ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST I - 37020016

Requisition No: 847811 

Agency: Environmental Protection

Working Title: ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST I - 37020016

 Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number: 37020016 

Salary:  $42,230.00/annually 

Posting Closing Date: 03/18/2025 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST I 37020016

State of Florida

Department of Environmental Protection

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:

The position is responsible for processing of NPDES Stormwater generic permits to construction and industrial facilities that discharge to waters of the State pursuant to Department and program policies and procedures.

The Difference You Will Make:

Proper permitting ensures facilities are implementing appropriate best management practices to protect Florida’s natural resources. Staff work with regulated industries to assist in receiving permit coverage. Each coordinator is a team member within the NPDES Stormwater Program and meets regularly with other DEP programs.

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:

Tallahassee, Florida’s Capitol City, lined with rolling hills, oak trees, and canopied roads combines 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);
• Flexible Spending Accounts;
• Tuition waivers;
• And more!

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

Pay:

42,230.00

Your Specific Responsibilities:

This is an entry-level technical professional position in the Department’s National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Stormwater Program working on Multi-Sector Generic Permits, No Exposure Exclusions and the Construction Generic Permit. Specific responsibilities include the following:

• Review applications for completeness: data entry into Department databases, generate requests for additional information, generate acknowledgement letters.
• Correspond with permittees for the collection or distribution of information relevant to the NPDES permits and the application process.
• Provide Quality Assurance review of notices processed by other Notices Center staff.
• Sort and scan incoming mail and assign notices for processing.
• Process and enter permit fee checks into the Department’s financial database; assist with pending refunds and payments unallocated.
• Enter documents into the Department’s electronic document management system (Oculus).
• Provide technical assistance (e.g. rule interpretation, permit determination on applicability) to the regulated community, Department staff, other agencies and the public on regulation under the NPDES Stormwater Program.
• Fulfill public records requests in a timely fashion.
• Rulemaking support; assist in analytic reviews, interpretation and making recommendations to the State’s stormwater generic permits to be consistent with adopted Federal rules. Assist in organizing meetings and documenting workflow, DEP District staff and the compliance program.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge, skills and abilities, including utilization of equipment, required for the position:

• Knowledge of biological, chemical, physical processes and engineering concepts as they relate to water quality and the environment.
• Knowledge, skills, and abilities, including use of equipment, required for the position; specifically, the use of computers and software programs utilized for word processing, database management and spreadsheet applications.
• Ability to evaluate, analyze and interpret scientific or technical data.
• Ability to prepare reports.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to travel outside of the Tallahassee area.
   

Preferred:

• Knowledge of NPDES stormwater permitting requirements, especially those associated with the Stormwater Management Program, Notice of Intents and Notice of Terminations.
• Knowledge of stormwater control program principles, laws, regulations and stormwater best management practices design, implementation, and effectiveness.
• Knowledge and skill in the development and use of computer programs related to point and/or nonpoint source impact assessment.

Required :

A 4-year degree from an accredited college or university with a major in engineering, environmental science or one of the natural sciences OR 4-years of related professional experience can substitute for the college education.

Pursuant to the sections 110.1127 and 435.04. Florida Statues and DEP Directive 422, Background Investigation is required to successfully complete a background and fingerprint check. 

Other Job Related Requirements for this position: 

Valid Driver License

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 also 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@FloridaDEP.gov

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.