ENGINEERING SPECIALIST I

Engineering Specialist I - 37011026

This position is located in West Palm Beach, FL. Position overview and responsibilities: This is an entry level environmental engineering I position that will exhibit and implement organizational and time management skills. Supports the Southeast District's mission, goals, and values. The job requires skills in applying instructions to accomplish different job functions and a general understanding of scientific principles. External compliance assistance, outreach, training, and partnership implementation – targets specific areas of regulatory engineering non-compliance within the Southeast District and coordinates compliance assistance efforts with that industry. Conducts engineering compliance/technical assistance site visits of 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 sectors. When available, arrange for the application of CEUs and the like towards outreach participants' licensure. Supports, develops, participates, and/or assists in the execution of compliance assistance workshops for the regulated community. Internal training, consulting, and organizational improvement- supports efforts to determine the training needs of Department staff. When directed, conduct peer review of work products for accuracy. Provides technical assistance as needed. Internal assistance includes training and providing 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. Compliance – in general, this position may conduct engineering inspections at facilities and sites known to be moderately high complexity in multiple program areas. Plans and conducts engineering 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. Reports are to be processed in accordance with established program rules, requirements, and policies. Enter 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. When necessary, recommend enforcement action. Drafts enforcement documents, coordinates, and leads enforcement meetings. Responds to, investigates, and takes steps to resolve complaints. Permitting and waste cleanup – in general, this position may review and process moderately high complexity permit applications and technical documents in multiple program areas. Reviews permit applications, plans, specifications, and reports for assigned programs from an engineering aspect. 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 determination and communicate 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. Technical assistance provides technical assistance to applicants, utilities, and engineers as regards to department rules, guidelines, and policies on regulated entities. Performs related duties as required. Including the conducting of meetings, data management, record keeping and streamlining of office procedures and document production. Performs other duties as needed.

Required knowledge, skills, and abilities: knowledge of the terminology, principles, and analytical techniques of the physical or natural sciences. Ability to determine work priorities and ensure proper completion of work assignments. Ability to understand and apply applicable regulations, policies, and procedures relating to environmental programs. Ability to communicate in an effective, tactful, and courteous manner, both verbally and in writing. Ability to evaluate, analyze and interpret scientific and technical data. Ability to work independently. Ability to physically conduct field inspections/investigations. Ability to work well with people. Knowledge of the Department's compliance, enforcement, and permitting rules, policies, and procedures. Skill and proficiency in computer operations and programs. Knowledge of procedures for reading, entering, and editing data. Ability to organize and structure the creation and processing of documents. 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.

Minimum qualifications: valid driver license. Ability to travel, overnight if required. At least 4 years of verifiable related experience in regulatory inspection/compliance/permitting or other related experience. Post-secondary degrees may be used as an alternative for the required 4 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. Position of special trust requirement: this position is designated as a position of special trust in accordance with DEP directive 422, positions of special trust or responsibility. Successful completion of background screening will be required for this position.

Pay: $49,931.04