OPS ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST I - 37970597

Requisition No: 857530 

Agency: Environmental Protection

Working Title: OPS ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST I - 37970597

 Pay Plan: Temp

Position Number: 37970597 

Salary:  $17.00-$22.00 Hourly Depending on Experience 

Posting Closing Date: 08/15/2025 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

State of Florida

Department of Environmental Protection

This position is located in Panama City, FL

Closing Date: 08/15/2025

Position Overview and Responsibilities:

An opportunity is anticipated for a self-motivated, hard-working individual to fill an OPS Environmental Specialist (Fire Technician) position at the District 1 Administrative Office.  This position will work independently and as part of a team in the field in remote locations.  This position works with the Resource Management Team to accomplish annual prescribed fire management goals through assisting in all aspects of prescribed fire and fire line preparation. Effective communication and coordination of resource management objectives is required.

This position includes safe operation of equipment and vehicles, such as a type 6 engine, tractors, skid steer, tree cutters, mowers, ATV/UTV, and chainsaws; operating, cleaning, servicing, and securing vehicles, equipment, and tools.   

Performs other related duties as required including but not limited to completing administrative tasks, participating in visitor services, maintenance tasks and projects, and park protection. 

 Participates in prescribed burning and other resource management activities.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of:

• The principles and techniques of mechanical repair work
• Safety procedures required in maintenance and repair work
• Florida’s natural and cultural resources

 Skill in:

• Communicating effectively verbally and in writing
• Filling out various reports such as timesheets and vehicles logs
• Operating heavy equipment and tractors
• Interpreting resources and park policies to visitors

 Ability to:

• Work rotating shifts including nights, holidays, and weekends
• Work outdoors in inclement conditions
• Follow verbal and written instructions
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others
• Accurately prepare reports
• Read and follow a map
• Work in remote and isolated locations
• Work independently
• Perform physical labor
• Understand and apply rules, directives, policies, laws, and regulations
• Identify and investigate equipment problems
• Operate and maintain vehicles, tools, and equipment
• Successfully meet position specific DRP Burn Standards for Prescribed Fire
• Participate in field activities associated with the position
• Pass annual work capacity test

Minimum Qualifications:

• Valid Driver’s License
• Successful completion of moderate pack test.  Prior to being hired, an applicant will be given a single opportunity to take and successfully complete a supervised moderate pack test at a date and location to be announced.  Pack test requires applicants to complete a two-mile walk while carrying 25 lbs. in less than 30 minutes.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Basic National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) training for prescribed fire (S130/190, I-100, S-131).
• A valid Commercial Drivers License

Pay:

$17.00 - $22.00 PER HOUR (40 hour work week)

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:

District 1 Administration

4620 State Park Lane

Panama City, Florida 32408

District 1 is located along the Gulf Coast. We proudly serve parks in 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. The district office is located in Panama City, FL, 32408 at St. Andrews State Park.

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*).  
• State of Florida 401(a) FICA Alternative Plan (tax deferred Retirement Savings Plan, for more information, please visit Corebridge Financial).
• Flexible Spending Accounts;
• And more!

For a complete list of benefits, visit www.mybenefits.myflorida.com.

*Seasonal and part-time OPS employees (less than 30 hours average per week) refer to the links above for detailed eligibility requirements.

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_Recruitment@FloridaDEP.gov

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.