OPS ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST I - 37933043

Requisition No: 843031 

Agency: Environmental Protection

Working Title: OPS ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST I - 37933043

 Pay Plan: Temp

Position Number: 37933043 

Salary:  $18/hr 

Posting Closing Date: 01/10/2025 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

Environmental Specialist I – 37933043

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:

This posting is for an OPS Environmental Specialist (ES) I (40 hours per week). This temporary position will support ES I level work in enhanced data accountability and transparency through timely and accurate data entry, preparation of inspection reports, performance of quality assurance (QA), database updates, and other tasks that directly support the Water Compliance and Enforcement Program (WCEP).

WCEP facilitates statewide coordination of compliance and enforcement activities relating to the development of policy, guidance and training materials to ensure consistency among DEP’s six district offices for the state’s Industrial Wastewater, Domestic Wastewater, and National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Stormwater programs. WCEP is responsible for federal data management reporting activities associated with the Wastewater and NPDES Stormwater programs. Additionally, WCEP coordinates with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on implementation of the NPDES components of the Clean Water Act.

The Difference You Will Make:

Water and natural resources are the foundation of Florida’s communities, economy, and way of life. The Division of Water Resource Management (DWRM) is responsible for implementing state laws providing for the protection of the quality of Florida’s drinking water, ground water, rivers, lakes, estuaries and wetlands; and the reclamation of mined lands.

DWRM is comprised of several programs that perform water facilities regulation, and operational support services and functions. The division also serves as Florida’s central point of contact for federally delegated/assumed water programs and has regulatory oversight of certain functions of water and wastewater facilities throughout Florida. We work toward safeguarding Florida’s water resources and enhancing natural systems through partnering with local communities, and providing a more certain, consistent and effective regulatory process. Our goal is to enhance both the quality and available quantity of water needed by the state’s residents, visitors, and industries, while also providing protection of the state’s wetlands, other surface waters, and ground waters today and for generations to come.

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, Florida’s Capital 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 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 more benefits information, visit www.mybenefits.myflorida.com.

Pay:

$18 Per Hour

Your Specific Responsibilities:

• Accurate and timely entry of required data and system information into agency databases and Oculus.
• Draft basic compliance and enforcement documents.
• Provide outreach and compliance assistance to owners/operators as needed.
• Prepare SOPs, inspection templates, and training documents for District Staff to conduct field inspections at NPDES Wastewater and Stormwater construction sites and industrial facilities consistently across the state.
• Provide file and inspection report review (QA/QC support) to District Offices.
• Assist with the development and presentation of training materials including presentations, guidance, and handouts to provide stormwater inspectors with basic inspection skills.
• Review facility monitoring reports for compliance with permit conditions.
• Investigate complaints and prepare reports, legal notices, and other documents.
• Maintain and update data systems utilized for program management.
• Review permit applications; identify environmental impacts associated with proposed activities; assist in the resolution of environmental issues; draft proposed agency action.
• Evaluate laboratory tests and recommend corrective action.
• Perform related work as required.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to understand and apply applicable regulations, policies, and procedures relating to environmental programs.
• Ability to evaluate, analyze, and interpret technical reports and supporting documentation.
• Ability to determine work priorities and ensure proper completion of work assignments.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to prepare technical reports.
• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers and leadership.
• Ability to interact with customers in a tactful and courteous manner.
• Ability to use personal computers.
• Ability to travel and maintain a valid Florida Driver’s license.
• Knowledge of and skill in the use of computers and software programs utilized for word processing, database management, statistical and spreadsheet applications, including MS Office applications Access, Excel, PowerPoint, Word and Outlook

Minimum Qualifications:

• Valid Driver’s License;
• High school diploma or equivalent

Preferred Qualifications:

• A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in one of the physical or natural sciences or engineering

BACKGROUND SCREENING REQUIREMENT: This position is a Position of Trust. Any applicant being considered for employment must successfully complete a Level 2 State and National criminal history check as a condition of employment before beginning employment, and also be screened in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 435, F.S.  No applicant may begin employment until the background screening results are received, reviewed for any disqualifying offenses, and approved by the Agency.  

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.