ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST III - 37011448

State of Florida • Fort Myers, FL

1d • $56,732 • Onsite

About The Position

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection protects, conserves and manages the state’s natural resources and enforces its environmental laws. Each position works together as a whole to advance Florida’s position as a world leader in protecting natural resources while growing the state’s economy.
This is a second level intermediate environmental position performing professional work and specialized technical tasks independently under limited supervision in the District’s Compliance Assurance Program (CAP). The job requires applying a scientific understanding to analyze problems of a specialized nature in a wide range of applications. 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.
In general, this position conducts a wide variety of inspections and/or file reviews of mid-to-large or mid to highly complex facilities and takes action to resolve complaints. Plans and conducts inspections, site visits, and/or other required field work or conducts records reviews necessary for compliance evaluations. This includes, but is not limited to, reviewing permitting files, reports, and other documents; as well as performing calculations and technical reviews. When necessary, make enforcement recommendations to supervisor. Provides compliance assistance to regulated facilities before, during, and after inspections. Conducts follow up visits as needed to assist facilities with returning to compliance without enforcement. Responds to complaints in a prompt and effective manner, investigates, and takes steps to resolve the matter. When necessary, recommend enforcement action. Drafts enforcement documents, including documents for mid to highly complex cases. Coordinates and leads enforcement meetings. Provides technical assistance as needed internally and externally. Internal assistance includes cross training of ES-Is and ES-IIs. Provides technical assistance to permitting staff as requested. External assistance includes conceiving, supporting, and participating in compliance assistance workshops for the regulated community. Provides database and report processing training for lower-level staff.
Participates, develops, and/or leads cross-training activities. This includes, but is not limited to, safety events, job shadowing, on- the-job training, and team building initiatives as directed by management. Is a self-advocate for training and partners with appropriate district staff to learn about multiple DEP program areas.
Produces timely and accurate documentation of file reviews, inspections, site visits, or field work. Enters inspection documentation, compliance data and resolution actions into the designated database. Reviews required reports, test reports, protocols, and notices for regulated facilities. Ensures the reviews are accurate, completed timely, and are entered into the designated database. Reports are to be processed in accordance with established program rules, requirements, and policies. Conducts specialized district peer reviews of inspection documents and/or reports and serves as a technical advisor in one or more program areas. Reviews lower-level staff database and report processing for one or more program areas.
Must adhere to the DEP Snorkeling Policy and Directive 710 and Motor Vehicles/Watercraft Assignment and Utilization Directive 620.

Requirements

• Knowledge of the terminology, principles, and analytical techniques of the physical or natural sciences.
• Knowledge of data collection and analysis principles and procedures.
• Ability to collect, evaluate, analyze, and interpret scientific or technical data.
• Ability to prepare technical and programmatic reports.
• Skilled in the use of personal computers, computer programs, spreadsheets, industry database applications and various electronic devices.
• Ability to understand and apply applicable rules, regulations, policies, and procedures relating to environmental programs.
• Ability to understand and follow legislative policy direction as established in Florida Statutes.
• Ability to deal with the public in a tactful and courteous manner.
• Ability to work independently or in a team.
• Ability to plan, organize and coordinate work assignments.
• Ability to communicate effectively in writing and verbally.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to utilize problem-solving techniques, improve procedures, and make sound decisions.
• Ability to work outdoors for extended periods of time in temperatures and weather conditions typical of South Florida.
• Ability to perform field inspections including climbing ladders and stairs, walking on slopes, lift and carry 40 pounds over a distance of up to 100 yards.
• Ability to use safety equipment and complete a 24-hour HAZWOPER course.
• Ability to determine work priorities and ensure proper completion of work assignments with limited supervision.
• Ability to coordinate and monitor environmental related programs.
• Skill in working with the public and providing excellent customer service by using active listening skills, conflict resolution skills, and negotiation skills.
• Ability to work under pressure.
• At least 4 years of verifiable related experience in regulatory inspection/compliance/permitting or other professional related experience. Post-secondary degrees from an accredited college or university with a major in a natural or physical science 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.
• The ability to successfully complete a Level 2 State and National criminal history background check.
• Valid Driver License
• Travel is required, including overnight
• Obtain department certification as a Certified Wetland Evaluator (CWE) recognized in Florida, (Chapter 62-340, F.A.C.) within 6 months of hire.
• Currently employed with the Department of Environmental Protection

Nice To Haves

• Minimum of two years of regulatory inspection/compliance/permitting or other professional related experience.
• Knowledge of state and federal regulations pertaining to the following program areas: NPDES Stormwater and Submerged Lands Environmental Resources Coordination (SLERC) program.
• Knowledge of (and experience applying): The Department’s compliance and enforcement process, policies and procedures, DEP’s Enforcement Manual; the Environmental Litigation Reform Act (ELRA); Directive 923; and the Program Specific Guidelines for Characterizing Violations.
• Ability to evaluate, analyze, and interpret aerial photography, site plans and drawings.
• Knowledge of potential environmental impacts which result from construction.
• Skill and experience in identifying plants and wildlife in the aquatic and wetland ecosystems found in southwest Florida.
• Skill and experience in using GIS software products, such as ESRI ArcMap 10.x, to prepare maps and in using portable GPS units to locate geographic or natural resource features.
• Certification as a Certified Wetland Evaluator (CWE).

Responsibilities

• Conducts a wide variety of inspections and/or file reviews of mid-to-large or mid to highly complex facilities and takes action to resolve complaints.
• Plans and conducts inspections, site visits, and/or other required field work or conducts records reviews necessary for compliance evaluations.
• Reviews permitting files, reports, and other documents; as well as performing calculations and technical reviews.
• Make enforcement recommendations to supervisor when necessary.
• Provides compliance assistance to regulated facilities before, during, and after inspections.
• Conducts follow up visits as needed to assist facilities with returning to compliance without enforcement.
• Responds to complaints in a prompt and effective manner, investigates, and takes steps to resolve the matter.
• Recommend enforcement action when necessary.
• Drafts enforcement documents, including documents for mid to highly complex cases.
• Coordinates and leads enforcement meetings.
• Provides technical assistance as needed internally and externally.
• Participates, develops, and/or leads cross-training activities.
• Produces timely and accurate documentation of file reviews, inspections, site visits, or field work.
• Enters inspection documentation, compliance data and resolution actions into the designated database.
• Reviews required reports, test reports, protocols, and notices for regulated facilities.
• Conducts specialized district peer reviews of inspection documents and/or reports and serves as a technical advisor in one or more program areas.
• Reviews lower-level staff database and report processing for one or more program areas.

Benefits

• 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
• Tuition waivers

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed