Requisition No: 813828
Agency: Environmental Protection
Working Title: ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST III – 37010077
Position Number: 37010077
Salary: $51,000.00 – $54,000.00 (Commensurate with experience)
Posting Closing Date: 10/18/2023
ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST III – 37010077
State of Florida
Department of Environmental Protection
Division of Waste Management
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 III position conducts professional work under the direction of the Environmental Administrator for the Site Investigation Section within the Division of Waste Management in Tallahassee, Florida. This candidate will occasionally travel and conduct field assessments and will possess the ability to work independently or within a team setting. The candidate will gain experience developing environmental assessment strategies and field sampling techniques and will expand their hydrogeological and analytical interpretation skills sufficient to lead investigative efforts. The candidate will manage overflow work conducted by environmental assessment contractors. This position requires excellent communication and organizational skills, and the ability to confidently identify and utilize resources, including financial obligations.
The Difference You Will Make:
The Environmental Specialist III position works directly with site owners, interested parties, Pollution Response Action Contractors, and fellow Site Investigation Section team members. You will contribute to the characterization and cleanup of a variety of contaminated sites. The Environmental Specialist III position is part of a dynamic team that finds solutions to environmental issues by prioritizing and implementing activities in line with DEP’s strategic objectives.
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 – 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. 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:
$51,000.00 – $54,000.00 (Commensurate with experience)
Your Specific Responsibilities:
- This is an Environmental Specialist III position within the Waste Cleanup Program, Site Investigation Section. The selected will respond to reports of potential or actual groundwater contamination cases throughout the state and will independently manage multiple ongoing studies. Responsible for planning and coordinating environmental investigations with the public, businesses, industry, district personnel, private consultants, and local and regional government agencies. The incumbent will be responsible for conducting all phases of assigned soil and groundwater sampling. Conducts Phase I and Phase II assessments and hydrogeological investigations of potential source properties.
- Responsible for researching and reviewing current and historical site information. Obtains site access and utility clearance; coordinates and communicates project schedule to all team members, district staff, and stakeholders.
- Designs conceptual site model, emphasizing soil and groundwater assessment strategies sufficient to fulfill task objectives. Understands and utilize a variety of assessment and screening tools with emphasis on monitor well design and installation.
- Understands sampling protocols and schedule environmental samples with laboratory personnel. Prepares site specific health and safety plans (HASP).
- Collects and interpret geologic, hydrogeologic, geophysical, and chemical data. Ensures all necessary supplies and equipment are functional, calibrated and available. Maintain up to date knowledge of environmental regulations, emerging contaminants, and clean-up target levels
- Supervise external contractors and other field personnel. Reviews and approve cost estimates, work plans, and technical reports produced by contractors Produces well-written technical reports that include conclusions and recommendations based on Chapter 62-780 F.A.C. Prepares or approves figures, tables, maps, and all other related documents, utilizing common industry software
- Prepare or approve soil boring logs, cross-sections, and isoconcentration maps.
- Represent DEP at public meetings and workshops.
- Perform other related duties as required.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Experience as a project manager, displaying ability to be resourceful, maintain schedules and assure integrity of assessments
- Experience managing and working with contractors
- Experience interpreting hydrogeological and analytical data
- Knowledge of subsurface investigative tools (monitor wells, direct-push, ground penetrating radar) and sample collection methodologies
- Knowledge of common field equipment (e.g., pumps, groundwater parameter measurement devices) utilized during site assessments
- Knowledge of Florida groundwater aquifer characteristics
- Skilled in the use of personal computers and proficient in MS Word and Excel
- Able to become proficient in use of software supplied by Surfer, ArcGIS, LIMS (DEP lab) and Geoprobe.
- Excellent verbal and written communications skills
- Able to follow direction and work independently
- Able to manage multiple sites, tasks, and deadlines simultaneously
- Must be detail oriented with excellent analytical, judgement, and problem-solving capabilities
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a major in engineering, environmental science or one of the natural sciences; or Any combination of post-secondary education or verifiable related experience, as described above, for a total of four years.
- Must obtain and maintain Florida Certified Contract Manager license within six months of hire.
- Valid Class E Driver License. Travel is required, including overnight.
- Participates in Medical Monitoring and must obtain 40 hour HAZWOPER certification.
- OSHA Safety Training.
Contact Information:
Dave Phillips, Environmental Administrator
Waste Cleanup Program/Site Investigations
Email: Dave.M.Phillips@FloridaDEP.gov
Phone No. 850-245-8952
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.