ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST I - 37000660

Requisition No: 850469 

Agency: Environmental Protection

Working Title: ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST I - 37000660

 Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number: 37000660 

Salary:  $3000 month/$36000 year 

Posting Closing Date: 04/21/2025 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST I

State of Florida

Department of Environmental Protection

PACK TEST POSITION

RESIDENCY

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:

ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST (37000660)

Highlands Hammock State Park

5931 Hammock Road

Sebring, FL 33872

SUPERVISOR: Morgan Tyrone Park Manager, (863) 386-6099

An opportunity is available for a self-motivated, hardworking individual to fill a residential Environmental Specialist position at Highlands Hammock State Park.  The candidate must be able to work independently and have the ability to perform a variety of resource management skills using assorted equipment and tools. Residency is required in a 2 bedroom/1 bath historic wooden house.

The Difference You Will Make:

Florida state parks are managed and preserved for enjoyment by all through providing appropriate resource-based recreational opportunities, interpretation and education that help visitors connect to the Real Florida. SM

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:

This park totals over 9,000 acres and is in south central Florida in the town of Sebring. This park and Lake June in Winter Scrub Preserve State Park consist of campgrounds, picnic areas, nature trails and hiking, equestrian and bike trails, and the state’s Civilian Conservation Corps museum,

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:

Base salary $3,000 month/$36,000 annual

Your Specific Responsibilities:

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Compliance with the processing requirements of Chapter 215.422, F.S. is mandatory. Persistent failure to comply with this section by any agency of the state shall constitute good cause for discharge of employees duly found responsible, or predominantly responsible, for failure to comply. 

This is professional work involving active management and interpretation of the natural and cultural resources of Highlands Hammock State Park.

Coordination and implementation of resource management programs including prescribed burning, biological and hydrological monitoring, exotic and nuisance species control, natural community restoration, reforestation, plant and animal surveys, listed species management, erosion control, and cultural resource preservation and management. Conducts field survey and treatment of non-native invasive plant species, and assists management with coordination of staff, volunteers, AmeriCorps members, and contractors in completion of same.

Coordinates research, monitoring, and collecting activities in parks, and participates as needed.  Assists in the preparation of unit management plans. Helps train park personnel in fundamentals of resource management. participates in prescribed burns.

Compiles resource data evaluates effectiveness of resource management programs, and completes relevant reports as needed. Prepares miscellaneous correspondence. Manages databases and maintains correspondence, reference, and files. Applies for and coordinates resource management grants. Maintains vehicles and equipment assigned to the position.

Gathers information about the natural and cultural resources of the parks for interpretive purposes, presents interpretive programs as needed, and provides technical review in the development of interpretive brochures, exhibits, talks, and tours.

Performs other related duties as required.

ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION:

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• principles of natural science
• community ecology
• fauna and flora of Florida
• listed species management
• personal computer operations

ABILITY TO:

• actively participate in field activities associated with the position (e.g. prescribed burning, hydrological & biological monitoring, herbicide application)
• collect, analyze, and interpret environmental data
• understand and apply rules, regulations, policies, and procedures related to environmental programs
• prepare well-written scientific reports and management plans
• communicate effectively verbally and in writing
• establish and maintain effective working relationships with others
• deal with the public in a tactful, courteous, and professional manner
• organize, coordinate, and prioritize work assignments in a timely manner
• work independently in a wide variety of habitats
• maintain a valid driver’s license
• must successfully meet position-specific DRP Standards for Prescribed fire.  Passing of moderate pack test must be completed prior to employment, and then annually thereafter complete the light pack test.
• operate/handle vehicles and equipment associated with the position (e.g. GPS, ATVs, airboat, tractors & implements, fire suppression equipment, chain saws)
• be available for occasional overnight travel

Minimum qualifications:

Valid Driver’s license.

 Other job-related requirements for this position:

• Preferred: a bachelor’s or master’s degree from a college or university with a major in one of the physical or natural sciences; or a bachelor’s or master’s degree from a college or university with a minor in one of the physical or natural sciences & 2 years of professional experience in one of the physical or natural sciences

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

Successful completion of annual moderate pack test.  Prior to being hired, 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 applicant to complete a two-mile walk while carrying 25 lbs. in less than 30 minutes.

Ability to reside on park property in a two-bedroom, 1 bath historic home from 1928.

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.