OPS ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST III - 37979070

Requisition No: 848956 

Agency: Environmental Protection

Working Title: OPS ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST III - 37979070

 Pay Plan: Temp

Position Number: 37979070 

Salary:  $25 per hour 

Posting Closing Date: 04/08/2025 

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OPS ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST III

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 advance Florida’s position as a world leader in protecting natural resources while growing the state’s economy. 

The Work You Will Do:

ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST III (37979070)

Deepwater Horizon Program, within the Division of Water Restoration Assistance

This is a technical position responsible for assisting with project management and may serve as a project manager for the implementation of restoration projects associated with the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill Natural Resource Damage Assessment (NRDA) and Resources and Ecosystems Sustainability, Tourist Opportunities, and Revived Economies of the Gulf Coast States Act (RESTORE). This position will provide technical assistance to governments and their consultants in the development and management of grant agreements and grant work plans throughout the grant award period.   

The Difference You Will Make:

You will manage grant programs within DEP for a program specifically tasked with managing three funding streams that came under DEP’s management as a result of the Deepwater Horizon explosion in the Gulf in 2010.

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:

Division of Water Restoration Assistance

Douglas Building

3900 Commonwealth Boulevard

Tallahassee, FL 32399

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. It is located less than an hour from Gulf  beaches, the Apalachicola National Forest, the St. Marks Wildlife Refuge, and waterbodies like bays, creeks, rivers, and springs to explore. No state income tax for residents of Florida.

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  Corebridge Financial);
• Flexible Spending Accounts;

For a more benefits information, 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.

Pay:

$25 per hour

Your Specific Responsibilities:

This position’s primary responsibilities are to assist with project management and serve as a project manager for the implementation of restoration projects associated with the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill Natural Resource Damage Assessment (NRDA) and Resources and Ecosystems Sustainability, Tourist Opportunities, and Revived Economies of the Gulf Coast States Act (RESTORE) within the Deepwater Horizon program in the Division of Water Restoration Assistance. The incumbent will manage grant agreements, including coordination with other project personnel, develop and/or track, review and report on tasks and deliverables. This position will provide technical assistance to governments and their consultants in the development and management of grant agreements and grant work plans throughout the grant award period.  Maintains, manages, processes and reports on the status of assigned projects from start to completion.  Will be responsible for tracking and reporting deadlines to ensure projects stay on scope, within budget, and meet federal and state requirements. Compiles, facilitates and completes the internal/external evaluation, review, approvals, and processing of technical, scientific, financial and administrative projects, as assigned. Travel to project sites may be required to complete job duties.

This position requires effective communication and coordination with the Deepwater Horizon Program staff to fulfill Florida's legal obligations and efforts to fund restoration activities that offset the damage to natural resources and their associated services from the oil spill, and to ensure funding for projects under the RESTORE Act is consistent with federal requirements.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of:

• Department contracting procedures and policies
• state and federal permitting requirements and procedures
• the principles of ecosystem and natural resource restoration

Skill in:

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

Ability to:

• analyze and solve problems
• communicate effectively in writing and verbally
• work independently and as part of a team
• establish and maintain effective working relationships with others
• prepare and critique technical documents
• manage technical projects
• attend to details, meet deadlines, and maintain administrative files
• plan, organize, prioritize, and coordinate work assignments
• research and understand state, federal, and local rules and regulations

Minimum Qualifications:

• A valid driver’s license.
• A bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university or any combination of post-secondary education or verifiable related experience, as described above, for a total of four years.
• Achieve and maintain a Florida Certified Contract Manager status within 12 months of hiring.
• Travel overnight as needed.

Preferred Qualifications:

•     Bachelor’s degree in environmental, engineering, natural sciences, or business/finance management from an accredited college or university; or any combination of post-secondary education or verifiable related experience, as described in this posting, for a total of four years.

•     Experience in managing state or Federal agreements and contracts and the state procurement process.

•     Active Florida Certified Contract Manager (FCCM) status.

• Knowledge of stormwater treatment practices and water quality improvement management.

•     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.

TO APPLY FOR THIS POSITION IN PEOPLE FIRST:

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_Recruitment@FloridaDEP.gov

Contact: Lauren Campbell

Lauren.Campbell@FloridaDEP.gov

850-245-2177

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.