ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST I - 37010955

Requisition No: 876243 

Agency: Environmental Protection

Working Title: ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST I - 37010955

 Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number: 37010955 

Salary:  Annual Salary: $43,230.00 

Posting Closing Date: 08/06/2026 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST I - 37010955

State of Florida

Department of Environmental Protection

PENDING RECLASSIFICATION

This position is located in Tallahassee, FL

Position Overview and Responsibilities:

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. The incumbent is expected to be aware of and abide by the Public Service Standards as developed by the department.

This is an entry level environmental position. The Environmental Specialist I serves as Contract and Project Manager on State-Lead hazardous waste cleanup sites, and Drycleaning Solvent Cleanup Program sites.  As Project Manager, the Environmental Specialist I is responsible for the technical and managerial aspects of these projects, and for ensuring the environmental effectiveness of these projects in accordance with the National Contingency Plan (NCP), CERCLA/SARA and state regulations as appropriate. The Environmental Specialist I will update the Environmental Administrator regarding environmental aspects of hazardous waste cleanup projects throughout the state.

• Manages the performance of all phases of site rehabilitation activities for numerous State lead, and Drycleaning Solvent Cleanup Program hazardous waste sites, contracting out work as necessary.  Reviews site-specific scopes of work and cost estimates and negotiates these elements with section’s contractors.  Manages contractors working on assigned projects, including on-site inspections, recommendations for corrective actions, and review of invoices and change orders.
• Performs critical and accurate reviews of work plans, investigative reports, designs and bid documents for assigned projects, as well as coordinates document reviews with other sections and agencies. Reviews and approves contractor invoices for completed work.
• Manages assigned Waste Site Cleanup and Drycleaning Solvent Cleanup Program Service contract and performs all necessary contract management aspects of the contract with supervision. Maintains and updates all contract management documentation for assigned contracts, negotiates and resolves contractual issues.
• Responds to information requests; assists clients with redevelopment projects, property transactions and regulatory compliance questions. Coordinates with business owner/operators and DEP district offices to provide drycleaning regulatory compliance assistance. 
• Performs other related work as assigned by the Environmental Administrator.

Note: This position requires the incumbent to represent the Department as the Responsible Party.  The incumbent will be required to successfully complete and maintain certification in OSHA Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response under 29 CFR 1910.120.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of Florida’s geology and hydrogeology
• Knowledge of relevant EPA and DEP rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of state contracting policies and procedures.
• Skill in evaluating, analyzing and interpreting comprehensive scientific/technical data.
• Skill in writing technical comment letters effectively, concisely and in a well-organized manner.
• Skill in using personal computers for word processing and data analysis. 
• Ability to speak publicly and give presentations
• Ability to enter hazardous waste sites.
• Ability to productively manage multiple projects.
• Ability to work under pressure and deadlines.
• Ability to organize workload and manage time efficiently.
• Ability to solve problems.
• Ability to effectively communicate technical and non-technical issues both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to work with the public in a professional, tactful and courteous manner.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other internal and external professionals. 
• Ability to plan, organize and coordinate work assignments.

Minimum Qualifications:

• At least four years of verifiable related experience in engineering, environmental science, or one of the natural sciences. Post-secondary degrees from an accredited college or university with a major in engineering, environmental science or one of the natural sciences 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’s License
• Travel is required

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:

Must complete 40-hour OSHA training course within six months of employment and then attend annual refresher safety courses.

Pay:

Annual Salary: $43,230.00

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:

Tallahassee, Florida’s Capital City, lined with rolling hills, oak trees, and canopied roads combine old world charm with a modern pace of life. Home to two major universities as well as state government, Tallahassee is a mid-sized city in the heart of Florida’s Big Bend. Tallahassee is a highly desirable location for both those seeking their first job or those ready to enter the next exciting chapter in their career.

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.

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.