Requisition No: 804734
Agency: Environmental Protection
Working Title: OPS ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST I – 37932051
Position Number: 37932051
Salary: $18.00/Hour
Posting Closing Date: 06/19/2023
OPS Environmental Specialist I
State of Florida
Department of Environmental Protection, Northwest District
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 an Other Personnel Services (OPS) position that will be scheduled up to 40 hours. Compliance and enforcement subject matters may include National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES), and/or environmental resources. Compliance activities are in support of the Department’s Office of Environmental Accountability and Transparency and The Clean Waterways Act to enhance the effectiveness of our Level of Service inspections.
The Difference You Will Make:
Your role as OPS Environmental Specialist is critical to fulfilling our district’s mission of creating strong community partnerships and safeguarding Florida’s natural resources.
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 Northwest District is located along the Gulf Coast, with three office locations in Pensacola, Panama City and Tallahassee. We proudly serve 16 counties in the Florida panhandle including Bay, Calhoun, Escambia, Franklin, Gadsden, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson, Jefferson, Leon, Liberty, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, Wakulla, Walton and Washington. This position is located at the Northwest District Tallahassee branch office, located at 3900 Commonwealth Blvd, Tallahassee, FL., 32303.
Benefits of Working for the State:
Working for the State of Florida is more than a paycheck. The State’s benefits package for eligible OPS employees includes:
- Participation in state group insurance (must meet eligibility requirements*). For more details consult with People First at 877-562-7287 or go to: https://www.mybenefits.myflorida.com/health/eligibility_and_enrollment/ops_employees
- Participation in the Florida Deferred Compensation Plan (457b). For additional details and online enrollment visit MyFloridaDeferredComp.com
- State of Florida 401(a) FICA Alternative Plan (tax deferred Retirement Savings Plan). For more information, please click Social Security Alternative Plan (aigrs.com) and read OPS Social Security Alternative Plan;
- Flexible Spending Accounts;
For a more benefits information, visit www.mybenefits.myflorida.com.
Pay:
- Position Type – Other Personnel Services (OPS)
- Pay – $18.00/hr
- Weekly Hours – 40 hours a week
- Biweekly Payroll
Your Specific Responsibilities:
The incumbent(s) will support, conduct and/or document compliance activities as assigned, pursuant to requirements of Chapters 373 and 403, Florida Statutes, including but not limited to:
- Assisting and advising owners/operators with compliance issues as appropriate.
- Accurate and timely entry of required data and system information into agency databases and Oculus.
- Conducting site inspections for compliance and conditions of issued permits.
- Recommending compliance and enforcement actions as appropriate.
- Drafting basic compliance and enforcement documents such as Compliance Assistance Letters, Warning Letters and Model Documents.
- Providing outreach and compliance assistance to owners/operators as needed.
Data Entry
- Performs and coordinates accurate data entry into the appropriate Department computer databases and ensures timely entry of documents in Oculus.
Training and Safety
- Gains the essential skills needed to determine the compliance status of regulated sites/facilities and to become knowledgeable within assigned program areas.
- Understand the basics of rules, exemptions, permits and permit conditions and their applicability within assigned program areas.
- Participate in safety events, job shadowing with peer inspectors and subject matter experts, on the job training, and team building initiatives as directed by management.
- Responsible for proper use and care of state-owned property.
- Attends workshops and training, as required.
- Performs related work as required by supervisor.
Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Ability to maintain accuracy and attention to detail when completing multiple assignments.
- Ability to develop and maintain effective relationships with others; may include effectively dealing with individuals who are difficult, hostile, or distressed; relates well to people from varied backgrounds and different situations; is sensitive to cultural diversity, race, gender, disabilities, and other individual differences.
- Skill in treating others with respect, tact, empathy, and politeness, to assess their needs, provide information or assistance, resolve their problem(s) or satisfy their expectations.
- Knowledge and experience in Microsoft applications including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
- Knowledge of proper spelling, grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure to ensure that written materials prepared and reviewed are complete, concise, and error-free.
- Ability to set well-defined and realistic personal goals; display a high level of initiative, effort, and commitment towards completing assignments in a timely manner; work with minimal supervision; and demonstrate responsible behavior.
- Knowledge of the concepts, principles, theories, and methods used in the measurement or determination of land areas.
- Ability to develop and use tracking systems to monitor work progress.
Minimum Qualifications:
- A valid driver’s license
- A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, or currently enrolled in an undergraduate environmental science or engineering program at the junior level or higher. Two years of related work experience may substitute for education requirements.
Preferred Qualifications:
- A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a major in engineering, environmental science, or one of the natural sciences
- Excellent communication and people skills
- Excellent organization and time management skills
For questions regarding this position please contact: Ryan Hetrick, Environmental Manager at Ryan.Hetrick@FloridaDEP.gov
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.