Christopher Edwards Email & Phone Number

Key Largo, Florida, United States

I'm currently contracted as a 'floodplain coordinator' for the Monroe County Building Department. As a Certified Floodplain Manager I primarily review applications and plans for development in the Special Flood Hazard Areas in unincorporated areas of Monroe County and inspect structures and properties at the end of development. During plan reviews and inspections, knowledge of all floodplain management regulations must be applied, including laws established by local ordinances and local Land Development Code, Florida Building Codes, American Society of Civil Engineers Standards, Code of Federal Regulations, and guidance of FEMA Technical Bulletins and publications. Interpretation of boundary and topographic surveys, elevation certificates and GIS data are instrumental in reviewing plans for development in the floodplain. My other responsibilities include review of elevation certificates that are required during construction and after construction, communicating with all parties of a permit concerning any plan review or inspection deficiencies, as well as making determinations of substantial and non-substantial improvements based on job costs and appraised structure values.

Cutler Bay, Florida, United States

Contracted as a County 'Biologist' for the Monroe County Planning and Environmental Resources Department. Primary job responsibilities were to review applications for development and to inspect properties through out the development process to ensure that development was in compliance with local, state and federal environmental regulations. Review of applications entailed evaluation of state and federal permits, assessment of third-party vegetative surveys and required mitigation fees, assessment of designs for on-site stormwater management, identification and removal of invasive plant species, and management of habitat restoration plans. Inspections of property ensured development was within the approved footprint, that adequate stormwater storage was available and that invasive species were removed from protected habitat and developed areas.

Coral Gables, Fl

I worked as an in-house biologist in the Planning and Environmental Resources Department of Monroe County, Florida. Job responsibilities involve review of applications for permits for development that may disturb or harm the environmental resources of the Upper Keys. Site visits to proposed developments involve searching for federally, state and regionally listed native species, identification of invasive plant species, wetland delineation, and field consultation for restoration activities. Permit review includes ensuring proper stormwater management plans are implemented, that clearing of vegetation is done responsibly, and that work in or near the water does not impact marine habitats.

Provided weekly classroom lectures on the ecologies of South Florida for the Department of Earth and Environment. Classroom lectures introduced the principles of ecology and provided in depth understanding of the local flora and fauna found in the various ecosystems of South Florida. In addition to classroom lectures, five additional lectures were provided at five parks containing those ecosystems: Everglades National Park, Big Cypress National Preserve, Jonathan Dickinson State Park, Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, Bill Baggs State Park, and Crandon Park.

Master Of Science (M.S.), Environmental Studies

Graduate Certificate, Geographic Information Science And Cartography

Graduate Certificate, Water, Environment And Development Studies

Bachelor Of Science (B.S.), Zoology/Animal Biology

Bachelor Of Science - Bs, Zoology/Animal Biology