Requisition No: 807865
Agency: Environmental Protection
Working Title: ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST I – 37020118
Position Number: 37020118
Salary: $3,457.05 Mo. / $41,484.60 Yr.
Posting Closing Date: 07/30/2023
ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST I
State of Florida
Department of Environmental Protection
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 is entry-level professional work performing scientific tasks under general supervision. The job requires applying scientific understanding to analyze problems of a specialized nature.
The Difference You Will Make:
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection protects, conserves and manages the state’s natural resources and enforces its environmental laws. Each position works together as a whole to advance Florida’s position as a world leader in protecting natural resources while growing the state’s economy.
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:
South District – The South District Office is located in Fort Myers. Fort Myers is popular for its great beaches that line the Gulf Coast, shopping and fishing. Attractions include the historic Henry Ford and Thomas Edison estates, downtown Fort Myers, with its many restaurants and nightlife, as well as nearby Naples and the islands of Captiva and Sanibel. It is a sports enthusiast haven as the Spring Training home of the Boston Red Sox and Minnesota Twins. The South District covers 8 counties (Lee, Collier, Charlotte, DeSoto, Sarasota, Hendry, Glades and Highlands).
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.
To learn more about different DEP career opportunities, visit https://floridadep.gov/adm/hr/content/career-opportunities-0
Pay:
$3,457.05 Mo. / $41,484.60 Yr.
Your Specific Responsibilities:
Facility Compliance
In general, this position will conduct a high volume of low complexity inspections and or file/data reviews. This position is responsible for conducting compliance inspections primarily in the Wastewater program, and other programs, as assigned by the supervisor.
- Plans and conducts inspections, site visits, and/or other required field work. Reviews permitting files, reports and other documents applicable to the inspection, conducts calculations and technical evaluations necessary to determine the compliance status of a facility.
- Provides compliance assistance to regulated facilities before, during and after inspections. Conducts follow up visits as needed to assist facilities with returning to compliance without enforcement.
- When necessary, recommends enforcement action. Participates in the drafting of enforcement documents and participates in enforcement meetings.
- Responds to, investigates, and takes steps to resolve complaints.
- Reviews permit applications and draft permits, as necessary, to ensure the final permit meets State regulatory requirements.
- Conceives, supports, participates, and/or assists in the execution of compliance assistance workshops for the regulated community and District employee cross training.
Training
- Participates and assists with internal training events/activities to gain the essential skills needed to determine the compliance status of regulated facilities. This includes participating in safety events, job shadowing, on the job training, and team building initiatives as directed by management.
- Is a self-advocate for training and partners with appropriate district staff to learn about multiple DEP program areas.
Report Processing
- Produces timely and accurate documentation of file reviews, inspections, site visits, or field work. Enters documentation, compliance data and resolution actions into the designated database. Receives, reviews, and processes submitted reports, tests, and notices for regulated facilities for accuracy, time.
- Reviews required reports, test reports, and notices for regulated facilities. Ensures the reviews are accurate, completed timely and entered into the designated database. Reports are to be processed in accordance with established program rules, requirements, and policies.
Performs other duties as needed
Handles citizen complaints and responds in prompt and effective manner
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Knowledge of the terminology, principles and analytical techniques of the physical or natural sciences.
- Ability to collect, evaluate, analyze and interpret scientific or technical data.
- Ability to understand and apply applicable rules, regulations, policies and procedures relating to environmental programs.
- Ability to communicate effectively in writing and verbally.
- Ability to plan, organize and coordinate work assignments.
- Ability to work in a team or independently.
- Ability to prepare technical and programmatic reports.
- Ability to understand and follow legislative policy direction as established in Florida Statutes.
- Ability to deal with the public in a tactful and courteous manner.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationship with others.
- Ability to solve problems and make decisions.
- Ability to perform field inspections including: climb ladders and stairs, walk on slopes, lift and carry 40 pounds over a distance of up to 100 yards.
- Ability to use safety equipment and complete a 24 hour HAZWOPER course.
- Ability to work outdoors for extended periods of time in temperatures and weather conditions typical of South Florida.
- Skilled in the use of personal computers, computer programs, spreadsheets, industry database applications and various electronic devices.
- Ability to maintain a valid driver’s license and travel overnight when required.
- Ability to conduct and complete work assignments without close supervision.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Valid Florida Driver’s License
- A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
- Ability to travel
- Complete initial OSHA 24-hour HAZWOPER and OSHA 8-hour HAZWOPER refresher annually thereafter once hired.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Knowledge of state and federal regulations that pertain to Air, Wastewater, Potable Water, Hazardous Waste, and Solid Waste program areas.
- Possess at least one year of professional experience in environmental protection and regulation.
- Skilled at performing field inspections.
Working hours: (A) Daily from Monday to Friday – 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (B) Total hours in workweek 40 (C) FLEX Schedule. This position is not eligible for teleworking.
To learn more about the DEP South District office, please access the following link: https://floridadep.gov/south
Contact Information:
Amanda Ades
South District DEP
2295 Victoria Avenue, Suite 364
Fort Myers, FL 33902
(239) 344-5652
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.