Requisition No: 797422

Agency: Environmental Protection

Working Title: ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST I - 37020987

Position Number: 37020987

Salary: $35,000.00

Posting Closing Date: 04/03/2023

ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST I

STATE OF FLORIDA

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

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 entry-level Environmental Specialist I position located at the Department of Environmental Protection's Southeast District Office, in West Palm Beach.

This posting is for an Environmental Specialist I position in the Compliance Assurance Program responsible for Waste Programs-Oil & Grease compliance assistance and inspection activities.

The Difference You Will Make:

Our culture consists of creating connections, working together effectively and celebrating our successes while leaving a legacy of Protecting Florida Together.

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:

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 Intercoastal 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 www.myfrs.com);
• Flexible Spending Accounts;
• Tuition waivers;
• And more!

For a more complete list of benefits, visit www.mybenefits.myflorida.com.

Pay:

$35,000.00

Your Specific Responsibilities:

• Conducts and documents compliance assistance and inspection activities for Waste Programs-Oil & Grease facilities pursuant rules and statutory requirements. Reviews permits for assigned facilities and conducts inspections for compliance and conditions of issued permits.
• Assists and advises owners/operators with compliance issues as appropriate.
• Investigates assigned complaints. Recommends compliance and enforcement actions as appropriate.
• Drafts moderately complex compliance and enforcement documents, such as compliance assistance offer letters, warning letters, notice of violations, consent orders and model documents.
• Responsible for the accurate and timely entry of required data and system information into agency databases and Oculus.
• Provides outreach and compliance assistance to owners and operators as needed.
• Participates in training activities as required. Assists with training of entry-level staff as requested by supervisor.
• Performs related work as required by supervisor.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of the terminology, principles and analytical techniques of the environmental or natural sciences.
• Knowledge of data collection and analysis principles and procedures.
• Ability to collect, evaluate, analyze and interpret scientific or technical reports and supporting documentation.
• Ability to prepare technical reports.
• Ability to use a personal computer and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to understand and apply applicable regulations, policies and procedures relating to environmental programs.
• Ability to determine work priorities and ensure proper completion of work assignments.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers and leadership.
• Ability to interact with customers in a tactful and courteous manner.
• Ability to cross-train into multiple regulatory programs.
• Ability to identify solutions to problems and exhibit positive problem-solving techniques.
• Ability to meet established performance standards as identified in the district performance standards document.
• Ability to travel and maintain a valid driver’s license.
• Ability to coordinate workload within a multi-functional team.
• Skill in producing quality work with minimal oversight and minimal errors.
• Experience with process review and efficiency implementation through use of continuous improvement strategies.
• Experience with Waste Programs-Oil & Grease compliance assistance and inspection activities.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Valid Driver License
• Ability to travel.

Preferred Qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s degree in environmental, natural or health science preferred.

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.