ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST II - 37011435

Requisition No: 395341

Agency: Environmental Protection

Working Title: ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST II - 37011435

Position Number: 37011435

Salary: $41,200.00

Posting Closing Date: 06/22/2021

Environmental Specialist II

Duties and Responsibilities

These professional positions are in the Southeast District Permitting and Compliance Programs and are primarily responsible Environmental Resource Permit (ERP) and State 404 Program work pertaining to dredge and fill activities in, on, or over wetlands or surface waters; sovereignty submerged land authorizations; wetland determinations; and mangrove trimming activities. 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.

Permitting duties include but are not limited to:

• Processing of intermediate level ERP and 404 permit applications occurring in multiple habitats of South Florida, including marine, estuarine, freshwater and terrestrial wetland systems. The position requires expertise in wetland delineation methodology, 62-340 FAC; UMAM method for calculation of wetland function, 62-345 FAC; and design of mitigation plans to compensate appropriately for impacts to wetland resources.
• Training for and ultimately obtaining a Certified Wetland Evaluator certification.
• Processing of intermediate sovereign submerged lands authorizations, pursuant to 18-18, 18-20, and 18-21 FAC, including BOT delegated and non-delegated leases and easements.
• Inputting data completely and accurately into the Oracle databases (i.e. ERPce, PA, LCT, etc.) to ensure that projects are tracked and acted upon in a timely manner. Maintain file documentation electronically and ensure all file documents are loaded into OCULUS.
• Conducting pre-application meetings and participating in informal conferences and meetings to provide guidance on regulatory requirements applicable to environmental resource projects.
• Participating in Outreach and Training events. Cultivate positive partnering relationships with industries and regulated community. Attend training courses, workshops, and conferences as needed. Participate and assist in the training of new employees. Evaluate and make recommendations on training material and methodology. Develop and refine training aids such as SOPs, manuals, and handbooks.
• The incumbent shall exhibit and implement positive leadership skills and serve as a role model of the Department and supportive of the Department's mission, goals, and values.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

404 Duties include but are not limited to:

• Complete documentation reviews relating to 404
• Processing of intermediate level ERP and 404 permit applications occurring in multiple habitats of South Florida, including marine, estuarine, freshwater and terrestrial wetland systems.
• Investigate 404 complaints
• Resolve 404 violations using the appropriate resolving mechanism while following all required processes in the 404 Program
• Draft 404 related documents for compliance and enforcement
• Certified wetland expert for permitting and compliance activities relating to 404

• Participates in the drafting of compliance/enforcement documents and meetings
• Supports, participates, and/or assists in the execution of workshops for the regulated community relating to 404.
• Conducting pre-application meetings and participating in informal conferences and meetings to provide guidance on regulatory requirements applicable to environmental resource projects.
• Ensure consistency between District Permitting and Compliance and Enforcement staff relating to 404
• Ensures coordination and consistency between District Compliance and Enforcement staff and Water Management District staff relating to 404

Compliance/Enforcement duties include but are not limited to:

• Conduct 404 compliance inspections to meet the level of service established for the program.
• Reviews permits, plans and specifications for compliance inspections in assigned programs.
• Ascertains that applicable statutes and all Department rules are met.
• Updates compliance data/records in all applicable data management systems.
• Recommends and follows through on actions for returning sites/facilities to compliance.
• Ensures that district metrics are met.
• Conducts compliance inspections and communicates results to site/facility owner.
• Conducts complaint inspections and communicates results to citizen that reported the complaint
• Coordinates with Permitting staff to determine permissibility of project/activity.
• Writes compliance and enforcement documents and other correspondence clearly and professionally.
• Conducts compliance assistance and enforcement meetings as well as coordinates pre-construction meetings for permitted projects. Participates in conferences and meetings to negotiate and arrange for appropriate resolution of violations.

Technical Assistance

Provides technical assistance to regulated entities regarding department rules, guidelines and policies.

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, including utilization of equipment, required for the position:

Knowledge of the Department's compliance and enforcement policies and procedures.
Knowledge of the terminology, principles and analytical techniques of the physical or natural sciences.
Ability to determine work priorities and ensure proper completion of work assignments.
Ability to understand and apply applicable regulations, policies and procedures relating to environmental programs
Ability to communicate in a tactful and courteous manner both verbally and in writing.

Ability to evaluate, analyze and interpret scientific and technical data.

Ability to work independently.

Ability to physically conduct field inspections/investigations.

Ability to maintain a valid driver's license.

Ability to drive and travel, including some overnight.

Ability to work well with people.

Skill and proficiency in computer operations and programs.

Licensure/registration/certification requirements (If applicable, list the appropriate Florida Statute or federal regulation cite):
Bachelor's degree in Natural Science, Environmental Science or related field ;Valid Drivers License

Other job-related requirements for this position: Travel, Complete initial OSHA 24-hour HAZWOPER and OSHA 8-hour HAZWOPER refresher annually thereafter.

Working hours: (A) Daily from 8 am to 5 pm (B) Total hours in workweek 40 (C) Explain any variation in work (split shift, rotation, etc.)

DEP offers an excellent array of benefits, including:

• Health insurance for individual or family (HMO and PPO options with premiums starting as low as $50 per month)
• Life insurance
• Dental, vision and supplemental insurance
• Retirement benefits
• Vacation and sick leave
• Paid holidays
• Opportunities for career advancement
• Tuition waiver for state university and Florida College System courses
• Training opportunities
• Tax deferred medical and childcare reimbursement accounts

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.