ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST III - 37010293

Requisition No: 844330 

Agency: Environmental Protection

Working Title: ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST III - 37010293

 Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number: 37010293 

Salary:  $55,620 base plus $3,120 hazardous duty pay (annually 

Posting Closing Date: 01/16/2025 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

Environmental Specialist III

State of Florida

Department of Environmental Protection

Division of Law Enforcement

**ANTICPATED VACANCY**

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 Environmental Specialist III located at the Department of Environmental Protection’s central district office located in Orlando, Florida.  This position is with the Office of Emergency Response (OER) section. This position will be responsible for the completion of a range of assignments independently under limited supervision. The work requires applying a scientific understanding to analyze problems of a specialized nature in a wide range of applications.

The Difference You Will Make:

The incumbent responds to hazardous material and petroleum release emergencies that threaten the environment or the public health and safety.

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 work location of this position is in Orlando (Orange County), Florida. This central Florida region city is home to several theme parks such as Disney World, Universal Studios, Legoland, SeaWorld and Aquatica, and Gatorland. The Atlantic coast is just an hour's drive from Orlando, and the Gulf of Mexico lies 90 miles to the west of the city. It is home to 100 lakes and 100 parks and 21 community centers offering athletics, camps, and social programs. The University of Central Florida and several other colleges located in the region offer a hub for academic research, art, and other student activities.

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:

$55,620 base plus $3,120 hazardous duty pay (annually)

Your Specific Responsibilities:

In carrying out the duties of this position, the incumbent is always expected to be aware of and abide by the Department's Standards of Conduct, as well as 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 second level intermediate professional and technical environmental position serving as the pre-designated state on-scene coordinator for the Office of Emergency Response (OER) in the Division of Law Enforcement (DLE). The incumbent responds to hazardous material and petroleum release emergencies that threaten the environment or the public health and safety. The incumbent coordinates the work of contractors, responsible parties, and Emergency Response Team Members. Travel, sometimes upon short notice, is necessary to fulfill the duties of this position. Position requires annual medical monitoring with a satisfactory medical evaluation and safety training to meet 40 CFR, Part 311 regulations. The performance standards described below are expected for normal working conditions. Should unforeseen circumstances occur beyond the incumbent's control that may prevent these standards from being met, it is the responsibility of the incumbent to inform the supervisor immediately. These duties require the incumbent to be subject to emergency calls on a 24-hour per day/seven days a week basis for the protection of life or property. The incumbent is required to receive emergency vehicle operator training and operate any assigned emergency vehicles in accordance with guidelines described in the OER Environmental Response Plan, Annex C, Section 7, "OER Vehicles".

Responds to reported hazardous materials or petroleum related incidents which require Department assistance or oversight. This standard includes as a minimum the following components:

• Evaluates each incident and determines appropriate designated Departmental response.
• Determines the party or agency responsible for ultimate resolution of the incident.
• Monitors Responsible Parties’ contractor actions for appropriate response for environmental protection.
• Communicates effectively, completely, and factually to all parties the Department’s requirements or recommendations.
• Coordinates with other parties or agencies when cooperative effort is required to resolve the emergency.
• When immediate on-scene response is required, responds within 1 hour pending circumstances.
• Ensures compliance with the Department’s Environmental Response Plan and applicable statutes and rules.
• Determines when it is necessary for the Department to take over an incident and oversees the Department’s contractor.
• Ensures all safety procedures are followed, required paperwork is completed and ensures proper labeling, packaging, placarding, and completion of required shipping documents/manifests as required by USDOT regulations.
• Reviews and signs hazardous waste manifests on behalf of the Department in compliance with RCRA.
• Reviews hazardous waste profiles for accuracy according to analytical results and in compliance with RCRA.
• Performs On-Call duties as assigned on a 24-hour basis.
• The incumbent is required to receive emergency vehicle operator training and operate any assigned emergency vehicles in accordance with guidelines described in the OER Environmental Response Plan, Annex C, Section 9, “OER Vehicles”.
• Position requires medical monitoring for work conducted under 29 CFR 1910.120.
• The incumbent will be required to pass a physical assessment test and receive a clearance to work statement from the physician performing the medical monitoring evaluation.
• The incumbent must meet the minimum training and the appropriate Disciplines for the designated Emergency Response position, to fulfill safety and departmental standards.

NOTE: “As a member of Emergency Response, the incumbent may be required to enter a HazMat Exclusion Zone for the purpose of collecting criminal evidence and/or ensuring proper disposal of various chemicals, hazardous materials and petroleum products. The incumbent will be required to wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) for such responses up to and including Level A.”

Conducts Natural Resource Damage Assessments as required following the discharge of pollutants as required by F.S. 376.121. This standard includes the following components:

• Plans, coordinates, and conduct scientific Natural Resource Damage Assessments in coordination with federal and local agencies. Requires knowledge of ArcView and related GIS software, including the Florida Marine Spill Analysis System.
• Serves as the state NRDA coordinator. Reviews and completes all related reports, supplemental worksheets and other data needed to effectively document the natural resource damages resulting from a pollutant discharge.
• Assesses damages to natural resources using knowledge of local flora and fauna as well as application of valid scientific methods. Utilizes knowledge of state and federal threatened and endangered species.
• Coordinates the management of NRDA restoration grants. Oversees the selection of the grants; the execution of the grants; conducts the fiscal audits of the grants; and conducts field surveys to document the grant completion.
• Establishes and maintains an effective working relationship with other federal, state, and local agencies having NRDA responsibilities.

Manages the Emergency Services Contracts and monitors OER Contractor responses.

• Monitors the contractors' overall performance.
• Audits and approves invoices for payment. Approval will occur within five working days of receipt of the invoice.
• Completes change orders and contract amendments as necessary.
• Ensures adequate funds are always available in the contract, contingent upon annual appropriation of the legislature.
• Ensures safety procedures are followed.
• Completes required paperwork for state contractor tasks.
• Assures proper labeling, packaging, placarding and completion of required shipping documents/manifests for Office of Emergency Response hazardous material/hazardous waste shipments.
• Selects and reviews analysis and waste profiles required for disposal.
• Signs manifests on behalf of the Department for compliance with RCRA.

Participates in search warrants and criminal investigations.

• Provides technical assistance and criminal sampling for federal, state and local law enforcement agencies as requested.
• Provides similar assistance to civil regulatory programs as workload permits.
• Serves as the district environmental forensics specialist.

Participates in the Local Emergency Planning Committee, the SERT and assists in the development and maintenance of the Area Plan and other emergency response plans.

• Assists with interagency responsibility questions/issues and technical guidance for response operations at Emergency Response Function 10.
• Serves on the Local Emergency Preparedness Committee (LEPC) when the primary cannot go to the meeting.

The incumbent will maintain complete accountability of all assigned records, contracts, grants, Inventory, and equipment. All required reports, including attendance report, vehicle log and incident reports shall be submitted in a timely manner. All assigned vehicles and assigned equipment shall be maintained in good working order.

This position may be placed on call to remain available to perform essential duties.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to compile, organize, and analyze data.
• Ability to effectively communicate courteously both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to read and understand complicated rules, regulations, policies, and directives.
• Ability to be on-call and work flexible, unscheduled hours.
• Ability to work various levels of personal protection equipment (PPE) up to and including Level A.
• Ability to develop and prepare written reports, records, and plans.
• Ability to plan, organize and coordinate work assignments.
• Ability to collect, evaluate, analyze, and interpret scientific or technical data.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to maintain a valid driver license and travel.

Required Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree or higher and one year of professional related experience or 5 years of related professional work experience can substitute for a degree and the required year of professional related experience.

Other Job-Related Requirements for this position:

1. Valid Driver License
2. Complete initial OSHA 40-hour HAZWOPER refresher within 1 year, annually thereafter.
3. Participate in Medical Monitoring
4. On-Call Emergency Response
5. Travel

POSITION OF SPECIAL TRUST 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 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. 

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.