PUBLIC INFORMATION SPECIALIST II (PENDING RECLASSIFICATION) - 37010333

Requisition No: 856446 

Agency: Environmental Protection

Working Title: PUBLIC INFORMATION SPECIALIST II (PENDING RECLASSIFICATION) - 37010333

 Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number: 37010333 

Salary:  60,000-65,000 annually, commensurate with experience 

Posting Closing Date: 07/20/2025 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

PUBLIC INFORMATION SPECIALIST II

**PENDING RECLASSIFICATION**

State of Florida

Department of Environmental Protection
This position is located in Fort Myers, FL
Open Vacancy

Position Overview and Responsibilities:

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.

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. This is a highly responsible and independent professional position that serves as the district’s ombudsman and liaison for the media, elected officials, regulated community, and general public.

Ombudsman and Public Services

Serves as liaison to the Department’s Office of Ombudsman and Public Services. Responds to stakeholder concerns, investigates issues, acts as a mediator, coordinates conflict resolutions and responses to inquiries. Facilitates open communication with the public, regulated community, advocacy groups, and other governmental agencies.  Assists the public with district issues, fosters effective and open communication, promotes responsiveness, and provides information to the public. Assures full and expeditious compliance with the state’s open government and public records laws for Florida’s Office of Open Government.  Coordinates, reviews, tracks, and responds to the district’s public records requests. Develops and implements ongoing training on topics such as Florida’s Sunshine and Public Records Laws, as well as effective public relations training.

Press and Media Relations

Serves as liaison to the Department’s Press Office. Serves as the district’s primary point of contact for the local news media. Promotes the Department’s message through proactive outreach and prompt response to media inquiries.  Develops and maintains positive working relationships with news media.  Communicates concisely and effectively through the news media to Florida citizens, policy makers, businesses, and other parties regarding the district’s role in protecting, preserving and enhancing the State’s environment and natural resources.  Reports news media contacts to the Press Office.

Legislative Affairs

Serves as the liaison to the Department’s Office of Legislative and Governmental Affairs, and local legislative offices. Communicates and promptly responds to inquiries from legislators, their staff, and constituents regarding the district’s programs. Assists legislative offices with constituent inquiries.  Reports legislative contacts to the Legislative and Governmental Affairs office.

Regulatory Outreach

Manages and promotes the district’s outreach events. Formulates, develops, and maintains the district outreach and environmental education activities. Periodically updates the district’s programs, materials, and presentations. Coordinates district special events, meetings, open houses, public meetings and workshops. Sets up and organizes displays at district outreach events. Reaches out to the community to further the Department’s and Governor’s initiatives. Consults with leadership to formulate, develop and maintain district outreach data.

District Communication

Directs all district correspondence control items and tracks to closure to ensure timely response. Coordinates with appropriate district staff to obtain any necessary background information. Independently prepares correspondence drafts, reviews district drafts, and makes edits for review and approval by the Director of District Management and/or the Secretary’s Office. Directs preparation and production of district publications (i.e., news releases, fact sheets, articles, newsletters, quarterly “Director’s Messages” to staff, etc.) concerning district activities and special events having local, state, and national interest. Assists the Director of District Management and district leadership with confidential matters, preparation of internal and external correspondence items, and coordination of office activities intended to boost staff morale. Responsible for reviewing and suggesting changes to the district’s website content. Coordinates the district’s intern program and tracks effectiveness of the program.

Performs other duties as required

District Response Team (DRT)

The incumbent of this position has been identified as emergency Mission Essential Personnel in accordance with Rule 60L-34.0071(3)(e)1.a.,F.A.C. and, in that capacity, may be required, on short notice, to perform duties and travel in support of emergency efforts. All leave approved is subject to recall in the occurrence of a major event. Leave should be coordinated with backup/cross-trained staff and approved by management to ensure that DEP essential functions can be performed, if required. This position may be placed on-call to remain available to perform essential duties. 

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

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to be positive and support the Department’s mission, values, and leadership.
• Strong problem solving and conflict resolution skills across multiple programs.
• Strong critical thinking skills to frame issues, evaluate solutions, and draw conclusions.
• Ability to adapt to new information, changing conditions, and unexpected challenges.
• Ability to maintain professionalism and emotional control under pressure.
• Ability to employ discretion in handling sensitive or high-profile cases and events.
• Ability to demonstrate integrity, personal accountability, responsibility in all actions.
• Strong communication skills and command of the English language in both verbal and written communication.
• Confident public speaking skills and the ability to present and express ideas to varied audiences.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to relate to others in a mature, tactful, and courteous manner.
• Active listening skills and the ability to facilitate the open exchange of ideas and information. 
• Ability to view issues/problems from a different perspective.
• Organizational skills in planning, prioritizing, and coordinating workflow.
• Ability to understand and be familiar with biological, ecological, and scientific processes.
• Skill in compiling, analyzing, and interpreting technical data, developing relevant information, and putting that information product to use as knowledge to characterize an issue, formulate a solution, or solve a problem.
• Ability to multi-task and work independently and/or with a team.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and tracking/reporting tools. 
• Ability to work outdoor events in typical South Florida weather conditions.

Minimum Qualifications:

• At least 4 years of verifiable related experience in communications, public administration, regulatory inspection/compliance/permitting, or other professional related experience. Post-secondary degrees from an accredited college or university with a major in communications, public administration, or a natural or physical science may be used as an alternative for the required years of experience on a year-for-year basis. A credential evaluation report from an approved agency must be submitted along with all foreign degrees.
• Valid Driver License
• Travel is required, including overnight

Position of Special Trust Requirement:

This position is designated as a Position of Special Trust in accordance with DEP Directive 422 Positions of Special Trust or Responsibility. Successful completion of background screening will be required for this position.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of environmental policies or regulatory frameworks specific to Florida.
• Knowledge of environmental issues affecting southwest Florida.
• Formal training or certification in conflict resolution, media relations, or government communications.
• Experience navigating politically sensitive communications or complex environmental issues with professionalism and discretion.
• Experience speaking during emergencies, at public events or media briefings.
• Ability to translate complex issues into relatively simple terms in a quick turn-around time.
• Experience developing educational materials or community presentations tied to conservation or regulatory topics.

Pay:

$60,000 - $65,000.04  (commensurate with experience)

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 advance Florida’s position as a world leader in protecting natural resources while growing the state’s economy. 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);
• Tuition waivers;

• Total Compensation Estimator Tool

• 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

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

Special Notes:

DEP is committed to successfully recruiting and onboarding talented and skilled individuals into its workforce. We recognize the extensive training, experience, and transferable 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

An individual with a disability is qualified if he or she satisfies the skills, experience, and other job-related requirements for a position and can perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation. Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must contact the DEP Human Resources (HR) Office at (850) 245-2511. DEP requests applicants notify HR in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.

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.