Environmental Specialist III – 37001609
State of Florida
Department of Environmental Protection
Open Competitive – All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply!
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:
The Submerged Lands and Environmental Resource Coordination (SLERC) program is accepting applications for a full-time career service Environmental Specialist III position. This position shall serve as a processor and compliance officer for Environmental Resource and State 404 permit applications for the Mitigation Banking section within the Division of Water Resources.
The Difference You Will Make:
This position fills a critical role for the agency as it ensures successful wetland mitigation through habitat restoration and management.
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:
The work location of this position is in Tallahassee (Leon County), Florida. The city hosts the Capital of Florida and seat of state government. The city is home to numerous parks offering outdoor activities, league sports and natural trails for running, hiking and biking. Tallahassee is located just 22 miles from the Gulf of Mexico, which is home to some of the world’s top beaches. Florida State University, Florida A&M University, Tallahassee Community College and several smaller colleges in the region offer a hub for academic research, athletics, art, music and other student activities.
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:
Salary: $43,151.28
Your Specific Responsibilities:
- Coordinating the review of mitigation banks and Regional Offsite Mitigation Areas (ROMAs) in accordance with Chapters 62-331 and 62-342, Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.);
- Processing, evaluating and recommending final action on all assigned mitigation bank, ROMA and State 404 applications, modification requests, and monitoring/progress reports;
- Applying the Uniform Mitigation Assessment Method (UMAM) Chapter 62-345, F.A.C. to assess the degree of improvement in ecological value of proposed mitigation bank and ROMA activities;
- Performing field evaluations and preparing technical reports of proposed and authorized mitigation banks and ROMAs;
- Review of annual reports, identification of compliance issues, coordination of resolution meetings with permittees and USACE staff, and preparation of resolution documents to ensure banks are returned to compliance.
- Helping to identify improvements and consistency initiatives that can be implemented within the program and water management districts related to mitigation banking;
- Maintaining a strong working knowledge of wetland plants, soils and hydrologic indicators as well as applicable rules, statutes, regulations, policies and procedures;
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Knowledge of the ERP program as it pertains to mitigation and mitigation bank permitting.
- Ability to collect, evaluate, analyze and interpret scientific and technical data and prepare technical reports.
- Ability to understand and apply applicable rules, regulations, policies, and procedures related to the ERP and proprietary programs as they relate to mitigation banking.
- Ability to plan, organize and coordinate work assignments, determine work priorities and ensure completion of work assignments.
- Ability to work effectively and accurately while under deadline.
- Ability to prioritize extensive workload and maintain organized records.
- Ability to evaluate complex interrelationships.
- Knowledge of habitat management, restoration and habitat rehabilitation techniques.
- Skill in observing and reporting biological field conditions.
- Knowledge of biological functions related to Florida ecosystems.
- Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team to achieve specified goals.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships in a courteous and professional manner.
- Ability to effectively operate ArcGis, Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
- Ability and willingness to travel throughout Florida as needed for routine inspection activities.
- Ability to work extended hours and endure physically demanding field inspections in limited access. locations, at times during inclement weather and high heat index conditions.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Possess a 4-year degree from an accredited college or university with a major in engineering, environmental science or one of the natural sciences and 2-years of related professional experience OR 6-years of related professional experience.
- A valid driver’s license
Preferred Qualifications:
- Minimum of two years of experience related to wetland permitting (compliance, enforcement or mitigation banking) or similar state or federal, dredge and fill program experience or private sector experience
- Experience with Florida’s Delineation of the Landward Extent of Wetlands and Surface Waters rule, Chapter 62-340, Florida Administrative Code.
- Experience with Florida’s Uniform Mitigation Assessment Method rule, Chapter 62-345, Florida Administrative Code.
- Experience with the rules and statutes governing the State’s regulatory and proprietary programs.
- Experience with GIS and Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, and Power Point.
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