ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST II - 37010904

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 intermediate level position performing professional work and specialized technical tasks under limited supervision in the District’s Compliance Assurance Program (CAP). The job requires applying scientific understanding to analyze problems of a specialized nature. 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.
In general, this position will conduct a variety of inspections and/or file reviews of low to moderately complex facilities and will take action to resolve complaints. Plans and conduct inspections, site visits, and/or other required field work, or conduct records reviews necessary for compliance evaluations. This includes, but is not limited to, reviewing permitting files, reports and other documents; as well as performing calculations and technical reviews. When necessary, make enforcement recommendations to supervisor. Provides compliance assistance to regulated facilities before, during, and after inspections. Conducts follow up visits as needed to assist facilities with returning to compliance without enforcement. Responds to complaints in a prompt and effective manner, investigates, and takes steps to resolve the matter. When necessary, recommend enforcement action. Drafts enforcement documents. Coordinates and leads enforcement meetings. Conceives, supports, participates, and/or assists in the execution of compliance assistance workshops for the regulated community and District employee cross training.
Participates and assists with internal training events/activities to further develop the essential skills needed to determine the compliance status of regulated facilities. This includes participating in safety events, job shadowing, on the job training, and team building initiatives as directed by management. Is a self-advocate for training and partners with appropriate district staff to learn about multiple DEP program areas.
Produces timely and accurate documentation of file reviews, inspections, site visits, or field work. Enters inspection documentation, compliance data and resolution actions into the designated database. Reviews required reports, test reports, protocols, and notices for regulated facilities. Ensures the reviews are accurate, completed timely, and are entered into the designated database. Reports are to be processed in accordance with established program rules, requirements, and policies.
Must adhere to the DEP Snorkeling Policy and Directive 710 and Motor Vehicles/Watercraft Assignment and Utilization Directive 620.

Requirements

• Knowledge of the 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.
• Skilled in the use of personal computers, computer programs, spreadsheets, industry database applications and various electronic devices.
• Ability to understand and apply applicable rules, regulations, policies and procedures relating to environmental programs.
• Ability to understand and follow legislative policy direction as established in Florida Statutes.
• Ability to deal with the public in tactful and courteous manner.
• Ability to work independently or in a team.
• Ability to plan, organize and coordinate work assignments.
• Ability to communicate effectively in writing and verbally.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to utilize problem-solving techniques, improve procedures, and make sound decisions.
• Ability to work outdoors for extended periods of time in temperatures and weather conditions typical of South Florida.
• Ability to perform field inspections that include - climb ladders and stairs, walk on slopes, lift and carry 40 pounds over a distance of up to 100 yards.
• Ability to use safety equipment.
• Ability to conduct and complete work assignments without close supervision.
• 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.

Nice To Haves

• Minimum of one year of regulatory inspection/compliance/permitting or other professional related experience.
• Knowledge of state and federal regulations pertaining to State Lands and Environmental Resource Coordination Program (SLERC).
• Knowledge of Chapters 403, 373, 253, 258, Florida Statutes (F.S.), Rules Chapters 62-302, 62-330, 62-331, 62-340, 62-345, 18-14, 18-20, 18-21, and other applicable Florida Administrative Codes (F.A.C.).
• Skill and experience in the identification of wetland ecosystems and the delineation of wetlands: plant identification, hydric soil identification, and wetland hydrology.
• 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 evaluate, analyze, and interpret aerial photography, site plans and drawings.
• Knowledge of potential environmental impacts which result from construction.
• Ability to snorkel.
• Skilled at performing field inspections.

Responsibilities

• Conduct a variety of inspections and/or file reviews of low to moderately complex facilities.
• Take action to resolve complaints.
• Plan and conduct inspections, site visits, and/or other required field work, or conduct records reviews necessary for compliance evaluations.
• Review permitting files, reports and other documents.
• Perform calculations and technical reviews.
• Make enforcement recommendations to supervisor when necessary.
• Provide compliance assistance to regulated facilities before, during, and after inspections.
• Conduct follow up visits as needed to assist facilities with returning to compliance without enforcement.
• Respond to complaints in a prompt and effective manner, investigate, and take steps to resolve the matter.
• Recommend enforcement action when necessary.
• Draft enforcement documents.
• Coordinate and lead enforcement meetings.
• Conceive, support, participate, and/or assist in the execution of compliance assistance workshops for the regulated community and District employee cross training.
• Participate and assist with internal training events/activities to further develop essential skills.
• Produce timely and accurate documentation of file reviews, inspections, site visits, or field work.
• Enter inspection documentation, compliance data and resolution actions into the designated database.
• Review required reports, test reports, protocols, and notices for regulated facilities.
• Ensure reviews are accurate, completed timely, and entered into the designated database.
• Process reports in accordance with established program rules, requirements, and policies.
• 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: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree