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The role of the Avon Park Air Force Range Sentinel Landscape (APAFRSL) Resilience Specialist is to collaborate closely with partners and supporters to identify, implement and accelerate collaborative projects to enhance resilience to protect military missions, community infrastructure, working agricultural lands, and habitats. Resilience projects are ones that mitigate risks and increase resilience of military installations and the landscapes that overlap mission footprints. The Resilience Specialist will work in close coordination with the APAFR Sentinel Landscape Coordinator (Coordinator) at the Central Florida Regional Planning Council (CFRPC), other staff at the CFRPC, the partners of the APAFR, and military installations to develop collaborative, near-and long-term, resilience and adaptation project proposals.

The primary role of the Resilience Specialist would be to assist the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and its partners in outreach and technical assistance to underserved and new landowners within the APAFRSL and the FL Wildlife Corridor. The Specialist will work with the Coordinator to develop projects, facilitate partner collaboration, pursue funding, and administer projects. At the discretion of the Coordinator, the Resilience Specialist may work directly with NRCS staff on utilizing NRCS technical and financial assistance programs. The Resilience Specialist would also assist with the APAFRSL Military Installation Resilience Review (MIRR), FL Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Lake Wales Ridge Wildlife and Environmental Area, Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) proposals and projects, APAFRSL Sentinel Landscape Implementation Plan resilience strategies and actions, recently awarded America the Beautiful grants, and FL Department of Environmental Protection-awarded vulnerability assessment grants for community resilience.

The APAFRSL Resilience Specialist will report to LegacyWorks Group (LWG) and the APAFRSL Coordinator to identify adaptation and resilience needs. This position will be based within the CFRPC service area and require travel throughout the APAFRSL area, with additional regional and national travel as well. This position will have a hybrid work arrangement – up to three days a week in the CFRPC office at 555 East Church Street, Bartow, Florida 33830.

APAFR Resilience Specialist Position - Sentinel Landscapes- USDA - DOD DOI seals

Summary of Responsibilities:

  • • Support the APAFRSL Coordinator and LWG to advance resilience planning and actions
  • • Assess and record the state of resilience and adaptation planning, projects and priorities of federal, state, and local government agencies, military installations, NGOs, and communities in the APAFRSL Sentinel Landscape including coordination with on-going planning/implementation of the Avon Park MIRR
  • • Monitor state, federal and private resiliency funding opportunities, solicit concepts, convene and support partnerships with military installations, government agencies and others, coordinate and support the development and submission of at least six collaborative proposals for near-term resilience and adaptation projects within the first 12-18 months of hire
  • • Identify, recommend, and pursue funding for individual partner actions that support implementation plans, including administration of grants and contracts. Solicit project ideas and develop proposals for near-term resilience and adaptation projects and potential landscape resilience-related scientific research needs that could be implemented in the first 6-12 months to take advantage of newly available funding
  • • Coordinate with and support the Coordinator. Work effectively with partners and supporters of the APAFR Sentinel Landscape Partnership, the Southeast Regional Partnership for Planning and Sustainability (SERPPAS), the Department of Defense Resilience and Environmental Protection Integration (REPI) Program; the Sentinel Landscapes Federal Coordinating Committee, and military installations to advance and synchronize resilience coordination, planning and actions within the APAFR Sentinel Landscape
  • • At the discretion of the Coordinator, participate in NRCS State Technical Committees and/or engage at relevant events, conferences, and meetings
  • • Identify resilience issues affecting historically underserved stakeholders within the APAFRSL. Recommend actions to mitigate impacts
  • • Assist the Coordinator in developing reporting metrics and standards for landscapes including resilience
  • • Record and report quarterly and annually the resilience and adaptation accomplishments with APAFR Sentinel Landscape to the Coordinator

Desired Qualifications:

  • • Strong interpersonal skills
  • • Strong verbal and written communication skills
  • • Strong organization, time management skills, and project management skills
  • • Track record of working with historically underserved communities
  • • Advanced degrees or equivalent experiences in natural resource conservation, resilience and adaptation, agriculture, environmental science, or comparable field
  • • Proven experience in coordinating diverse interests to achieve large-scale goals
  • • Proven experience in building and managing partnerships
  • • Experience with the administration of grants, agreements, and contracts
  • • Working knowledge of the military services, the Department of Defense and NRCS
  • • Knowledge and experience with APAFR Sentinel Landscape partner agencies/organizations
  • • Working abilities with Microsoft Office including Word, Excel, PowerPoint

Hours & Pay
This position is full-time exempt of 40 hours per week. Salary range is $65,000 – $75,000 based on relevant qualifications and experience.

Benefits
As a full-time salaried employee you are eligible to participate in the organization’s group medical and dental insurance plans if you elect (at this time, employer contribution is 50% of the cost for the employee only); and eligible for an $80/month home office equipment allocation from LegacyWorks to contribute to the costs of remote work. LegacyWorks also has a 401k plan which you will be eligible to participate in; we do not offer any match contribution at this time.

LegacyWorks has an unlimited paid time off policy that encompasses both holidays and vacation days. This is a trust based pact between employer and employee and amongst team members, and it is up to each of us to communicate effectively about planning time off and manage this policy responsibly. Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility in the Workplace

LegacyWorks is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is committed to cultivating a diverse and inclusive work culture. LegacyWorks is committed to increasing the diversity of the team, including board and staff, and continuing to improve compensation and benefits. We welcome candidates of all backgrounds and value life experience and achievements. It is our duty that all employees and applicants for employment are not to be discriminated on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), political affiliation, military service, or other non-merit-based factors.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility in the Workplace
LegacyWorks is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is committed to cultivating a diverse and inclusive work culture. LegacyWorks is committed to increasing the diversity of the team, including board and staff, and continuing to improve compensation and benefits. We welcome candidates of all backgrounds and value life experience and achievements. It is our duty that all employees and applicants for employment are not to be discriminated on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), political affiliation, military service, or other non-merit-based factors.

To Apply:
Email a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three references to Angela@legacyworksgroup.com at LegacyWorks Group, with Avon Park Sentinel Landscape Resilience Specialist in the subject line. Applications are only accepted electronically. Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of the activities, duties, or responsibilities required. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time, with or without notice. This position is funded for a 3-year period, with the possibility of extension based on available funding. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled (interviews anticipated for April 2024).


About LegacyWorks Group
LegacyWorks Group is proud to serve as the Support Organization for the Sentinel Landscapes Partnership, and in this role we are managing funding from federal agency partners and serving as the place of employment for Sentinel Landscape employees including Resilience Specialists. Our team is open-hearted, entrepreneurial and highly collaborative. Team members have a variety of leadership, facilitation and project management experience as well as a diversity of cultural and educational backgrounds. We seek curious candidates with big hearts and sharp minds who learn fast.

Our team members are comfortable with complex challenges that require collaboration, innovation, diplomacy, relationship building, leadership and high levels of partner and community engagement. We approach new ideas and challenges with optimism and show up open, curious and committed to learning. Our work requires a commitment to exploring the edges of what is possible and thus requires continuous personal and professional growth.

We seek out high impact opportunities that often will not move forward unless we can play one or more catalytic roles including facilitation, project management, process design, strategy development, planning, leadership development, community engagement, securing and structuring funding or financing, designing and launching funds, data dashboard development and more.

John Lesman, President of the Florida Regional Councils Association, said:

The Florida Regional Councils Association (FRCA) is a pillar that supports the building and sustaining of partnerships regionally, statewide, and nationally. Through internal coordination among RPCs and collaborative partnerships with associations such as the Florida Association of Counties, Florida League of Cities, Small County Coalition, Florida Chapter of the American Planning Association, Florida Chamber of Commerce, and many non-profit organizations, FRCA fosters effective relationships and delivers programs with state agencies and Florida policymakers.

Read more and download the 2022-23 FRCA Annual Report.

Meeting Highlights

  • Okeechobee County Administrator Deborah Manzo provided an update on Okeechobee activities.
  • 2023 Supplemental Update to the 2022 Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) for the Heartland Region.
  • Florida Wildlife Corridor Planning and Development Data Statewide Study Project Overview.

Actions Taken

  • Approval of August 2, 2023 Council Meeting Minutes.
  • Approval of August Financial Report.
  • Authorized the submittal of US Economic Development Administration (EDA) Grant for the Partnership Planning grant for FY 2024-27. This grant funds the coordination, preparation and maintenance of the EDD’s Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) and allows the EDD to provide technical assistance to communities throughout the region.
  • Authorized the submittal of an EPA Grant US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Brownfields Grant
  • Authorized the submittal of FTA 5310, 5311 and 5339 Grant Programs for operating and capital support the Transportation Disadvantaged Program, rural transit services and mobility management programs in DeSoto, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Highlands, and Okeechobee counties.

Curtis Knowles, FPEM

Curtis Knowles, FPEM has been promoted to the new position of Emergency Management & Community Projects Director. Curtis also continues to serve as the Local Emergency Planning Committee Coordinator. Congratulations, Curtis!Curtis Knowles, FPEM
has been promoted to the new position of Emergency Management & Community Projects Director. Curtis also continues to serve as the Local Emergency Planning Committee Coordinator.

Congratulations, Curtis!

 

 

 

 

 

The next meeting of the CFRPC is scheduled for December 13, 2023 at 9:30 a.m.at the Winter Haven Fieldhouse & Conference Center.

CFRPC Council February 2023

Career Source Heartland

Meeting Highlights

  • Public Transportation Grant Agreements (PTGA) with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) for 5311 Funds
  • Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) Grant Agreement for FY 2023-24
  • Hazards Analysis (HA) Grant Agreement for FY 2023-24
  • Hazards Materials Emergency Preparedness (HMEP) Grant Agreement for FY 2023-24

Actions Taken

Approvals:

  • April 12, 2023 Council Meeting Minutes
  • May 2023 Financial Report
  • Resolution 2023-6A approving Public Transportation Grant Agreement (PTGA) with the Florida Department of Transportation for 5311 Funds
  • Authorized Executive Director to sign and administer the Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) Grant Agreement for FY 2023-24
  • Authorized Executive Director to sign and administer the Hazards Analysis (HA) Grant Agreement for FY 2023-24

The next meeting of the CFRPC is scheduled for August 9, 2023 at 9:30 a.m. at the Jack Stroup Civic Center in Sebring.

CFRPC Council February 2023

DeSoto County Commission Chambers

Meeting Highlights

CFRPC Staff supported an Economic Recovery & Resiliency Federal Interagency Resource Exchange (FIRE) Listening Session on February 6 in Arcadia.

  • CFRPC Staff supported an Economic Recovery & Resiliency Federal Interagency Resource Exchange (FIRE) Listening Session on February 6 in Arcadia.
  • The Heartland Regional Resiliency Action Plan Project Kickoff meeting was held virtually on January 23
  • A presentation of regional economic indicators highlighted positive over-the-year job growth across all of Flordia’s ten major industries, increases in real annual wages over time, and unemployment rates that have continued to decrease throughout the region.

Actions Taken

Approvals:

  • December 14, 2022 Council Meeting Minutes
  • December 2022 Financial Report
  • Approval of Proposed RFQ and Price Proposal for Technology Consultants
  • Approval of Proposed RFQ and Price Proposal for Agency Insurance
  • Resolution 2023-2A approving Public Transportation Grant Agreement (PTGA) with the Florida Department of Transportation for FTA 5339 Capital Grant

The next meeting of the CFRPC is scheduled for April 12, 2023 at 9:30 a.m. at the Hardee County Commission Chambers in Wauchula.

Winter Haven AdventHealth Fieldhouse & Conference Center

Meeting Highlights

Pat Steed 17 Years and 40 years in region

Pat Steed was celebrated for 17 Years of Service & Leadership to the Council, and 40 Years of Service to the Region.

Jennifer Codo-Salisbury to assume duties of Executive Director

Council approved contract with Jennifer Codo-Salisbury to assume duties of Executive Director on January 1, 2023.

Tami Hulse, Finance Director CFRPC Employee of the Year 2023

Tami Hulse, Finance Director, was named CFRPC Employee of the Year.

Lisa Wiegers 15 years of service

Lisa Wiegers and Shannon McPherson were recognized for 15 years of service to the Council..

Curtis Knowles 5 years of service

Curtis Knowles was recognized for 5 years of service to the Council.

Actions Taken

 

Keith Keene, City of Arcadia, was reelected to serve as Chair, and Donna Howerton, Highlands County Governor’s Appointee, was elected to serve as Vice Chair of the CFRPC for 2023.

Appointments

FRCA Policy Board representing the CFRPC for 2023:

  • Jaqueline Tucker, DeSoto County Governor’s Appointee
  • Nathanial Birdsong, City of Winter Haven
  • Kelly Owens, Okeechobee County

2023 Finance Committee:

  • Neda Cobb, City of Wauchula
  • Donna Howerton, Highlands County Governor’s Appointee
  • Rick Wilson, Polk County

Approvals

  • October 12, 2022 Council Meeting Minutes
  • October 2022 Financial Report
  • Final Budget Amendment for FY 2021-22
  • Audit Report for FY 2021-22
  • Budget Amendment #1 for FY 2022-23
  • Naming Marybeth Soderstrom as Additional Signatory on Council Banking Accounts
  • Contract with Jennifer Codo-Salisbury
  • Approval of Resolutions 2022-12B through 2022-12T Relating to Change in Executive Director
  • Approval of Resolution 2022-12U authorizing Public Transportation Grant Agreement (PTGA) with the Florida Department of Transportation for FTA 5339 Capital Grant
  • Authorizing Executive Director to submit, execute agreement, and administer EDA Grant
  • 2023 Holiday Schedule
  • Resolution 2022-12V Rescinding Regional Emergency Declaration


The next meeting of the CFRPC is scheduled for February 8, 2022 at
9:30 a.m. at the DeSoto County Commission Chambers in Arcadia.

As a result of the severe damage and flooding occurring in the Region due to Hurricane Ian, this meeting was held virtually.

Meeting Highlights

Jennifer Codo-Salisbury

Jennifer Codo-Salisbury to serve as CFRPC Executive Director, beginning January 1, 2023

Hurricane Ian Impacts on the Region and Resources

Actions Taken

Approvals

  • #1A: Resolution 2022-10A Declaration of Emergency
  • #3A: August 3, 2022 Council Meeting Minutes
  • #3B: August 2022 Financial Report
  • #5: Amendment to Administrative Policy
  • #6: Authorization to Offer 401a Retirement Plan Option to Staff
  • #7: CFRPC Transit Policy
  • #8: Resolution 2022-10B Authorization to Apply for FTA 5310, 5311, and 5339
  • #11: Nominating Committee Appointed

The next meeting of the CFRPC is scheduled for December 14, 2022 at 9:30 a.m. in Winter Haven.

Links mentioned:

https://www.floridadisaster.org/

https://www.disasterassistance.gov/

Actions Taken

  • A draft Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the formation of the Heartland Regional Resiliency Coalition to promote a collaborative partnership within the seven counties of the Heartland Region was approved

Resolutions Adopted:
Each resolution authorizes Patricia M. Steed, Executive Director, to enter into, modify,
extend, or terminate a Public Transit Grant Agreement (PTGA) with Florida
Department of Transportation, unless specifically rescinded.

Public Transportation Grant Agreements (PTGA) with FDOT

  • Resolution 2022-1A, FTA 5311 ARP Mobility Management
  • Resolution 2022-1B, FTA 5310 CRRSAA and ARP DeSoto, Hardee, Highlands (Rural), and Okeechobee
  • Resolution 2022-1C, FTA 5310 DeSoto, Hardee, Highlands (Rural), and Okeechobee
  • Resolution 2022-1D, FTA 5310 CRRSAA Small Urban
  • Resolution 2022-1E, FTA 5311 DeSoto, Hardee, Highlands (Rural), and Okeechobee

Resolution 2022-1F, FTA 5311 DeSoto (DART)

Executive Director’s Report

The next meeting of the CFRPC is scheduled for April 13, 2022 at 9:30 a.m. in Hardee County.

The Council honored and celebrated Kathy Hall, Program Coordinator, after 41 years of service to the Council. Celebrations included recognition at the December Council Meeting and a drive-through retirement party on Friday, January 7, 2022.

Actions Taken

Administrative Approvals:

  • June 9, 2021 Council Minutes
  • Financial Report
  • Appointment of Okeechobee County Commissioner Kelly Owens, Winter Haven City Commissioner Nathaniel Birdsong, and DeSoto County Gubernatorial Appointee Jackie Tucker to serve as the Nominating Committee for 2022
  • Executive Director’s Annual Performance Evaluation

Resolutions Adopted:

  • Resolution 2021-9A authorizing Federal Transit Administration Grant Applications for the 5310, 5311, and 5339 programs
  • Resolution 2021-9B to pursue formation of the Heartland Regional Resiliency Coalition
  • Resolution 2021-9C authorizing administration of Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) Grant for FY 2021/22

Contracts and Grant Agreements Approved:

  • Contract with Emergency Response Educators and Consultants, Inc as Emergency Management Exercise Consultant
  • Contract with Response Technologies Corporation for Emergency Management Training Consultant

Executive Director’s Report

  • Welcome new Council Member Noel Chandler, City of Okeechobee.
  • CFRPC staff presented on two panels at the American Planning Association of Florida’s annual conference in August to share the Council’s efforts on Heartland 2060 and the Avon Park Air Force Range Sentinel Landscape project.
  • Councilmembers Nathaniel Birdsong, Jackie Tucker, and Neda Cobb represented the CFRPC at the July Florida Regional Council Association’s Policy Board meeting.
  • The Council office and grounds are undergoing scheduled maintenance and renovations. This will include the removal of an oak tree per the recommendation of experts.

The next meeting of the CFRPC will be on December 8, 2021 at 9:30 a.m. at the Advent Health Fieldhouse in Winter Haven