Requisition No: 805760
Agency: Environmental Protection
Working Title: ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST I – 37010244
Position Number: 37010244
Salary: $36,750.00
Posting Closing Date: 07/27/2023
Environmental Specialist I
State of Florida
Department of Environmental Protection, Northwest District
***INTERNAL AGENCY ONLY***
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 entry level position responsible for reviewing, analyzing and evaluating applications under Chapters 403, 373, 258 and 253 Florida Statues (F.S.), Public Law 92-500, and all Chapters used to implement the District’s Submerged Lands & Environmental Resource Program. The proposed projects involve activities such as dredging or filling in/on navigation channels, ports, beaches, marinas and industrial facilities, and wetlands; construction of bridges, roads, boat ramps, docks, seawalls, riprap and water-related recreational facilities.
The Difference You Will Make:
Your role as 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. 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 district has three offices located in Pensacola, Panama City and Tallahassee. This position is located at the Pensacola office.
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:
Annual salary based on experience – $36,750.00
Your Specific Responsibilities:
- Review mitigation proposals in which projects are evaluated for possible environmental impacts with regard to water quality and pollution potential to wildlife and their habitats (including that for nursery areas and threatened/endangered species), and biological productivity. Other factors for review include flow of water, navigation, public health, safety and welfare, recreation values, and archaeological resources. Additional reviews are conducted to determine if proposals involve use of sovereignty-submerged lands.
- Conduct site inspections and assessments of specifically assigned projects and prepares a report/or permit application appraisal on each proposed project describing the project, summarizing the environmental impact with regard to biological resources and water quality, and recommends permit approval of denial as outlined in Chapters 373, 403, and 120, Florida Statutes.
- Assist other staff in conducting wetland delineation determinations using methodology outlined in FAC 62-340. Responds to inquiries from the general public regarding the program’s permitting process and wetland issues.
- Draft permits to include specific conditions, which address suitable construction methodology, biological, and water quality monitoring, wildlife and habitat protection and mitigation Prepares appropriate documents to authorize use of state-owned lands.
- Conduct pre-application meetings with applicants, engineers, and consultants concerning wetland jurisdiction and general feasibility of potential projects.
- Attends workshops and training, as required.
- Be responsible for proper use and care of state-owned property assigned to this section.
- Snorkel as needed, pass the DEP approved training course, and adhere to the DEP Snorkeling Policy and Directive 710.
Other duties as required.
Knowledge, skills and abilities, including utilization of equipment, required for the position:
- 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.
- Ability to maintain a valid driver’s license and travel.
Minimum Qualifications
- Valid Driver’s License
- A 4-year degree from an accredited college or university, or 4 years of related work experience
Preferred Qualifications
- A Bachelor’s degree or higher 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: Russell Sullivan, Environmental Manager at Russell.Sullivan@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.
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.