs dealing with lakes, stormwater, or other environmental programs with one year of supervisory experience preferred. Experience that is determined to be directly related and equivalent to foregoing qualifications may be substituted. Knowledge of government procurement processes. Knowledge of Florida’s ecosystems and environmental regulations.

DESIRABLE DESIGNATIONS/CREDENTIALS:  Graduation form the Florida Natural Resources Leadership Institute (FNRLI), Florida Certified Public Manager (CPM), North American Lakes Management Society Certified Lake Manager/Professional, Society of Wetland Scientist Professional Wetland Scientist (PWS) certification, Florida Stormwater Association Stormwater Operator 1&2 certification, FDEP Certified Sediment and Erosion Control Inspector.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Must have a valid Florida Class E driver’s license and a good driving record as determined by the City of Winter Haven. Must possess a Boater Education I.D. issued by the State of Florida or do so prior to the end of the probationary period. Must be comfortable operating a vehicle with trailer attached.

PHYSICAL/ENVIROMENTAL FACTORS:  Must have the physical ability, strength, and flexibility to perform the job functions in the work environment. Reasonable accommodations will be made for otherwise qualified individuals.