ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANT - 37002381

Requisition No: 882447 

Agency: Environmental Protection

Working Title: ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANT - 37002381

 Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number: 37002381 

Salary:  $61,000 

Posting Closing Date: 09/11/2026 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

Environmental Consultant

State of Florida

Department of Environmental Protection

INTERNAL AGENCY ONLY: The candidate pool is limited to current employees of DEP (including OPS employees) and employees who have requests on file for promotion in accordance with a collective bargaining agreement. Applications will not be considered from outside of the agency.

This position is located in West Palm Beach, FL

Position Overview and Responsibilities:

This advanced environmental position of Environmental Consultant, utilizing knowledge of environmental policies, procedures, and practices,  will serve as Assistant Manager of the DEP Coral Reef Conservation Program (CRCP) and is responsible for assisting the CRCP Manager with managing and maintaining all aspects of the CRCP and staff based in Miami and West Palm Beach, with regional jurisdiction over coral reef resource management, monitoring, research and public education in Southeast Florida, from the northern boundary of Biscayne National Park in Miami-Dade County, through Broward and Palm Beach Counties, to the St. Lucie Inlet in Martin County – now known as the Kristin Jacobs Coral Aquatic Preserve (Coral AP). Reports to the CRCP Manager.

Works closely with the CRCP Manager to plan, develop, direct, and coordinate and track implementation of the Southeast Florida Coral Reef Initiative (SEFCRI), Florida’s Local Action Strategy (LAS), and the Coral AP management plan, including facilitating participation by, and input from, stakeholders and other government agencies in SEFCRI. Serves as point of contact and facilitator (with guidance from the CRCP Manager) for the SEFCRI Team and Technical Advisory Committee efforts, including multiple bi-annual meetings and regular conference calls. Assist the CRCP Manager, as needed, in maintaining regular communication with supporting groups including Friends of Our Florida Reef.

This position directly supervises OPS staff, and may oversee FTE, by assigning work, reviewing progress, assessing performance, and training personnel. Responsible for managing confidential data according to the rules established by the state of Florida.

Leads the development, planning and implementation of the Fishing, Diving, and Other Uses (FDOU) local action strategy (LAS) projects identified by the Southeast Florida Coral Reef Initiative (SEFCRI) and FDOU-related projects in the KJCAP Management Plan. The primary area of focus is the northern portion of Florida’s Coral Reef, known as the Kristin Jacobs Coral Aquatic Preserve (KJCAP). Leads the planning and implementation of projects that improve the understanding of impacts to KJCAP resources from causes such as fishing, diving and boating, and inform future management strategies to balance resource use and protection. Ensures information exchange on FDOU issues, and any other pertinent information among CRCP staff to assist with project implementation of other SEFCRI projects and CRCP activities. Writes, reviews, and edits information of a technical nature.

Works with numerous partners in both the public and private sectors to further the state's efforts in protecting marine resources in KJCAP. Works collaboratively, fosters effective communication and exchanges information with intra- and interagency staff, SEFCRI Team members, stakeholders, and the general public. Work collaboratively and exchange information with CRCP staff, SEFCRI Team members, and all interested stakeholders. Maintains and establishes new partnerships with a variety of stakeholder groups including resource users, NGO’s, educational institutions, and government agencies (e.g., FWC, NOAA).

Participates in FDOU-related meetings. 

Collaborates with partners, the SEFCRI Team and local stakeholders to evaluate, implement and/or recommend management approaches to reduce impacts from fishing, diving, and other uses; support continuation of and explore options for expansion of fisheries monitoring programs and protocols; and assess and increase awareness of unsustainable resource use in KJCAP. Maintains DEP Diver qualification as defined by the DEP Underwater Operations Manual, including current medical approval for diving. Participates in FDOU related field work, as well as other CRCP related field work, as required.

For all assigned projects, develops and manages proposals, grants, and contracts; oversees associated contractor’s progress reporting, deliverables approval, and financial tracking; and ensures progress and completion of all projects. Maintains program and project files and records. Analyzes data, develops, and maintains databases, prepares progress and financial reports, and facilitates annual review (and revision, if needed) of assigned core programs and projects. Organizes, facilitates, and participates in CRCP and SEFCRl-related workshops and meetings. Ensures meeting minutes are recorded for all assigned program/project meetings and prepares meeting summaries. Assists with CRCP, KJCAP and SEFCRI programmatic and strategic planning. Assists with the implementation of other SEFCRI projects and CRCP activities, as directed.

May aid in the event of an emergency at the DEP field offices, including pre-storm preparation, post-storm clean-up and replacement of stored goods to ready field office for operation after a storm; or other services assigned.

Snorkels or SCUBA dives as required.

Other duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of coral reef ecosystems and general marine science or coastal resource management.
• Knowledge of ecological and resource management terminology, principles, and methods with emphasis on coral reef ecosystems.
• Knowledge of common fishing, diving, and boating practices in Southeast Florida, particularly those that occur on or near coral reefs.
• Knowledge of marine fisheries and fishery monitoring programs.
• Knowledge of current fishing regulations and state and federal fisheries management plans.
• Knowledge of socioeconomic and conservation issues associated with fishing, diving, and boating.
• Knowledge of marine resource management tools and techniques; managed area public processes; and managed area management plans.
• Knowledge of adaptive/sustainable coral reef ecosystems management.
• Experience supervising staff, volunteers, or interns.
• Experience managing program and project budgets and managing grants and contracts.
• Experience managing large, diverse stakeholder groups.
• Skill in math and analytics.
• Skill in organization, writing and editing (both technical and colloquial).
• Skill in public speaking and meeting facilitation.
• Skill in PC computers, Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint,
• Skill in small boat handling and trailering, or the ability to acquire these skills.
• Skill in SCUBA diving, scientific diving, and experience as a diver for marine science leading field work.
• Ability to effectively communicate complex scientific concepts to a diverse range of stakeholders.
• Ability to identify the stony coral and reef fish species of Southeast Florida.
• Ability to understand and apply applicable rules, regulations, policies, and procedures relating to environmental programs.
• Ability to formulate policies and procedures.
• Ability to prepare technical reports.
• Ability to work collaboratively with others and different agencies to implement management recommendations.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to be flexible, multitask, and meet tight deadlines.
• Ability to manage multiple, multi-year, concurrent projects.
• Ability to work in a team setting and independently.
• Ability to work independently and complete tasks with attention to detail under minimal supervision.
• Ability to determine work priorities, ensure proper completion of work assignments.
• Ability to communicate courteously and effectively with a diverse range of people.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to lift a minimum of 35 lbs.

Minimum Qualifications:

At least seven (7) years of verifiable related experience in marine environmental or biological sciences. Post-secondary degrees from an accredited college or university with a major in marine environmental or biological sciences 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.

Valid Driver License required for regular local travel throughout Southeast Florida and occasional long-distance travel.

Additional screening questions may be required.

Position of Special Trust Requirement:

This position is designated as a Position of Special Trust in accordance with DEP Directive 422, Positions of Special Trust or Responsibility. Successful completion of background screening will be required for this position.

Applicable Job-Specific License or Certifications:

Must be a certified scuba diver with Advanced Open Water certification who can provide documentation of at least 50 logged dives. Rescue and Nitrox SCUBA certifications to be obtained within 1 year if not already certified for these ratings.

Must have prior approval and meet the diving and/or snorkeling validation requirements in the DEP Underwater Operations Manual. This position is medically monitored.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in marine environmental or biological sciences.
• Skill with ESRI ArcGIS Online
• Rescue and Nitrox scuba certifications

Pay:

$61,000 annually

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:

This position is located in West Palm Beach Florida. West Palm Beach is Palm Beach County's capital city and its cultural center. Its active downtown stretches from a scenic pier on the Lake Worth Lagoon to a waterfront Great Lawn, which hosts a weekly green market, outdoor concerts and this season a 35-foot-tall holiday sandcastle. Dozens of local beaches provide easy access to both the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway. Several State Parks as well as National Parks are in the immediate area as well.

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);
• Tuition waivers;
• Total Compensation Estimator Tool
• And more!

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

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.

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.