Requisition No: 806261
Agency: Environmental Protection
Working Title: ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST I – 37010628 1
Position Number: 37010628
Salary: $32,655.81 – $36,000 / Annually
Posting Closing Date: 07/13/2023
Environmental Specialist I – 37010628
State of Florida
Department of Environmental Protection
Internal Agency Only
Our Organization and Mission:
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is the state’s lead agency for environmental management and stewardship – protecting our air, water and land. The vision of DEP is to create strong community partnerships, safeguard Florida’s natural resources and enhance its ecosystem.
The Work You Will Do:
This Environmental Specialist I position performs work under the direction of the Environmental Administrator for the Division of Water Resource Management’s Source and Drinking Water Program located in Tallahassee, Florida. The ideal candidate will possess discipline-specific knowledge, leadership and technical skills to promote the sustainability, implementation and efficiency of state and federal laws rules, and regulations related to drinking water and potable reuse.
The Difference You Will Make:
As a member of the Source and Drinking Water team, you will assist in identifying and managing data associated with water quality and regulatory compliance. The position also aids and coordinates with the other program areas of the Division and District Offices in pursuit of the overall mission to preserve, restore and protect the water quality of Florida.
How You Will Grow:
DEP encourages its leaders to constantly innovate and seek efficiencies. We believe in supporting and encouraging you as you take on important and often complex projects while offering you the opportunity to gain valuable experience quickly.
Where You Will Work:
Tallahassee, Florida’s Capitol City, lined with rolling hills, oak trees, and canopied roads combines old world charm with a modern pace of life. Home to two major universities as well as state government, Tallahassee is a mid-sized city in the heart of Florida’s Big Bend. Boasting proximity to the coast and centrally located to popular tourist destinations, Tallahassee is a highly desirable location for both those seeking their first job or those ready to enter the next exciting chapter in their career.
The Benefits of Working for the State of Florida:
Working for the State of Florida is more than a paycheck. The State’s total compensation package for employees features a highly competitive set of employee benefits including:
- Annual and Sick Leave benefits;
- Nine paid holidays and one Personal Holiday each year;
- State Group Insurance coverage options, including health, life, dental, vision, and other supplemental insurance options;
- Retirement plan options, including employer contributions (For more information, please click www.myfrs.com);
- Flexible Spending Accounts;
- Tuition waivers;
- And more!
For a more complete list of benefits, visit www.mybenefits.myflorida.com.
Pay:
$32,655.81 – $36,000 / Annually
Your Specific Responsibilities:
- In carrying out the duties of this position, the incumbent is expected at all times to be aware of and abide by the Department’s Standards of Conduct, as well as any and all departmental and/or work unit rules, directives, policies, procedures and/or general orders applicable to performing the duties of this position.
- Assists in the implementation of the policies and procedures with the Source and Drinking Water and Wastewater Programs. Reviews and coordinates activities with the District and Delegated Offices in enforcement and compliance issues. Conducts inspection report review and reviews special projects to ensure consistency in the implementation of drinking water and wastewater rules.
- Analyzes and prepares periodic updates to the Offices on the compliance status of the Public Water System (PWS) database. Maintains the PWS database and coordinates reporting activities to EPA. Responds to internal and external questions and issues concerning all aspects of PWS database by providing customer service and technical support. Prepares guidance documents and training sessions for District staff to insure standardized PWS data entry and minimize errors.
- Coordinates with the EPA enforcement staff to conduct oversight of enforcement actions for drinking water issues under the Safe Drinking Water Act and the Clean Water Act. Coordinates DEP responses to EPA inquiries regarding drinking water and wastewater facilities in Florida.
- Prepares guidance for the prioritization and coordination of drinking water and wastewater facility enforcement activities in order to promote consistency with applicable Department guidelines and regulations as well as applicable state statutes and federal law. Provides recommendation to Program administrators on regulatory proposals, specific enforcement actions and needs for statewide guidance. Trains appropriate program staff in enforcement activities and interpretation of state and federal rules and policies.
- Technical, GIS or database duties include determining which data sets can be utilized for projects, the best way to analyze and present data and creating maps to present the results. This position coordinates with Department programs and district offices on using and displaying data.
- Conducts other duties as needed
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Knowledge of terminology, principals and analytical techniques of the physical and natural sciences.
- Knowledge of water quality chemistry, water quality sampling and analysis procedures.
- Knowledge of sample collection techniques and use of field analytical equipment.
- Knowledge and ability to collect, evaluate, analyze and interpret scientific and technical data.
- Ability to prepare technical reports.
- Ability to understand and apply applicable rules, regulation, policies and procedures relating to domestic and industrial wastewater program.
- Ability to work effectively with other state, federal and local employees in a courteous and professional manner.
- Ability to work independently.
- Ability to plan, organize and coordinate work assignments.
- Knowledge of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology.
- Ability to develop customized GIS applications.
- Ability to effectively use GIS technology to prepare maps and displays.
- Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
- Ability to effectively use database systems and other software applications.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationship with others.
- Must be available for overnight travel, if required.
Minimum Qualifications:
- A valid Driver’s License
- A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university OR 4-years of relevant work experience can substitute
Preferred Qualifications:
- A Bachelor’s degree with a major in a one of the sciences.
- Knowledge and experience in implementing drinking water, permitting and compliance requirements.
- Experience interpreting and applying environmental rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
- An understanding of incident command protocols during emergency events.
- Knowledge of drinking water rules.
- Knowledge of DEP’s PWS database or experience in working with databases.
- Experience in report writing.
Persons interested in applying for this position must submit a completed State of Florida Employment Application through the People First System.
DEP is committed to successfully recruiting and onboarding talented and skilled individuals into its workforce. We recognize the extensive training, experience, and transferrable skills that veterans and individuals with disabilities bring to the workforce. Veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to contact our recruiter for guidance and answers to questions through the following email addresses:
HR_VeteransPreference@dep.state.fl.us
HR_Recruitment@dep.state.fl.us
The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer, and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace.
Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center (1-866-663-4735). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.
The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act.
VETERANS’ PREFERENCE. Pursuant to Chapter 295, Florida Statutes, candidates eligible for Veterans’ Preference will receive preference in employment for Career Service vacancies and are encouraged to apply. Certain service members may be eligible to receive waivers for postsecondary educational requirements. Candidates claiming Veterans’ Preference must attach supporting documentation with each submission that includes character of service (for example, DD Form 214 Member Copy #4) along with any other documentation as required by Rule 55A-7, Florida Administrative Code. Veterans’ Preference documentation requirements are available by clicking here. All documentation is due by the close of the vacancy announcement.