ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANT - 37010123

State of Florida • Fort Myers, FL

1d • 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 an advanced level consultative position in the district’s Permitting program tasked with providing support and training new staff for the SLERC program in the South District office. Provides programmatic expertise, and mentors staff on programmatic related issues. Ensures coordination with the division and other district offices, as well as other governmental entities. Analyzes and evaluates complex interdisciplinary projects applicable to the SLERC program in accordance with applicable statutes, rules, and DEP policy and procedures. 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.
This position serves as a Subject Matter Expert for the SLERC Program.

Training, Learning and Safety
Serves as the Subject Matter Expert and Division liaison for the South District and regulated community. Provides program specific training events for staff and for the regulated community at the frequency established by the supervisor. Attends trainings and maintains expertise in rule and law, permitting and compliance matters, industry advances and issues, and regulatory impact on the community. Conducts compliance evaluation inspections for the purpose of achieving environmental goals with reduction of regulatory burden and to provide training to the staff. Evaluates program database reports to monitor and ascertain trends and to ensure that data entry methods are appropriate. Supports the District safety goals, makes recommendations for appropriate safety equipment for inspectors, and provides discipline-specific safety information and training.

Permitting and Compliance
Conducts inspections to meet level of service obligations. Provides timely reviews of non-compliance issues brought forward by inspection staff or supervisors in subject matter area. Makes recommendations for facilities to achieve compliance or to staff supervisor to proceed with further compliance actions. Conducts compliance evaluation inspections for the purpose of achieving environmental goals with reduction of regulatory burden. Conducts complaint investigations and handles and responds to complaints appropriately in a prompt and and effective manner. Participates in pre-application and assessment planning meetings and assists in permit review process when necessary. Serves as Subject Matter Expert and liaison with the division/bureau and OGC. Advises permitting and compliance staff on recent applicable rule or policy changes. Prepares staff and serves as expert for enforcement and permitting actions. Coordinates reviews of permit application submittments and prepares appropriate agency responses and orders consistent with applicable rules. Ensures accurate database entries.

Outreach and Assistance
Assists regulated community through targeted outreach to achieve overall compliance rate consistent with department goals. Implements opportunities for regulated community to achieve consistent and legal environmental compliance with reduced burden. Works with the division/bureau and OGC for interpretation/modification of rules to maintain/enhance environmental protection while reducing the regulatory burden.
Performs other related duties as assigned. Must adhere to the DEP Snorkeling Policy and Directive 710 and Motor Vehicles/Watercraft Assignment and Utilization Directive 620.

Requirements

• Handles citizen complaints appropriately and addresses them in a prompt and effective manner.
• Knowledge of the terminology, principles and analytical techniques of the physical and/or natural sciences.
• Knowledge of data collection and analysis principles and procedures.
• Ability to perform field inspections to include - climb ladders and stairs, walk on slopes, lift and carry 40 pounds over a distance of 100 yards.
• Ability to collect, evaluate, analyze, and interpret scientific or technical data.
• Ability to prepare technical and programmatic reports.
• Ability to communicate effectively in writing and verbally.
• Ability to understand and apply applicable rules, regulations, policies and procedures relating to environmental programs.
• Ability to manage time- to include planning, organizing and coordinating work tasks, determining priorities, and ensuring proper completion of work assignments.
• Ability to work independently or as part of a team without the need of close supervision.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to deal with the public in a tactful and courteous manner.
• Skilled in using a personal computer with Microsoft Office software and internet resources to prepare reports, maintain records, and search for and compile data.
• Skilled with data manipulation for scientific and technical applications using industry standard browsers, word processors, spreadsheets, and database applications.
• Skilled in public speaking and presentation preparation.
• Ability to serve as subject matter expert.
• Ability to seek resources needed to stay current in area of expertise.
• Ability to develop or adapt new processes and procedures based upon changes in rules, regulations, or industry practices.
• Skilled in continuous process improvement techniques, problem solving, and decision making.
• Skilled in working with the public and providing excellent customer service by using active listening skills, conflict resolution skills and negotiation skills.
• Ability to understand and follow legislative policy direction as established in Florida Statutes.
• Ability to work outdoors for extended periods of time in temperatures and weather conditions typical of South Florida.
• Ability to use safety equipment.
• Ability to coordinate and monitor environmental related programs.
• 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
• Currently employed with the Department of Environmental Protection

Nice To Haves

• Minimum of three years of regulatory inspection/compliance/permitting or other professional related experience.
• Knowledge of Chapters 403, 373, 253, 258, Florida Statutes (F.S.), and Rules 18-14, 18-20 and 18-21, 62-330 and 331, and other applicable Florida Administrative Codes (F.A.C.).
• Knowledge of the Submerged Lands and Environmental Resources (SLER) Operations and Procedure Manual (OPM), Department policies and time clocks established by Statute/Rule.
• Ability to wade, swim, snorkel, and traverse difficult wetland terrain found in South Florida’s climate.
• Ability to perform field biology and water quality sampling techniques.
• Knowledge of potential environmental impacts which result from construction and the ability to read maps, aerial photography, site plans, and drawings.
• 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.
• Ability to safely operate, launch, retrieve and trailer powerboats, less than 21 feet.

Responsibilities

• Provides programmatic expertise, and mentors staff on programmatic related issues.
• Ensures coordination with the division and other district offices, as well as other governmental entities.
• Analyzes and evaluates complex interdisciplinary projects applicable to the SLERC program in accordance with applicable statutes, rules, and DEP policy and procedures.
• Serves as the Subject Matter Expert and Division liaison for the South District and regulated community.
• Provides program specific training events for staff and for the regulated community at the frequency established by the supervisor.
• Attends trainings and maintains expertise in rule and law, permitting and compliance matters, industry advances and issues, and regulatory impact on the community.
• Conducts compliance evaluation inspections for the purpose of achieving environmental goals with reduction of regulatory burden and to provide training to the staff.
• Evaluates program database reports to monitor and ascertain trends and to ensure that data entry methods are appropriate.
• Supports the District safety goals, makes recommendations for appropriate safety equipment for inspectors, and provides discipline-specific safety information and training.
• Conducts inspections to meet level of service obligations.
• Provides timely reviews of non-compliance issues brought forward by inspection staff or supervisors in subject matter area.
• Makes recommendations for facilities to achieve compliance or to staff supervisor to proceed with further compliance actions.
• Conducts complaint investigations and handles and responds to complaints appropriately in a prompt and effective manner.
• Participates in pre-application and assessment planning meetings and assists in permit review process when necessary.
• Serves as Subject Matter Expert and liaison with the division/bureau and OGC.
• Advises permitting and compliance staff on recent applicable rule or policy changes.
• Prepares staff and serves as expert for enforcement and permitting actions.
• Coordinates reviews of permit application submittals and prepares appropriate agency responses and orders consistent with applicable rules.
• Ensures accurate database entries.
• Assists regulated community through targeted outreach to achieve overall compliance rate consistent with department goals.
• Implements opportunities for regulated community to achieve consistent and legal environmental compliance with reduced burden.
• Works with the division/bureau and OGC for interpretation/modification of rules to maintain/enhance environmental protection while reducing the regulatory burden.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.
• Must adhere to the DEP Snorkeling Policy and Directive 710 and Motor Vehicles/Watercraft Assignment and Utilization Directive 620.

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: Senior
• Education Level: Associate degree