ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST III - 37010472

State of Florida

23h • Onsite

About The Position

This is an advanced level work position responsible for processing permit applications and/or conducting compliance inspections for the Department’s Compliance Assurance Program/Permitting Program. The incumbent will be expected to cross train in multiple program areas (air, waste, and water). The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is the state’s leading agency for environmental management and stewardship - protecting our air, water and land. The vision of DEP is to advance Florida’s position as a world leader in protecting natural resources while growing the state’s economy. DEP encourages its leaders to constantly innovate and seek efficiencies, offering opportunities to gain valuable experience quickly.

Requirements

• Knowledge of the terminology, principles, and analytical techniques of the physical or natural sciences.
• Ability to collect, evaluate, analyze, and interpret scientific or technical data.
• Ability to understand and apply applicable rules, regulations, policies, and procedures relating to environmental programs.
• Ability to communicate effectively in writing and verbally.
• Ability to plan, organize and coordinate work assignments.
• Ability to work in a team or independently.
• Ability to prepare technical and programmatic reports.
• Ability to understand and follow legislative policy direction as established in Florida Statutes.
• Ability to deal with the public in a tactful and courteous manner.
• Ability to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with others.
• Ability to perform field inspections including: climb ladders and stairs, walk on slopes, lift and carry 40 pounds over a distance of up to 100 yards.
• Ability to work outdoors for extended periods of time in temperatures and weather conditions typical of South Florida.
• Skilled in the use of personal computers, computer programs, spreadsheets, industry database applications and various electronic devices.
• Ability to conduct and complete work assignments without close supervision.
• Certification upon appointment or within 9 months of appointment as a Certified Wetland Evaluator (CWE) as applicable.
• Ability to use safety equipment and complete a 24-hour HAZWOPER course as applicable.
• Have prior approval and meet the snorkeling / skin diving validation requirements in the DEP Underwater Operations Manual, as applicable.
• Valid Driver License.
• Ability to travel, overnight if required.
• Obtain Department certification as a Certified Wetland Evaluator (CWE) within 9 months of hire, as applicable.
• Ability to use safety equipment and complete a 24-hour HAZWOPER course, as applicable.
• At least 4 years of verifiable related experience in regulatory inspection/compliance/permitting or other related experience.
• Must be a current employee of the Department of Environmental Protection.

Responsibilities

• Processing permit applications and/or conducting compliance inspections for the Department’s Compliance Assurance Program/Permitting Program.
• Cross train in multiple program areas (air, waste, and water).
• Reviews and processes highly complex ERP permit applications and technical documents.
• Provides programmatic expertise and mentors staff on programmatic related issues.
• Reviews permit applications, plans, specifications, and reports for assigned programs.
• Ascertains that all Department rules are met.
• Reviews technical aspects of projects to determine that all materials and methods described in the application package are addressed, complete and suitable to the circumstances and in accordance with sound engineering practices and principles and particularly in accord with specific engineering publications referenced in Department rules.
• Updates permitting data/records in all applicable data management systems.
• Recommends issuance or denial of permits as appropriate.
• Ensures that Chapter 120, Florida Statutes, deadlines, and district metrics are met.
• Conducts permit determinations and communicates final decisions with the facility/site owner.
• Coordinates with Compliance staff and supports inspections to determine compliance with permit.
• Writes Requests for Additional Information permit documents and other correspondence clearly and professionally as needed.
• Strategizes and implements activities to target specific areas of regulatory non­compliance within the Southeast District.
• Coordinates compliance assistance efforts with that industry.
• Conducts compliance/technical assistance site visits of highly complex regulated facilities to increase compliance rates.
• Seeks and cultivates positive partnering relationships with industry and regulated facilities to increase or maintain the highest possible compliance rates.
• Provides education and guidance to residential, commercial, institutional, and public sector.
• Arranges for the application of CEUs and the like towards outreach participants' licensure (When available).
• Supports, develops, participates, and/or assists in the execution of compliance assistance workshops for the regulated community.
• Strategizes, assesses and determines training needs of Department staff.
• Conduct peer review of work products for accuracy (When directed).
• Provides technical assistance as needed.
• Provides training and technical assistance to Department staff.
• Evaluates and makes recommendations on training material and methodology.
• Develops and refines training aids such as SOPs, manuals, and handbooks.
• Participates, develops, and leads training activities and safety events.
• Facilitates learning through a variety of delivery methods including classroom instruction, virtual training, on-the-job coaching, job shadowing, and team building initiatives.
• Participates in training and is a self-advocate for training needs.
• Partners with appropriate district staff to learn about multiple DEP program areas.
• Conducts a majority of inspections at facilities and sites known to be highly complex in multiple program areas.
• Plans and conducts inspections, site visits, sampling/testing, and/or other required field work.
• Reviews permitting files, reports, and other documents applicable to the inspection.
• Makes calculations and technical evaluations to determine compliance status of regulated facilities.
• Produces timely and accurate documentation of inspections, site visits, or field work.
• Processes reports in accordance with established program rules, requirements, and policies.
• Enters inspection documentation, compliance data and resolution actions into the designated databases.
• 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.
• Recommends enforcement action (When necessary).
• Drafts enforcement documents, coordinates, and leads enforcement meetings.
• Responds to, investigates, and takes steps to resolve complaints.

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.
• Total Compensation Estimator Tool.

What This Job Offers

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