Requisition No: 802572

Agency: Environmental Protection

Working Title: ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST II - 37011493

Position Number: 37011493

Salary: $41,462.88

Posting Closing Date: 05/20/2023

Environmental Specialist II

State of Florida

Department of Environmental Protection

Pending Vacancy

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 II position located at the Department of Environmental Protection’s Southwest District Office, in Temple Terrace.

This position involves technical work in the permitting and waste cleanup program and the application of Department rules and statutes in these areas. This includes providing regulatory reviews, technical analysis, and preparation of permitting documents. The work requires conducting site inspections, completing data entry in applicable databases, providing technical assistance to regulated entities, and participation in outreach events.

The Difference You Will Make:

The Environmental Specialist II has a pivotal role in the implementation of Florida's environmental regulations and rules. Specifically in the Environmental Resource Permitting and 404 program.

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).

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:

$41,462.88 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.

404 Duties include but are not limited to:

• Complete documentation reviews and inspections relating to 404
• Certified wetland expert for permitting activities relating to 404
• Participates in the drafting of permitting documents and meetings relating to 404
• Supports, participates, and/or assists in the execution of permitting workshops for the regulated community relating to 404
• Ensure consistency between District Permitting and Compliance and Enforcement staff relating to 404

Permitting:

• Reviews permit applications, plans and specifications for assigned programs.
• Ascertains that all Department Rules are met.
• Reviews technical aspects of these projects to determine that all materials and methods described in the application package are addressed, complete and suitable to the circumstances and in accordance with sound engineering practices and principles and particularly in accord with specific engineering publications referenced in Department rules.
• Updates permitting data/records in all applicable data management systems.
• Recommends issuance or denial of permits as appropriate.
• Ensures that Chapter 120, Florida Statutes, deadlines and district metrics are met.
• Conducts permit determinations and communicates final decision with the facility owner.
• Coordinates with Compliance staff and supports inspections of facilities to determine compliance with permit.
• Writes Requests for Additional Information, permit documents and other correspondence clearly and professionally as needed.

Technical Assistance:

• Provides technical assistance to applicants, utilities, and engineers as regards to department rules, guidelines and policies on regulated entities.

Other Duties:

• Performs related duties as required, including the conducting of meetings, data management, record keeping and streamlining of office procedures and document production.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of the terminology, principles, and analytical techniques of the physical and natural sciences.
• Ability to perform field biology and water quality sampling techniques; including wading, snorkeling and traversing difficult wetland terrain.
• Knowledge of potential environmental impacts which result from construction.
• Ability to determine work priorities and ensure proper completion of work assignments.
• Ability to solve problems and make decisions.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Ability to collect, evaluate, analyze, and interpret scientific or technical data.
• Ability to understand and apply applicable statutes, rules, regulations, policies and procedures relating to environmental programs.
• Ability to deal with the public in a tactful and courteous manner.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to use a computer.

• Ability to pass the DEP approved snorkeling training course and obtain approval to snorkel in accordance with the DEP snorkeling Policy and Directive 710.
• Knowledge of the SLERP operations and procedures manual.
• Knowledge of Department directives for handling public records.
• Knowledge of SLERP databases.
• Knowledge of the State’s water quality standards.
• Experience reviewing SLERP permit applications.

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in a natural or physical science or engineering or another related field; OR 1-year of related work experience.
• Ability to travel.
• Ability to maintain a valid driver license.

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_Recruitment@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.