OPS ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST III - 37950143

Requisition No: 827419 

Agency: Environmental Protection

Working Title: OPS ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST III - 37950143

 Pay Plan: Temp

Position Number: 37950143 

Salary:  Pay for this position will be $21.78 per hour (commensurate with experience) 

Posting Closing Date: 04/29/2024 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

OPS Environmental Specialist III

State of Florida

Department of Environmental Protection

This advertisement may be used to fill multiple positions

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:

Organization: Water Quality and Supply Program (WQSP), within the Division of Water Restoration Assistance

The  WQSP develops and manages grant agreements for two Grants Programs:

• The Legislative Water Projects (LP) Grants Program implements projects resulting from line item appropriations (legislative appropriations) in the Florida General Appropriations Act. Each year, the Florida Legislature may solicit applications (from governmental entities) directly for “Community Budget Issue Request” projects, including water projects, in anticipation of upcoming legislative sessions. This process is an opportunity to secure legislative sponsorship of project funding through the state budget.

• The Alternative Water Supply  (AWS) Grants Program is focused on projects that increase water supplies through development of non-traditional water sources and/or water storage. 

This position utilizes knowledge of environmental rules and regulations will assist in the development and implementation of financial assistance agreements for the Water Quality and Supply Program the overall mission to preserve, restore and protect the water quality of Florida.

The Difference You Will Make:

As a member of the WQSP team, you will assist in implementing projects that improve water quality. You may perform site visits to select projects so that you can personally connect with how these projects help local communities with water quality issues. The position also aids and coordinates with the other program areas of the Division in pursuit of the overall mission to preserve, restore and protect the water quality of Florida.

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 position is located at 3900 Commonwealth Blvd, Tallahassee, Florida.
• Tallahassee is a mid-sized city, the capital of the state of Florida, and is known for its beautiful parks and trails, rolling hills, canopied roads, museums, and natural resources.
• It is located less than an hour from Gulf of Mexico beaches, the Apalachicola National Forest, the St. Marks Wildlife Refuge, and waterbodies like bays, creeks, rivers, and springs to explore.
• Tallahassee is also home to the following college campuses: Florida State University (FSU), Florida A & M University (FAMU), and Tallahassee Community College (TCC).
• No state income tax for residents of Florida.
• Percentage of time required to travel to perform mission critical duties, less than 10%.

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*).  For more details consult with People First at 877-562-7287 or go to:  https://www.mybenefits.myflorida.com/health/eligibility_and_enrollment/ops_employees
• Participation in the Florida Deferred Compensation Plan (457b).  For additional details and online enrollment visit MyFloridaDeferredComp.com
• State of Florida 401(a) FICA Alternative Plan (tax deferred Retirement Savings Plan). (For more information, please click  Social Security Alternative Plan (aigrs.com) and read OPS Social Security Alternative Plan;
• Flexible Spending Accounts;

For a more benefits information, visit www.mybenefits.myflorida.com

Pay:

Pay for this position will be $21.78 per hour (commensurate with experience)

Your Specific Responsibilities:

Serves as project manager for technical projects that have been contracted for by the Department, particularly in the area of water quality and supply projects. Provides technical assistance to governments and their consultants in the development of the contracts and scopes of work and as needed throughout the contract period. Maintains, manages, processes and reports on the status of assigned projects from start to completion. Compiles, facilitates, and completes the internal/external evaluation, review, approvals, and processing of technical, scientific, financial, and administrative projects, as assigned.

Participate and work effectively as a leader, facilitator, or member of program-approved teams created to facilitate the completion of tasks related to the implementation of watershed restoration, to improve the effectiveness of the operation of the program or to resolve process or work problems.

Represents the Division at meetings and interagency discussions.  

Maintains project and funding data in the Enterprise Grants System Program Area Component to properly manage and track grant progress and in order to provide reports to leadership on grants awarded by the Department.

Performs other duties as assigned, which may include database entry, project management, and issue tracking.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of Department contracting procedures and policies.
• Ability to analyze and solve problems.
• Ability to communicate effectively in writing and orally.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to prepare and critique technical documents.
• Ability to maintain a valid driver's license
• Ability to successfully complete training for Florida Certified Contract Manager designation

Minimum Qualifications:

• A bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university or four years of relevant work experience.
• A valid driver’s license.
• Maintain valid and active Florida Contract Manager Certification (FCCM) while in this position.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental, engineering, natural sciences, or business/finance management.          
• Experience in managing state agreements and contracts and the state procurement process.
• Florida Certified Contract Manager (FCCM) status.
• Knowledge of environmental issues and laws, especially as they relate to water and ecosystem issues in Florida.
• Excellent communication and people skills.
• Excellent organization and time management skills. 

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:

• Note: this advertisement may be used to fill multiple positions.

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.  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. 

Nearest Major Market: Tallahassee

Advertisement Closing Date:  Post for two weeks

For questions concerning this position, please contact:

David Taylor, Environmental Administrator, SES

Ph. 850-245-2907

David.Taylor@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.