ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST III - 37010949 1
About The Position
The Environmental Specialist III is an advanced-level position with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, located in West Palm Beach. The role processes permit applications and conducts compliance inspections for the Department’s Compliance Assurance and Permitting programs, with cross-training in air, waste, and water program areas. The position may review and process permit applications and technical documents; conduct inspections, site visits, sampling, and other fieldwork; provide compliance assistance and outreach to regulated facilities and the public; and support staff training and organizational improvement. Work includes evaluating compliance, documenting findings, updating program databases, communicating with facility owners, and recommending permits or enforcement actions as appropriate. The role may also involve snorkeling, overnight travel, outdoor fieldwork, and completing applicable certifications and safety training.
Requirements
- At least four years of verifiable related experience in regulatory inspection, compliance, permitting, or related work; an accredited post-secondary degree in natural or physical science may substitute year-for-year for the experience requirement.
- Valid driver's license and ability to travel, including overnight when required.
- Obtain Department-recognized Florida Certified Wetland Evaluator (CWE) certification within nine months of hire, as applicable.
- Ability to use safety equipment and complete a 24-hour HAZWOPER course, as applicable.
- Knowledge of terminology, principles, and analytical techniques of physical or natural sciences.
- Ability to collect, evaluate, analyze, and interpret scientific or technical data.
- Ability to understand and apply environmental rules, regulations, policies, and procedures, and follow legislative policy direction in Florida Statutes.
- Effective written and verbal communication skills; ability to prepare technical and programmatic reports.
- Ability to plan, organize, and coordinate work assignments; work independently or as part of a team; and complete assignments without close supervision.
- Ability to interact tactfully and courteously with the public and maintain effective working relationships.
- Ability to perform field inspections, including climbing ladders and stairs, walking on slopes, and lifting and carrying 40 pounds up to 100 yards.
- Ability to work outdoors for extended periods in South Florida temperatures and weather conditions.
- Ability to use safety equipment and, if applicable, meet prior approval and snorkeling/skin-diving validation requirements in the DEP Underwater Operations Manual.
- Successful completion of background screening because the role is designated a Position of Special Trust.
Responsibilities
- Review permit applications, plans, specifications, reports, and technical documents for assigned programs; assess completeness, suitability, and compliance with Department rules and sound engineering practices.
- Update permitting data and records in applicable systems, recommend permit issuance or denial, meet statutory deadlines and district metrics, and communicate permit determinations to facility or site owners.
- Coordinate with compliance staff and support inspections; prepare requests for additional information, permit documents, and other correspondence.
- Conduct compliance-assistance and technical-assistance site visits; build relationships with regulated facilities and industries to improve compliance.
- Provide environmental education and guidance to residential, commercial, institutional, and public sectors, and support workshops for the regulated community.
- Assess Department staff training needs; provide technical assistance, peer review, and training; evaluate and develop training materials, SOPs, manuals, and handbooks.
- Participate in and lead training and safety activities using classroom, virtual, on-the-job, job-shadowing, and team-building approaches.
- Plan and conduct inspections, site visits, sampling, testing, and other fieldwork; review relevant files and reports and evaluate facility compliance.
- Prepare timely and accurate inspection and fieldwork documentation, enter compliance information and resolution actions into designated databases, and conduct follow-up visits as needed.
- Recommend enforcement when necessary, draft enforcement documents, coordinate and lead enforcement meetings, and respond to and investigate complaints.
- Perform related duties, including meetings, data management, record keeping, and improving office procedures and document production.
Benefits
- Annual and sick leave
- Nine paid holidays and one personal holiday each year
- State group insurance options, including health, life, dental, vision, and supplemental insurance
- Retirement plan options with employer contributions
- Tuition waivers
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Education Level
No Education Listed
