ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST III - SES - 37010522

Requisition No: 874528 

Agency: Environmental Protection

Working Title: ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST III - SES - 37010522

 Pay Plan: SES

Position Number: 37010522 

Salary:  AGENCY TO UPDATE 

Posting Closing Date: 05/07/2026 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST III - SES

State of Florida

Department of Environmental Protection

This position is located in Pensacola, FL

Position Overview and Responsibilities:

This position provides professional level supervisory management to the three Aquatic Preserves (Fort Pickens, Yellow River Marsh and Rocky Bayou AP) in Northwest Florida including, but not limited to daily administration, operational, and supervisory tasks required to accomplish resource protection within the assigned areas. Supervises Other Personal Services (OPS) staff and Career Staff (CS). Will effectively communicate, motivate and evaluate direct work performance, and is responsible for time and attendance of subordinates. Incumbent is responsible for the creation of and the tracking of an annual budget, work plan and supervising of employees as needed to support the tasks below. Serves as the supervisor of staff associated with ecosystem restoration projects currently underway in the panhandle and new projects that may be funded within the three Aquatic Preserves mentioned above, as well as any projects outside of those boundaries that may enhance the aquatic preserves condition. 

Develops and implements restoration projects which include enhancement and restoration methods that result in the improvement of the ecosystem within Northwest Florida. Provide assistance to watershed management work groups and other  Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) partnership teams within the Northwest Office of Resilience and Coastal Protection (ORCP) Region. Reviews research and long and short-range plans prepared by work groups or teams. Assists in identifying, evaluating, and analyzing environmental issues and problems within three aquatic preserves (Fort Pickens, Yellow River Marsh and Rocky Bayou).

Responsible for development of aquatic preserve management plans and coordinating with stakeholders and the public on them. Develop recommendations for procedures and specific actions to address these problems. Responsible for the monitoring of aquatic preserve surface waters, including ambient monitoring and monitoring to identify sources of pollution. Responsible for monitoring important habitats with the AP's and watersheds to them. Develop environmental education and special events programs to promote awareness of Florida's coastal resources.

Assists the ORCP regional manager and other ORCP staff in identifying, promoting, developing and funding small to large scale habitat restoration projects, either as ORCP or DEP initiatives or as partnerships with citizens, businesses, government agencies, non­ profit or not-for profit organizations. Fosters and maintains a relationship with regulatory agencies, especially DEP Northwest district staff having jurisdiction within aquatic preserves in NW Florida. Reviews and provides input on permits that have primary or secondary impacts on aquatic preserve resources. Periodically advises and assists field personnel in complex investigations.  Reviews reports from field personnel as to their quality and quantity of information and modifies and critiques these reports where necessary as required.  Responsible for compiling, analyzing, and evaluating highly complex data when reviewing and commenting on the environmental impact of proposed developments and other projects.

The incumbent will work with ORCP and other partners to evaluate available grants and other funding sources and develop proposals to sustain funding for restoration activities. Assists in management and implementation of budgets, time sheets, purchase orders, and requisitions. Coordinate with ORCP Regional staff, District and Division level staff to manage grants that have been obtained by ORCP and other DEP staff. Performs other related duties as required.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge:

• Northwest Florida aquatic ecosystems and natural communities
• Coastal restoration, construction, and monitoring techniques
• Native saltmarsh vegetation
• Local watersheds
• Living shorelines

Skills:

• Operate motorboats safely and efficiently
• Proficient in snorkeling for field research
• ArcGIS applications
• Project management
• Communication

Abilities:

• Make technical presentations to professional groups, agencies, and stakeholders
• Prepare scientific reports
• Apply environmental rules and procedures
• Plan, organize, and coordinate assignments
• Communicate clearly, verbally and in writing
• Operate and maintain vessels, vehicles, and field equipment
• Obtain CPR/First Aid certification
• Maintain professional, courteous, and tactful interactions with the public

Minimum Qualifications:

• Valid Driver License is required
• At least 5 years of verifiable related experience in physical or natural resources. Post-secondary degrees 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.

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.

Applicable Job-Specific License or Certifications:

CPR / First Aid Certification must be obtained within the first year of employment.

Pay:

The annual salary for this position is $51,479.40

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:

Pensacola, FL – Pensacola is the western gate to the sunshine state, well known for its white sandy beaches and emerald waters. The beach is considered the most beautiful in the state, with the Gulf Islands National Seashore, Fort Pickens State Park, Johnsons Beach, Perdido Key State Park, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach just a short drive away. Downtown is a hub for entrepreneurs, nightlife, and city markets. The population is diverse, with the University of West Florida, Pensacola State College, Naval Air Station Pensacola, the American Magic Sailors attracting people from all walks of life. Pensacola is a great spot for fishing, surfing, camping and caters to both urban city life and rural lifestyles. 

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

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.

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.