ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANT

State of Florida • Fort Myers, FL

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection is hiring an advanced-level consultant for its South District Permitting program in Fort Myers. The position serves as the Subject Matter Expert for the Submerged Lands and Environmental Resources (SLERC) Program, providing program expertise, training, and mentoring to staff and serving as a liaison among the South District, the division, other district offices, governmental entities, and the regulated community. The role analyzes complex interdisciplinary projects under applicable statutes, rules, and department policies and procedures.

The consultant provides staff and regulated-community training, maintains expertise in relevant laws, rules, permitting, compliance, industry developments, and regulatory impacts, and conducts inspections and complaint investigations. The position supports permitting and compliance activities, advises staff on rule and policy changes, coordinates application reviews, prepares agency responses and orders, and helps facilities achieve compliance. It also supports district safety goals, evaluates program data, and conducts outreach to promote environmental compliance while reducing regulatory burden. Other related duties may be assigned.

The position is based in the South District Office in Fort Myers, Florida. The regular schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., totaling 40 hours per week. Flexible workweek eligibility is available, but teleworking is not. Travel, including overnight travel, is required. Applicants must currently be employed by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

Requirements

• At least four years of verifiable related experience in regulatory inspection, compliance, permitting, or other professional related work; a post-secondary degree from an accredited college or university with a major in natural or physical science may substitute year-for-year for required experience.
• Currently employed by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.
• Successfully complete a Level 2 State and National criminal history background check.
• Possess a valid driver's license.
• Be able to travel, including overnight.
• Knowledge of 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, including climbing ladders and stairs, walking on slopes, and lifting and carrying 40 pounds over 100 yards.
• Ability to collect, evaluate, analyze, and interpret scientific or technical data and prepare technical and programmatic reports.
• Ability to communicate effectively in writing and verbally, including public speaking and presentation preparation.
• Ability to understand and apply environmental rules, regulations, policies, procedures, and legislative policy direction in Florida Statutes.
• Ability to plan, organize, coordinate, and prioritize work, complete assignments, and work independently or as part of a team without close supervision.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and deal tactfully and courteously with the public.
• Skill using a personal computer, Microsoft Office, internet resources, browsers, word processors, spreadsheets, and database applications for reports, records, and data compilation and manipulation.
• Ability to serve as a subject matter expert, seek resources to remain current, and develop or adapt processes and procedures as rules, regulations, or industry practices change.
• Skill in continuous process improvement, problem solving, decision making, customer service, active listening, conflict resolution, and negotiation.
• Ability to work outdoors for extended periods in weather and temperatures typical of South Florida, use safety equipment, coordinate and monitor environmental programs, and work under pressure.
• Submit a credential evaluation report from an approved agency with any foreign degree.

Nice To Haves

• At least three years of regulatory inspection, compliance, permitting, or other professional related experience.
• Knowledge of Chapters 403, 373, 253, and 258 of the Florida Statutes; Rules 18-14, 18-20, 18-21, 62-330, and 62-331; and other applicable Florida Administrative Code provisions.
• Knowledge of EPA's approval of Florida's Assumption of the Water Quality Certification.
• Knowledge of the SLER Operations and Procedure Manual, department policies, and statutory or rule-based time clocks.
• Ability to wade, swim, snorkel, and traverse difficult wetland terrain in South Florida.
• Ability to perform field biology and water quality sampling techniques.
• Knowledge of environmental impacts resulting from construction and ability to read maps, aerial photography, site plans, and drawings.
• Experience using GIS software such as ESRI ArcMap 10.x to prepare maps and portable GPS units to locate geographic or natural resource features.
• Ability to safely operate, launch, retrieve, and trailer powerboats under 21 feet.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the Subject Matter Expert and Division liaison for the South District and regulated community for the SLERC Program.
• Provide program-specific training to staff and the regulated community and mentor staff on program-related issues.
• Attend training and maintain expertise in applicable laws and rules, permitting and compliance matters, industry developments, and regulatory impacts.
• Conduct inspections to meet level-of-service obligations and evaluate compliance, including identifying ways to achieve environmental goals while reducing regulatory burden.
• Review non-compliance issues and recommend compliance measures or further compliance actions to supervisors.
• Conduct complaint investigations and respond to complaints promptly and effectively.
• Participate in pre-application and assessment-planning meetings and assist with permit reviews as needed.
• Advise permitting and compliance staff on applicable rule and policy changes; prepare staff and serve as an expert for enforcement and permitting actions.
• Coordinate reviews of permit applications and prepare agency responses and orders consistent with applicable rules.
• Evaluate program database reports to monitor trends and ensure appropriate data-entry methods and accurate database entries.
• Support district safety goals, recommend appropriate inspector safety equipment, and provide discipline-specific safety information and training.
• Conduct outreach and assist the regulated community in achieving compliance consistent with department goals.
• Work with the division, bureau, and Office of General Counsel on rule interpretation or modification to maintain or improve environmental protection while reducing regulatory burden.
• Perform other related duties as assigned and adhere to applicable DEP policies and directives.

Benefits

• Annual and sick leave
• Nine paid holidays and one personal holiday each year
• State Group Insurance coverage options, including health, life, dental, vision, and supplemental insurance
• Retirement plan options, including employer contributions
• Tuition waivers

What This Job Offers

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