OPS ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST III - 37950143

Requisition No: 857240 

Agency: Environmental Protection

Working Title: OPS ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST III - 37950143

 Pay Plan: Temp

Position Number: 37950143 

Salary:  $25 per hour 

Posting Closing Date: 07/31/2025 

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OPS ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST III

State of Florida

Department of Environmental Protection

This position is located in Tallahassee, FL

Position Overview and Responsibilities:

ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST III (37950143)

Alternative Water Supply & Restoration Program

Division of Water Restoration Assistance

This position serves as project/grant 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 agreements 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. The incumbent will be required to work 40-hour work weeks, Monday through Friday, and be present at the workplace during the core hours of 9AM-3PM.

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 agreements 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.

Develop and critically analyze watershed restoration implementation strategies to reduce pollutants entering receiving waters and assure the protection or restoration of beneficial uses.

Represents the Division at public meetings and interagency discussions, associated with water-related projects.

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:

• contracting procedures and policies
• environmental issues and laws especially as it relates to water quality and ecosystem issues in Florida
• administrative principles and practices
• grant funding 
• grant management, contract management and/or invoice processing
• basic management principles and practices

Skill in:

• the use of Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Word and Excel

Ability to:

• analyze and solve problems with a solutions-oriented “can-do” attitude
• communicate effectively in writing and verbally with grantees with a strong desire to tackle problems from a customer-friendly perspective
• organize data into a logical format for presentation in reports, documents and other written materials
• work independently and as part of a team
• prepare and critique technical documents
• plan, organize, prioritize work assignments for successful, timely completion
• follow written and verbal instructions and standard operating procedures
• use spreadsheets to analyze information and generate reports, charts and graphs
• understand and apply applicable rules, regulations, policies and procedures relating to operational and management analysis activities
• evaluate and analyze data relating to grants management activities
• review data and forms for accuracy and completeness
• establish and maintain effective working relationships with others
• maintain well-organized and thorough records

Minimum Qualifications:

• A valid driver’s license.

• At least 4 years of verifiable related experience in local, state or federal grant management, technical project oversight, civil engineering, biological science, environmental science, agricultural science or one of the natural sciences.  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.

Applicable Job-Specific License or Certifications:

• Achieve and maintain a Florida Certified Contract Manager status within 12 months of hiring.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental, engineering, natural/agricultural sciences, or business/finance management from an accredited college or university.
• Experience in managing state agreements and contracts and navigating the state procurement process.
• Active Florida Certified Contract Manager (FCCM) status.
• Knowledge and experience in project management principles and techniques.
• Excellent communication and people skills.
• Excellent organization and time management skills.
• Excellent spreadsheet and financial tracking skills.

Pay:

$25 per hour

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:

Division of Water Restoration Assistance

Douglas Building

3900 Commonwealth Boulevard

Tallahassee, FL 32399

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 benefits package for eligible OPS employees includes:

• Participation in state group insurance (must meet eligibility requirements*).  
• State of Florida 401(a) FICA Alternative Plan (tax deferred Retirement Savings Plan, for more information, please visit Corebridge Financial).
• Flexible Spending Accounts;
• And more!

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

*Seasonal and part-time OPS employees (less than 30 hours average per week) refer to the links above for detailed eligibility requirements.

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.

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.