ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST I - 37020386

Requisition No: 841850 

Agency: Environmental Protection

Working Title: ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST I - 37020386

 Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number: 37020386 

Salary:  $43,260.00 annually 

Posting Closing Date: 11/28/2024 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

Environmental Specialist I

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:

This posting is for an Environmental Specialist I position located at the Department of Environmental Protection’s Southwest District Office, in Temple Terrace.  This is an entry-level professional position conducts inspections at assigned small or basic facilities, as defined by the specific program, pursuant applicable Florida Statutes and Florida Administrative Code and/or reviews and evaluates permit applications for conformance to state and federal rules and regulations.    Actively supports and works toward fulfilling the Agency’s Affirmative Action objectives. 

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:

The Southwest District Office is located in Temple Terrace, a small city just outside of Tampa. Tampa is close to the Gulf Coast with beautiful white sand beaches.  It is considered a major business center while also known for its museums and cultural offerings.  Places such as the Busch Gardens Theme Park, historic Ybor City with its many restaurants and nightlife, the world’s longest continuous sidewalk along Bayshore Blvd., and a sports enthusiast haven are just some of the many activities people can enjoy in the area.  There is also no state income tax for residents of Florida.  The Southwest District covers 8 counties (Hillsborough, Pinellas, Manatee, Polk, Pasco, Hernando, Citrus, and Hardee).  This position can expect to spend approximately 40-50% of its time in the field.

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:

$43,260.00 annually

Your Specific 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.

Conducts inspections at assigned small or basic facilities, as defined by the specific program, pursuant applicable Florida Statutes and Florida Administrative Code and/or reviews and evaluates permit applications for conformance to state and federal rules and regulations.   Writes reports on outcome to inspections as required and/or drafts basic permits and/or documents and requests for additional information.

Reviews and makes recommendations on reports, scientific, technical, or legal documents.

Provides compliance/technical assistance as needed and/or regulatory assistance to permittee, company representatives, other department programs, delegated local programs and other interested parties.

Keeps applicable databases and Oculus updated as required for assigned facilities/projects.

Recommends enforcement actions as appropriate. Drafts basic enforcement documents such as Warning Letters and Model Documents.

Attends and participates in cross-training activities.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

May volunteer to dive and/or snorkel; must have prior approval and meet the diving and/or snorkeling validation requirements in accordance with the DEP Underwater Operations Manual.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to understand and apply applicable regulations, policies and procedures relating to environmental programs.
• Ability to interact with the public in a tactful and courteous manner.
• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to collect, evaluate, analyze and interpret scientific and technical data.
• Ability to work independently.
• Knowledge of the terminology, principles, and analytical techniques of the physical or natural sciences.
• Ability to meet established performance standards as identified in the district performance standards document

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or college; or any combination of post-secondary education or verifiable related experience, as described in this posting, for a total of four years

Other Job-Related Requirements for this position:

• Ability to Travel.
• A valid driver’s license.

POSITION OF SPECIAL TRUST REQUIREMENT: 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_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.  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.