ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANT - 37010932

Requisition No: 838786 

Agency: Environmental Protection

Working Title: ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANT - 37010932

 Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number: 37010932 

Salary:  $4,891.14 Mo. / $58,693.68 Yr. 

Posting Closing Date: 10/08/2024 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANT

State of Florida

Department of Environmental Protection

Internal Agency Only

 ***** ONLY CURRENT EMPLOYEES OF THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION WILL BE CONSIDERED *****

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 advanced level consultative position in the District’s Compliance Assurance Program (CAP) tasked with providing support and training new staff for the SLERC program in the South District office.  Provides programmatic expertise, and mentors staff on programmatic related issues. Ensures coordination with the Division and other District Offices, as well as other governmental entities. Analyzes and evaluates complex interdiscplinary projects applicable to the SLERC program in accordance with applicable statutes, rules, and DEP policy and procedures. In carrying out the duties of this position, the incumbent is expected at all times to be aware of and abide by the Department’s Standards of Conduct, as well as any and all departmental and/or work unit rules, directives, policies, procedures, and/or general orders applicable to performing the duties of this position. 

The Difference You Will Make:

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection protects, conserves and manages the state’s natural resources and enforces its environmental laws. Each position works together as a whole to advance Florida’s position as a world leader in protecting natural resources while growing the state’s economy.

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:

South District - The South District Office is located in Fort Myers. Fort Myers is popular for its great beaches that line the Gulf Coast, shopping and fishing.  Attractions include the historic Henry Ford and Thomas Edison estates, downtown Fort Myers, with its many restaurants and nightlife, as well as nearby Naples and the islands of Captiva and Sanibel. It is a sports enthusiast haven as the Spring Training home of the Boston Red Sox and Minnesota Twins. The South District covers 8 counties (Lee, Collier, Charlotte, DeSoto, Sarasota, Hendry, Glades and Highlands). 

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.

To learn more about different DEP career opportunities, visit https://floridadep.gov/adm/hr/content/career-opportunities-0

Pay:

$4,891.14 Mo. / $58,693.68 Yr.

Your Specific Responsibilities:

This position serves as a Subject Matter Expert for regulatory Water programs, such as SLERC.

Training, Learning and Safety

Serves as the Subject Matter Expert and Division liaison for the District and regulated community. Provides program specific training events for staff and for the regulated community at the frequency established by the supervisor.  Attends trainings and maintains expertise in rule and law, permitting and compliance matters, industry advances and issues, and regulatory impact on the community. Conducts compliance evaluation inspections for the purpose of achieving environmental goals with reduction of regulatory burden and to provide training to the staff. Evaluates program database reports to monitor and ascertain trends and to ensure that data entry methods are appropriate.  Supports the District safety goals, and makes recommendations for appropriate safety equipment for inspectors, and provides discipline-specific safety information and training. 

Permitting and Compliance

Conducts inspections to meet level of service obligations. Provides timely reviews of non-compliance issues brought forward by inspection staff or supervisors in subject matter area.  Makes recommendations for facilities to achieve compliance or to staff supervisor to proceed with further compliance actions.  Conducts compliance evaluation inspections for the purpose of achieving environmental goals with reduction of regulatory burden.  Conducts complaint investigations and handles and responds to complaints appropriately in a prompt and effective manner. Participates in pre-application and assessment meetings and assists in permit review process when necessary.  Serves as Subject Matter Expert and liaison with the Division/Bureau and OGC.  Advises permitting and compliance staff on recent applicable rule or policy changes. Prepares staff and serves as expert for enforcement and permitting actions. Coordinates reviews of permit application submittals and prepares of appropriate agency responses and orders consistent with applicable rules. Ensures accurate database entries.

Outreach and Assistance

Assists regulated community through targeted outreach to achieve overall compliance rate consistent with Department goals. Implements opportunities for regulated community to achieve consistent and legal environmental compliance with reduced burden. Works with the Division/Bureau and OGC for interpretation/modification of rules to maintain/enhance environmental protection while reducing the regulatory burden.

Performs other duties as assigned

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Handles citizen complaints appropriately and addresses issues in a prompt and effective manner.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of the terminology, principles and analytical techniques of the physical, biological and/or natural sciences in regard to the flora, fauna and functions of aquatic and wetland ecosystems.
• Ability to perform field inspections, including climbing ladders and stairs and walking on slopes, working outdoors for extended periods of time in temperatures and weather conditions typical of South Florida, while lifting 40 pounds over a distance of 100 yards.
• Ability to collect, evaluate, analyze, and interpret scientific or technical data.
• Ability to understand and apply applicable rules, regulations, policies and procedures relating to environmental programs.
• Skilled in communicating effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to manage time to include planning, organizing and coordinating work tasks, determining priorities, and insuring proper completion of work assignments.
• Ability to work independently with without the need of close supervision or as part of a team.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to deal with the public in a tactful and courteous manner.
• Ability to solve problems and make decisions.
• Skilled in using a personal computer with Microsoft Office software and internet resources to prepare reports, maintain records, and search for and compile data.
• Skilled with data manipulation for scientific and technical applications using industry standard browsers, word processors, spreadsheets, and database applications.
• Skilled in public speaking and presentation preparation.
• Ability to serve as subject matter expert.
• Ability to seek resources needed to stay current in area of expertise.
• Ability to develop or adapt new processes and procedures based upon changes in rules, regulations, or industry practices.
• Skilled in continuous process improvement techniques, problem solving, and decision making.
• Skilled in working with the public and providing excellent customer service by using active listening skills, conflict resolution skills, and negotiation skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Minimum of three years of regulatory inspection/compliance/permitting or other professional related experience.
• Knowledge of Chapters 403, 373, 253, 258, Florida Statutes (F.S.), and Rules 18-14, 18-20 and 18-21, 62-330 and 331, and other applicable Florida Administrative Codes (F.A.C.).
• Knowledge of EPA’s approval of Florida’s Assumption of the Water Quality Certification.
• Experience applying the Department’s compliance and enforcement process, policies and procedures, DEP’s Enforcement Manual; the Environmental Litigation Reform Act (ELRA); Directive 923; and the Program Specific Guidelines for Characterizing Violations.
• Ability to wade, swim, snorkel, and traverse difficult wetland terrain found in in South Florida’s climate.
• Ability to perform field biology and water quality sampling techniques.
• Knowledge of potential environmental impacts which result from construction and the ability to read maps, aerial photography, site plans, and drawings.
• Skill and experience in using GIS software products, such as ESRI ArcMap 10.x, to prepare maps and in using portable GPS units to locate geographic or natural resource features.
• Ability to safely operate, launch, retrieve and trailer powerboats, less than 21 feet.
• Multilingual in English and Spanish, Creole or German.

Required or Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a natural or physical science from an accredited college or university; or any combination of post-secondary education and/or verifiable related experience for a total of four years.
• The ability to successfully complete a Level 2 State and National criminal history background check.
• Are currently employed with the Department of Environmental Protection.

Other Job-Related Requirements for this position: 

• Valid Driver License
• Travel is required, including overnight.
• Become a Certified Wetland Evaluator (CWE) recognized in Florida. (Chapter 62-340, F.A.C.) once hired.

Working hours: (A) Daily from Monday to Friday - 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (B) Total hours in workweek 40 (C) FLEX Schedule. This position is not eligible for teleworking.

BACKGROUND SCREENING REQUIREMENT: This position is designated as a Position of Special Trust in accordance with DEP-422 (Positions of Special Trust or Responsibility). 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.

To learn more about the DEP South District office, please access the following link: https://floridadep.gov/south

Contact Information:

Amanda Ades

South District DEP

2295 Victoria Avenue, Suite 364

Fort Myers, FL  33902 

(239) 344-5652

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_ER@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.