ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST I - 37011363

Requisition No: 365721

Agency: Environmental Protection

Working Title: ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST I - 37011363

Position Number: 37011363

Salary: $3,124.34 Mo. / $37,492.08 Yr.

Posting Closing Date: 05/04/2021

Department of Environmental Protection - South District

Permitting

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Environmental Specialist I - Position No. 37011363

Position Location: 2295 Victoria Avenue, Fort Myers, Florida 33902
Salary Range: $3,124.34 Mo. / $37,492.08 Yr.
Advertisement Closing Date: May 4, 2021

Position Requirements:

A Bachelor's or higher degree from an accredited college or university with a major in engineering, environmental science, or one of the natural sciences

A valid Florida Driver's License

Summary of Duties:

This is an entry level position in the Permitting Program, South District office, located in Fort Myers, Florida. 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 these positions.

This job posting is for an Environmental Specialist I (ESI) Position. The position is for professional work performing scientific tasks under general supervision. The workload includes technical review of permit applications that will impact wetlands or surface waters (including docks, seawalls, dredge/fill, etc.), assessment of biological systems, identification of resource impacts, and sovereignty submerged lands determinations. Potential for fieldwork including determination of potential wetland impacts and boundaries.

The primary duties of the available position is within the Environmental Resource Permitting (ERP) Program and require extensive interaction with the Department's customers, including consulting/engineering firms, business owners/operators, and homeowners.

This position requires skills in applying knowledge and instruction to accomplish technical reviews of ERP Applications. The position will focus on processing applications for docks, marinas, seawalls, single-family residences in wetlands, mangroves, utility lines, and on Sovereign Submerged Lands and within Florida's Aquatic Preserves. The incumbent will be expected to cross train in multiple program areas (air, waste, and water).

Work Product

Ensure work products (file reviews, inspections, site visits, field work, reports, documents, etc.) are accurate, completed timely and entered into the designated database. Reports are to be processed in accordance with established program rules, requirements, and policies.

Duties relate to the administration of the permitting and/or compliance enforcement activities within the Submerged Lands and Environmental Resource Coordination Program applications and/or compliance and enforcement activities pertaining to dredging and filling activities in, on, or over wetlands or surface waters, sovereignty submerged land authorizations, wetland determinations, and mangrove trimming activities, which includes reviewing all data and information to determine compliance with Chapters 403, 373, 253, 258, F.S; Chapters 62-302, 62-330, 62-340, 62-345, 18-18, 18-20, 18-21, of the Florida Administrative Code.

Team Work

Demonstrate support of Department leadership through actions and words when representing the Department. Provide, receive, and act upon both internal and external feedback in a positive manner and respectfully offer constructive counsel to peers, subordinates, and managers. Complete work assignments enthusiastically, with diligence and care. Maintain active and productive participation in meetings and discussions. Identify solutions to problems and provide them along with any innovations to management without creating conflict. Amplify and contribute to the Department strategic goals and values. Arrive to work on-time, appropriately groomed and attired for the workplace, keep a set work schedule, and maintain focus on assigned tasks regardless of outside issues. Positively embrace change, productively and proactively communicate concerns to management, and take personal responsibility for promoting and ensuring organizational success.

Customer Service

Identify and meet the needs of customers in order to provide excellent customer service. Communicates proactively and in a clear consistent manner. The incumbent is expected to be helpful, cooperative, polite, respectful, and concerned at all times in their interactions with customers when representing the Department.

Outreach, Efficiencies, and Cost Savings

Support, participate, and assist in external outreach events (compliance assistance workshops, facility to reduce regulatory burden and enhance relationships with the Department's stake-holders or general public. Identify potential areas to improve procedures and offer solutions to improve workplace efficiencies.

Training and Safety

Participate and assist with internal training events/activities to gain the essential skills needed to perform job duties. Consistently follow safety protocols and notify management of any potential safety hazards. This includes participating in safety events, job shadowing, on the job training, and team building initiatives as directed by management. Self-advocate for training and partner with appropriate district staff to learn about multiple DEP program areas.

Performs other duties as needed
Handles citizen complaints and responds in prompt and effective manner.

Must complete initial OSHA 24 hour HAZWOPER and OSHA 8 hour HAZWOPER refresher annually thereafter.

Employee must adhere to the DEP Snorkeling Policy and Directive 710 and Motor Vehicles/Watercraft Assignment and Utilization Directive 620;

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities include (Essential) :

Ability to evaluate, analyze and interpret scientific or technical data in the field of environmental sciences and/or engineering.

Ability to understand and apply applicable rules, regulations, policies and procedures relating to environmental programs.

Ability to deal with the public in a courteous and respectful manner.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.

Ability to determine work priorities and ensure completion of work assignments without close supervision

Ability to prepare technical reports.

Ability to effectively communicate verbally in person, over the phone, and in writing.

Ability to understand and apply appropriate regulations, policies and procedures relating to environmental programs.

Ability to solve problems and make decisions.

Ability to physically conduct field inspections/investigations including working outdoors for extended periods of time in temperatures and weather conditions typical of South Florida, or similar climate

Skilled in the use of personal computers including the functional use of MS Office software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote) and the ability to learn DEP proprietary software.

Ability to work independently.

Ability to apply critical thinking when making decisions.

Ability to track and coordinate multiple projects.

Ability to be adaptable, flexible, resourceful and to maintain a positive outlook.

Ability to maintain a valid Class E Florida driver's license and travel overnight when required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (Preferred) include:

Knowledge of state and federal regulations pertaining to Water (SLERC, PW, DW) program areas.

Skilled at performing field inspections.

Ability to evaluate, analyze, and interpret: aerial photography, construction and landscaping plans, surveys and drawings.

Ability to use GIS software to locate project sites and prepare maps.

Skill and experience identifying wetland plants and submerged aquatic vegetation and conducting wetland determinations in the aquatic and wetland ecosystems found in south Florida.

Licensure/registration/certification requirements (If applicable, list the appropriate Florida Statute or federal regulation cite):

• Bachelor's or higher degree from an accredited college or university with a major in engineering, environmental science, or one of the natural sciences
• Valid Florida Driver's License

.Other job-related requirements for this position:

1. Must have prior approval and meet the snorkeling / skin diving validation requirements in the DEP Underwater Operations Manual

2. Be approved for Motor Vehicles and Watercraft Assignment and Utilization as required in DEP Directive 620

3. Travel

Working hours: (A) Daily from Monday to Friday - 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (B) Total hours in workweek 40 (C) Explain any variation in work (split shift, rotation, etc.) FLEX SCHEDULE

To learn more about the DEP South District office, please access the following link: https://floridadep.gov/south

Contact Information:

Amanda Ades

South District DEP

2295 Victoria Avenue, Suite 364

Fort Myers, FL 33902

(239) 344-5652

Amanda.Ades@FloridaDEP.Gov

To learn more about the DEP South District office, please access the following link: https://floridadep.gov/south/

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. 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.