Requisition No: 797154
Agency: Environmental Protection
Working Title: ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST III – 37020750
Position Number: 37020750
Salary: $43,151.28/annually
Posting Closing Date: 06/01/2023
Environmental Specialist III – 37020750
State of Florida
Department of Environmental Protection
Open Competitive – All qualified applicants 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. The SLERC program is responsible for the consistent implementation of the State 404 and Environmental Resource Permitting (ERP) programs statewide.
The ERP Program regulates activities in, on or over surface waters or wetlands, as well as any activity involving the alteration of surface water flows. The State 404 Program regulates dredge and fill activities under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act. This is an intermediate professional environmental position providing programmatic training related to the Environmental Resource Permitting and State 404 Programs and data and technology coordination and support services. Training duties include preparing or assisting with field, office, or webinar trainings related to the ERP and State 404 programs, as well as other SLERC-related trainings. Data and technology coordination and support services include working with DEP programming teams to make any necessary updates or changes to ERP-related databases and applications to better assist with the implementation of the regulatory programs including gathering data necessary for reporting. Incumbent will identify, as appropriate, potential efficiencies that can be made to these programs for the benefit of the Department or the public. This will include working with subject matter experts where necessary to ensure appropriateness and accuracy of proposed changes. Routine travel is required to training sites, meetings, and conferences. Field training will take place under all types of weather conditions and may involve traversing rough terrain.
The Difference You Will Make:
The Environmental Specialist works with department staff to ensure projects meet the agencies strict environmental standards protecting wetlands and water quality. The Environmental Specialist also works with managers to plan and prioritize activities and projects in line with DEP’s strategic objectives and find integrated solutions on a variety of organizational challenges.
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:
$43,151.28/annually
Your Specific Responsibilities:
- Implements State 404 and Environmental Resource Permitting regulatory and proprietary training programs conducted by the Submerged Lands and Environmental Resource Coordination program, especially those implemented under the authorities of chapters 253, 258, 403, and part IV of chapter 373 of the Florida Statues, including the rules of the department and the water management district adopted thereunder
- Develops and implements State 404 and Environmental Resource Permitting applications review training for districts and delegates program staff. Develops and implements ERPce and Permitting Application database trainings for district staff and delegated program staff to ensure data entry consistency. Attends meetings, workshops, conferences and other trainings related to the program. Prepares and provides training to regulatory staff.
- Develops new and edits existing guidance for the State 404 and Environmental Resource Permitting programs, especially related to compliance and enforcement. Responsible for the creation and maintenance of the State 404 and Environmental Resource Permitting program templates and forms to ensure permit and compliance/enforcement consistency.
- Provides guidance and technical assistance to district staff and the general public in the form of written and oral communication, and reviews and comments on various issues affecting the regulatory and proprietary programs implemented by the Program.
- Assists with the development and review of rules and legislation related to the statewide regulatory and proprietary programs implemented by the Program. Assists with the development of public education materials and presentations related to the Program’s regulatory and proprietary responsibilities.
- Assists with the development of field training as necessary.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Knowledge of the physical and natural sciences relative to environmental resources
- Knowledge of the Department’s regulatory programs, soil science in Florida; hydric soils in Florida; application of Florida’s unified wetland delineation Rule 62-340, F.A.C.; identifying and delineating Florida wetlands
- Knowledge of computers and the Microsoft suite of applications
- Knowledge of training techniques and principles
- Skilled at organization and good communication
- Ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing
- Ability to provide effective presentations to the public and staff
- Ability to prepare clear, concise and articulate procedures, rules, letters and presentation materials
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff and the public
- Ability to work independently, collect, analyze and synthesize scientific and technical data
- Ability to understand and apply rules, directives, policies and procedures
- Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
- Ability to travel as needed to perform training, participate in meetings and attend conferences
- Ability to maintain a valid driver’s license
- Ability to travel extensively throughout Florida and work extended hours and endure physically demanding field inspections
Minimum Qualifications:
- A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a major in engineering, environmental science or one of the natural sciences and 3 years of related professional experience OR 7-years of related professional experience can substitute.
- Ability to travel
- A valid Florida driver’s license
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience related to the Environmental Resource Permitting (ERP) Program (permitting, compliance, enforcement and state lands) or similar state or Federal dredge and fill program 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
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.