ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST II - 37011567

State of Florida • Fort Myers, FL

13d • Onsite

About The Position

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection is hiring an Environmental Specialist II for its South District Permitting Program in Fort Myers, Florida. This first-level intermediate position performs professional work and specialized technical tasks under limited supervision for the Submerged Lands and Environmental Resource Coordination (SLERC) Program. The role involves processing permit applications and/or conducting associated compliance inspections, applying scientific knowledge to analyze specialized problems, and ensuring work products are accurate, timely, and entered into the designated database.

The position reviews a large volume and variety of moderately complex applications and performs permitting and/or compliance enforcement work related to dredging and filling in, on, or over wetlands or surface waters; sovereignty submerged land authorizations; wetland determinations; and mangrove trimming. Work includes evaluating data and information for compliance with applicable Florida statutes, administrative code rules, program requirements, and policies. The employee is expected to follow the Department’s Standards of Conduct and applicable departmental and work-unit rules and directives.

The position is based in the South District, which covers Lee, Collier, Charlotte, DeSoto, Sarasota, Hendry, Glades, and Highlands counties. The standard schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., for 40 hours per week. Flexible workweeks are available, but teleworking is not. Travel, including overnight travel, is required. The employee must obtain Department certification as a Certified Wetland Evaluator within six months of hire.

Requirements

• At least four years of verifiable related experience in regulatory inspection, compliance, permitting, or other professional related work; post-secondary degrees from an accredited college or university with a major in a natural or physical science may substitute year for year for the required experience.
• Successfully complete a Level 2 State and National criminal history background check.
• Have a valid driver license.
• Travel, including overnight travel, is required.
• Obtain Department certification as a Certified Wetland Evaluator (CWE) within six months of hire.
• Knowledge of terminology, principles, and analytical techniques of the physical or natural sciences.
• Knowledge of data collection and analysis principles and procedures.
• Ability to collect, evaluate, analyze, and interpret scientific or technical data.
• Ability to prepare technical and programmatic reports.
• Ability to understand and apply rules, regulations, policies, and procedures relating to environmental programs and follow legislative policy direction established in Florida Statutes.
• Ability to deal with the public tactfully and courteously.
• Ability to work independently or as part of a team and complete assignments without close supervision.
• Ability to plan, organize, and coordinate work assignments; track and coordinate multiple projects; and solve problems, improve procedures, and make sound decisions.
• Ability to communicate effectively in writing and verbally and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to work outdoors for extended periods in temperatures and weather conditions typical of South Florida.
• Ability to arrive on time, be appropriately groomed and attired for the workplace, and keep a set work schedule.
• Ability to perform field inspections involving climbing ladders and stairs, walking on slopes, and lifting and carrying 40 pounds for up to 100 yards.
• Ability to use safety equipment and to be adaptable, flexible, resourceful, and maintain a positive outlook.
• Successful completion of required background screening for a Position of Special Trust.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of state and federal regulations pertaining to the State Lands and Environmental Resource Coordination Program (SLERC).
• Knowledge of Chapters 403, 373, 253, and 258, Florida Statutes; Rules Chapters 62-302, 62-330, 62-331, 62-340, 62-345, 18-14, 18-20, and 18-21; and other applicable Florida Administrative Codes.
• Skill and experience identifying wetland ecosystems and delineating wetlands, including plant identification, hydric soil identification, and wetland hydrology.
• Ability to evaluate, analyze, and interpret aerial photography, site plans, and drawings.
• Knowledge of potential environmental impacts resulting from construction.
• Ability to snorkel.
• Skill in performing field inspections.

Responsibilities

• Review and process a large volume and variety of moderately complex permit applications for the SLERC Program.
• Conduct associated compliance inspections and carry out permitting and/or compliance enforcement activities.
• Review data and information concerning dredging and filling in, on, or over wetlands or surface waters; sovereignty submerged land authorizations; wetland determinations; and mangrove trimming for compliance with applicable statutes, rules, requirements, and policies.
• Complete accurate and timely file reviews, inspections, site visits, field work, reports, and other work products, and enter them into the designated database.
• Prepare technical and programmatic reports.
• Collect, evaluate, analyze, and interpret scientific or technical data.
• Coordinate and track multiple projects and organize work assignments.
• Perform field inspections, including outdoor work in South Florida weather conditions.

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: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed