Environmental Development Manager

Environmental Planning And Conservation Manager

Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, include the responsibilities, knowledge, skills, and other characteristics listed below. This list of responsibilities is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by positions in this class. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Other duties may be assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Summary Under limited supervision of the Director of Development Services, creates, manages and oversees the County's environmental planning, conservation, water resource and sustainability reviews. Provides leadership and direction for environmental review activities, supervises assigned staff, develops policies and procedures, coordinates complex environmental initiatives, and represents the County with governmental agencies, developers, stakeholders, and Commissioners Court to promote sustainable development and environmental stewardship.

Responsibilities

• Leads and coordinates the conservation development review process.
• Leads and coordinates environmental reviews such as open space, parkland, groundwater, water availability reports, water resource and recovery, erosion control, and ecological impacts.
• Leads in the review of water studies, water resources, water sustainability, and One Water principles.
• Leads in researching grant funding opportunities for the county related to water, parks, conservation, habitat sustainability, native plant, vegetation, and wildlife protection.
• Leads coordinated efforts with the Parks & Natural Resources Departments in relation to conservation development and assists the Parks & Natural Resources Dept. in other conservation programs and activities.
• Assists in coordination, data entry, and outreach of the Integrated Vector Management program.
• Coordinates discussions with developers about the benefits of One Water, water reclamation, reuse, and recovery.
• Acts as an environmental liaison between the county and groundwater conservation districts, watersheds, municipalities, and other regional partners.
• Interprets local, state, and federal laws & regulations.
• Reviews various documents including but not limited to, plats, water availability, water resource and quality reporting, rainwater feasibility studies, and development agreements.
• Make recommendations to developers to lower ecological/environmental impacts, use conservation techniques and sustainable practices within a development.
• Is assigned special projects or tasks that require expertise in rules and procedures. Leads the Development Services Director in developing procedures, protocols, and regulations that result in more environmentally friendly and sustainable developments.
• Conducts field/site visits to evaluate environmental concerns and ensure best practices are followed.
• Meets with citizens and stakeholders regarding environmental and conservation concerns.
• Leads other county departments with environmental or conservation development activities/projects.
• Leads cities within Hays County with environmental or conversation development activities/projects.
• Leads in the creation, development, and maintenance of guidelines, guidance documents, best practices, and other outreach materials related to environmental impacts and conservation style developments.
• Prepares and presents reports and updates on environmental and conservation activities to the Commissioners Court.
• Compiles reports and documentation for use in planning and policy formulation and development.
• Works with outside entities, Homeowner Associations, Property Owner Associations, community groups, consultants, county staff, and other stakeholders in the coordination of environmental and conservation planning and education.
• Represents Hays County with a variety of regional planning efforts.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Education and/or Experience

Educationand/orExperience

• Bachelor's degree in planning, Urban Planning, Biology, Ecology, or a related field, required.
• Five years' experience in ecology, environmental review, or conservation, preferred.
• Master's degree in planning, Urban Planning, Biology, Ecology, or a related field, preferred.
• Three years of planning experience in a county, municipal, or state government, preferred.
• Each additional year of experience may be substituted for education on a year for year basis.

Other Qualifications, Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

OtherQualifications,Certificates,Licenses,Registrations

• Valid Class C Texas driver's license.
• American Institute of Certified Planners certification, preferred.
• Certified Professional in Erosion and Sediment Control, preferred.