ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANT - 37010516

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 environmental consultative position in the district’s Compliance Assurance Program (CAP) tasked with providing support and training new staff for the SLERC/ERP/404 program in the South District office. This position serves as a Subject Matter Expert for SLERC, ERP, and 404 Programs. 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/404 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.
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.  Conduct complaint investigations and handle and respond 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. Will advise 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. Ensure accurate database entries.
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 training(s) and maintains expertise in rule and law, permitting and compliance matters, industry advances and issues, and regulatory impact on the community. Conduct compliance evaluation inspections for the purpose of achieving environmental goals with reduction of regulatory burden and providing 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. 
Assists regulated community through targeted outreach to achieve overall compliance rate consistent with department goals. Implement opportunities for regulated communities 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.
Handles citizen complaints appropriately and addresses them in a prompt and effective manner.
Snorkel as needed. Adhere to the DEP Snorkeling Policy and Directive 710 and Motor Vehicles/Watercraft Assignment and Utilization Directive 620.
The incumbent of this position has been identified as emergency Mission Essential Personnel in accordance with Rule 60L-34.0071(3)(e)1. a., F.A.C. and, in that capacity, may be required, on short notice, to perform duties and travel in support of emergency efforts. All leave approved is subject to recall in the occurrence of a major event. Leave should be coordinated with backup/cross-trained staff and approved by management to ensure that DEP essential functions can be performed, if required. This position may be placed on-call to remain available to perform essential duties.

Requirements

• 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 understand and follow legislative policy direction as established in Florida Statutes.
• Ability to perform field inspections including 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 includes planning, organizing and coordinating work tasks, determining priorities, and insuring 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.
• Ability to use problem-solving techniques.
• 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.
• Skills 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.
• Skills 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 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
• 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 three years of regulatory inspection/compliance/permitting or other professional related experience.
• Knowledge of Chapters 403, 373, 253, 258, Florida Statutes (F.S.), 404 Program Exemptions and Permitting, and Rules 18-14, 18-20 and 18-21, 62-330 and 331, and other applicable Florida Administrative Codes (F.A.C.).
• Knowledge of EPA’s approval of Florida’s Assumption of the State 404 Program and Water Quality Certification.
• 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 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

• 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.
• Conduct complaint investigations and handle and respond 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.
• Will advise 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.
• Ensure accurate database entries.
• 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 training(s) and maintains expertise in rule and law, permitting and compliance matters, industry advances and issues, and regulatory impact on the community.
• Conduct compliance evaluation inspections for the purpose of achieving environmental goals with reduction of regulatory burden and providing 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.
• Assists regulated community through targeted outreach to achieve overall compliance rate consistent with department goals.
• Implement opportunities for regulated communities 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.
• Handles citizen complaints appropriately and addresses them in a prompt and effective manner.
• Snorkel as needed.
• 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 (For more information, please click www.myfrs.com);
• Tuition waivers;

What This Job Offers

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