Job Description

Requisition No: 861087 

Agency: Environmental Protection

Working Title: ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST I - 37020744

 Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number: 37020744 

Salary: 47,350.08 

Posting Closing Date: 09/29/2025 

Total Compensation Estimator 

ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST I

STATE OF FLORIDA

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

**THIS IS AN ANTICIPATED VACANCY**

This position is located in West Palm Beach

This is an entry level of work position responsible for processing permit applications and/or conducting compliance inspections for the Department’s Compliance Assurance Program/Permitting Program. The incumbent will be expected to cross train in multiple program areas (air, waste, and water). 

Permitting and Waste Cleanup – In general, this position may review, and process permit applications and technical documents in multiple program areas.

1. 1. • Reviews permit applications, plans, specifications, and reports for assigned programs.
      • Ascertains that all Department rules are met.
      • Reviews technical aspects of 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 communicate final decision with the facility/site owner.
      • Coordinates with Compliance staff and supports inspections to determine compliance with permit.
      • Writes Requests for Additional Information, permit documents and other correspondence clearly and professionally as needed.
      • Snorkel as needed.

External Compliance Assistance, Outreach, Training, and Partnership Implementation - Targets specific areas of regulatory non­compliance within the Southeast District and coordinates compliance assistance efforts with that industry.

• • • Conducts compliance/technical assistance site visits of regulated facilities to increase compliance rates.
    • Seeks and cultivates positive partnering relationships with industry and regulated facilities to increase or maintain the highest possible compliance rates.
    • Provides education and guidance to residential, commercial, institutional, and public sectors. When available, will arrange for the application of CEUs and the like towards outreach participants' licensure.
    • Supports, develops, participates, and/or assists in the execution of compliance assistance workshops for the regulated community.

Internal Training, Consulting, and Organizational Improvement - Assesses needs to determine training needs of Department staff.

• • • When directed, conduct peer review of work products for accuracy.
    • Provides technical assistance as needed. Internal assistance includes training and providing technical assistance to Department staff.
    • Evaluates and makes recommendations on training material and methodology. Develops and refines training aids such as SOPs, manuals, and handbooks.
    • Participates, develops, and leads training activities and safety events. Facilitates learning through a variety of delivery methods including classroom instruction, virtual training, on-the-job coaching, job shadowing, and team building initiatives.
    • Participates in training and is a self-advocate for training needs. Partners with appropriate district staff to learn about multiple DEP program areas.

Compliance - In general, this position may conduct inspections at facilities and sites in multiple program areas .

• • • Plans and conducts inspections, site visits, sampling/testing, and/or other required field work. Reviews permitting files, reports and other documents applicable to the inspection. Makes calculations and technical evaluations to determine compliance status of regulated facilities.
    • Produces timely and accurate documentation of inspections, site visits, or field work. Reports are to be processed in accordance with established program rules, requirements, and policies. Enters inspection documentation, compliance data and resolution actions into the designated databases.
    • 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.
    • When necessary, recommends enforcement action. Drafts enforcement documents, coordinates, and leads enforcement meetings.
    • Responds to, investigates, and takes steps to resolve complaints.

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

Performs other duties as needed.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of the terminology, principles, and analytical techniques of the physical or natural sciences. 
• Ability to collect, evaluate, analyze, and interpret scientific or technical data.
• Ability to understand and apply applicable rules, regulations, policies, and procedures relating to environmental programs.
• Ability to communicate effectively in writing and verbally.
• Ability to plan, organize and coordinate work assignments.
• Ability to work in a team or independently.
• Ability to prepare technical and programmatic reports.
• 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 establish and maintain an effective working relationship with others.
• Ability to perform field inspections including: climb ladders and stairs, walk on slopes, lift and carry 40 pounds over a distance of up to 100 yards.
• Ability to work outdoors for extended periods of time in temperatures and weather conditions typical of South Florida.
• Ability to use safety equipment.
• Skilled in the use of personal computers, computer programs, spreadsheets, industry database applications and various electronic devices.
• Ability to maintain a valid driver’s license and travel overnight when required.
• Ability to conduct and complete work assignments without close supervision.
• Certification upon appointment or within 9 months of appointment as a Certified Wetland Evaluator. (CWE) as applicable
• Ability to use safety equipment and complete a 24-hour HAZWOPER course as applicable.
• Have prior approval and meet the snorkeling / skin diving validation requirements in the DEP Underwater Operations Manual, as applicable

Minimum Qualifications:

• Valid Driver License
• Ability to travel, overnight if required
• Obtain Department certification as a Certified Wetland Evaluator (CWE) recognized in Florida within 9 months of hire, as applicable
• Ability to use safety equipment and complete a 24-hour HAZWOPER course, as applicable
• At least 4 years of verifiable related experience in regulatory inspection/compliance/permitting or other related experience (preferred). Post-secondary degrees from an accredited college or university may be used as an alternative for the required 4 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. A credential evaluation report from an approved agency must be submitted along with all foreign degrees.

Position of Special Trust Requirement:

This position is designated as a Position of Special Trust in accordance with DEP Directive 422, Positions of Special Trust or Responsibility. Successful completion of background screening will be required for this position.

Pay:

$47,350.08

Our Organization and Mission: 

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is the state’s leading 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:

This position is located in West Palm Beach Florida. West Palm Beach is Palm Beach County's capital city and its cultural center. Its active downtown stretches from a scenic pier on the Lake Worth Lagoon to a waterfront Great Lawn, which hosts a weekly green market, outdoor concerts and this season a 35-foot-tall holiday sandcastle. Dozens of local beaches provide easy access to both the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway. Several State Parks as well as National Parks are in the immediate area as well.

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 );
• Tuition waivers.
• And more!

For a complete list of benefits, visit

To learn more about the DEP Southeast District office, please access the following link: 

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. 

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