ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST III - 37010423

Requisition No: 860973 

Agency: Environmental Protection

Working Title: ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST III - 37010423

 Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number: 37010423 

Salary:  $4,902.80 monthly; $58,833.60 annually 

Posting Closing Date: 09/23/2025 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST III

State of Florida

Department of Environmental Protection

This position is located in West Palm Beach, FL

Anticipated Vacancy

Position Overview and Responsibilities:

ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST III (37010423) 

EVERGLADES RESTORATION-ENGINEERING & PLANNING

OFFICE OF WATER POLICY & ECOSYSTEMS RESTORATION

The career service position fulfills a critical role in providing the biological review for permit applications and planning for projects developed to meet the intent of the Everglades Forever Act, Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan, Northern Everglades and Estuaries Protection Program, and Restoration Strategies. The position will represent the Department in meetings as the biological technical representative on interagency design teams and ensure consistency with regulatory and policy criteria throughout the project planning and implementation process. The incumbent will be required to work 40-hour work weeks, Monday through Friday, and be present for work between the core hours of 9AM – 3PM on site at your workstation, unless on travel.

This Environmental Specialist III (ES III) position will conduct Department of Environmental Protection (DEP or Department) environmental regulation work by assessing the ecological functions provided by wetlands and other surface waters and the amount that those functions are reduced by the applicant’s proposed impact. The DEP provides permits and state water quality certification for the construction of reservoirs, canals and filter marsh civil works facilities that will be supported by this ES III through providing biological evaluations of written documents with field verifications of permit application information associated with the construction and operation of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Project (CERP). The ES III will evaluate the amount of mitigation necessary to offset wetland losses due to the applicant’s proposed work and ensure that the mitigation is located and monitored to provide DEP with reasonable assurance that state water quality standards, wetland creation and habitat enhancement will be achieved.  The ES III shall conduct planning reviews and submit technical comments that reflect a thorough subject matter knowledge. Comments will be logically arranged to effectively communicate a complete description of the project with a focus on aspects of the project that are within the Department’s regulatory or resource protection interest. ES III comments and suggestions will be based on biological technical expertise and will be supported by references to statute or rule or peer reviewed study when appropriate. Project or report issues, concerns, inaccuracies, omissions, clarifications identified during the ES III review are to be described in enough detail, proper grammar, and appropriate tone to be used verbatim as a professionally written foundation for discussion to develop resolutions internally or externally with other agencies. The duties of this position will also require coordination with Local, State, and Federal agencies. This ES III will primarily work in the office with periodic field visits to represent the Department as a subject matter expert for the Uniform Mitigation Assessment Method (UMAM) in accordance with Rule 62-340 and will obtain the federal Clean Water Act Section 404 Certified Wetland Evaluator certification.  The position will assist in actions to minimize and avoid wetland damage and loss from the proposed construction activities pursuant to Chapter 373, Florida Statutes (FS). The ES III is the Department’s biological representative for the United States Army Corps CERP planning process and will read and comment on biological and scientific documents to ensure compliance with State law and policy.

The incumbent will participate in intergovernmental coordination meetings for all assigned projects to represent DEP. The position coordinates with supervisor on the status of projects. Responsibilities include review and recommendations for selected activities associated with the plans and programs for improving water quality and quantity issues associated with the South Florida ecosystem, including Lake Okeechobee Protection Program, Comprehensive Everglades Restoration, CEPP, Restoration Strategies and other efforts. Providing technical assistance and information to other government agencies and the public on environmental projects, issues, and concerns.

Compliance review in coordination with other Water Resource Management and Environmental Planning and Water Resource Management Staff in West Palm Beach and Tallahassee, evaluate compliance schedules (interim and final) for construction, operation, and monitoring of permitted activities. Incumbent will analyze permit required data submittals and arrange for site inspections and complete documentation as needed to comply with established timelines.

Responsible for proper use and care of state-owned property assigned to position. Attends workshops and training, as required.

Perform other related duties as required by supervisor. 

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Ability to:

• communicate effectively verbally and in writing
• understand and apply applicable rules, regulations, policies, and procedures
• establish and maintain effective working relationships with DEP staff, other state and federal agencies, and the public
• work effectively, independently, and under time pressure, to plan, organize and prioritize workload
• physically inspect field sites and sit for extended periods of time
• gather, record and analyze biological and sediment data relating to the construction and operation of civil works and restoration features
• demonstrate proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office Software and Agency databases
• use Microsoft office and Google Earth software to complete written work products that are grammatically correct and concise
• use time management for prioritization and self-motivated engagement to complete work on schedule
• speak in public meetings
• utilize critical thinking to take action to achieve desired results
• travel and operate off road equipment/vehicles as needed
• maintain a valid driver's license

Minimum Qualifications:

• At least 4 years of verifiable related experience. Post-secondary degrees from an accredited college or university with a major in one of the natural sciences, environmental sciences, or related field 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.
• Travel
• A valid driver’s license.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university preferably in engineering, environmental science, or one of the natural sciences.
• Possessing a Certified Wetland Evaluator (CWE) certificate
• Knowledge of environmental issues and laws, especially as they relate to water and ecosystem issues in Florida.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent organization and time management skills.
• Proficient user of Microsoft Office programs, and data management.
• Detail oriented.
• Practices a growth mindset.

Pay:

$4,902.80 monthly; $58,833.60 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:

Office of Water Policy & Ecosystems Restoration

Everglades Restoration

3301 Gun Club Road, MSC 7210-1

West Palm Beach, FL 33406

This position is in the mid-sized city of West Palm Beach (WPB) in Palm Beach County.  The city is big enough to have an active culture and nightlife, loads of restaurants and interesting attractions, and an active historical preservation commitment. Palm Beach County has the eleventh-largest school system in the USA and there is 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 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.

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.