Environmental & Marine Consultants with over 28 years of experience in Southwest Florida.

A complete understanding of the ecology of SW Florida and federal, state, and local regulations and policies is the cornerstone of OEC’s foundation.

About us

OEC is a people and science based environmental consulting firm that specializes in projects that range from routine to the most challenging that require creative solutions.

Our strength is in our professional relationships with clients, peer professionals, and agency personnel and the ability to solve the most complicated issues in a timely and cost effective manner.

The ever-changing federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and policies require adaptability and technical skills to accomplish the goals of our private and public clients.

OEC serves a variety of clients ranging from single family lots to thousand-acre plus projects.

Our Services

Due Diligence Development Feasibility Reports

State and Federal Jurisdictional Wetland Determinations

Heritage Tree Assessments

Protected Species Surveys

Local Future Land Use, Zoning, and Development Approval Assistance

Expert Witness Testimony

SFWMD, FDEP, and USACOE ERP Wetland Permitting for projects including single family residential and docking, large residential and commercial development, marinas, and mining projects.

Specific Protected Species Surveys and Permitting including Florida Panther, Wood Stork, Audubon’s Crested Caracara, Florida Bonneted Bat (roost and acoustic surveys), Red Cockaded Woodpecker, Florida Scrub Jay, Gopher Tortoise, and Florida Burrowing Owl.

Permit Compliance Services including Onsite Wetland Mitigation Area Bid Coordination and Monitoring as well as agency coordination.

Our CLientele

Our clients include large and small private developers, engineering and planning firms, utility companies, and local governments.

Our strength is in our professional relationships with clients, peer professionals, and agency personnel and the ability to solve the most complicated issues in a timely and cost effective manner.

The ever-changing federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and policies require adaptability and technical skills to accomplish the goals of our private and public clients.

OEC serves a variety of clients ranging from single family lots to thousand-acre plus projects.

Our Team of Experts

Our team includes ecological, mapping, and project management experts in their field. We have the full capability to meet our clients’ needs.

Paul K. Owen

President/Principal Ecologist

Mr. Owen has over 28 years of environmental consulting experience in SWFL and has been the
owner/manager of industry leading firms in the field for over 20 years. His experience includes project
management, all aspects of environmental permitting, environmental studies (wetland and listed
species), permit compliance, and preparation of wetland mitigation, indigenous habitat, and listed
species management plans. He is an expert in procuring environmental permits (local: city and county,
state: Water Management Districts, Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP), and Florida
Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission), and federal: US Army Corps of Engineers, FDEP State404,
and US Fish and Wildlife Service). Obtains state and federal jurisdictional wetland determinations,
conducts listed species surveys, prepares due diligence feasibility reports, and prepares proposals and
bids. Approved US Fish and Wildlife Service expert in Florida bonneted bat roost and acoustic surveys
and Audubon’s Crested Caracara nest and foraging surveys.

Education
Bachelor of Science – Wildlife Ecology/Forestry/Zoology, University of Florida, 1991
Master of Science – Systems Ecology, University of Florida, 1993

Certifications
Senior Professional Wetland Scientist (No. 1102), Society of Wetland Scientists
Professional Mangrove Trimmer, State of Florida
Certified Wildlife Biologist, The Wildlife Society

Mr. Shoemaker-Jimenez has over 12 years in the field of environmental services including biologist, park ranger, and consulting utility forester. His duties include performing state and federal wetland jurisdictional determinations, protected species assessments, and preparation of State ERP, State404, and Federal Dredge and Fill environmental permit applications for public and private clients. He also prepares mitigation plans, indigenous preserve management plans, protected species management plans, and environmental assessments.

Byron Shoemaker-Jimenez

Ecologist

Mr. Bratton-Cox’s experience includes ecological restoration and enhancement projects, educational programs, and monitoring of conservation areas. His responsibilities include protected species assessments, state and federal wetland jurisdictional determinations, and preparation of State ERP, State404, and Federal Dredge and Fill environmental permit applications for public and private clients. Education Bachelor of Science – Environmental Science, University of Florida, 2022

Nicholas Bratton-Cox

Ecologist

Felipe Lemus

Title Here

Ms. Morera has over 20 years of experience as office manager of various consulting firms in SWFL. She manages all of the firm’s human resource, accounting, and invoicing needs.

Helvia Morera

Comptroller

Mr. Owen is a student as the University of Central Florida studying environmental science. He has assisted as field technician periodically over the last 2 years assisting with Florida bonneted bat acoustic surveys and wetland mitigation area monitoring. Mr. Owen assists with technical aspects of listed species surveys, vegetation and wetland mapping, and general data collection. Also prepares reports and permit applications.

James V. Owen

Ecological Technician

Mr. Owen is an incoming student at Florida Gulf Coast University and will major in civil engineering. He has assisted as field technician periodically over the last year with various studies. Mr. Owen will assist with creating maps and graphics as well as general data collection in the field.