ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST I

Environmental Specialist I

This position is located in Panama City, FL. This is entry-level environmental professional work performing scientific tasks under general supervision. The job requires skills in applying instructions to accomplish different job functions and a general understanding of scientific principles. The position will perform compliance assurance duties for the Compliance Assurance Program that may include subject areas such as Wastewater, Potable Water, National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) stormwater, Environmental Resources (ERP) Air, Solid Waste, and/or Hazardous Waste.

Duties include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Facility Compliance: Conduct a high volume of low complexity inspections and file/data reviews. Plans and conducts inspections, site visits and other required field work, or conducts records reviews necessary for compliance evaluations.
• Produces timely and accurate documentation of file reviews, inspections, site visits or field work. Enters documentation, compliance data and resolution actions into the designated database.
• Reviews required reports, test reports and notices for regulated facilities. Ensures the reviews are accurate, completed timely, and are entered into the designated database.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of field sampling techniques for soil, groundwater, surface water, and sediment.
• Skill in collecting, evaluating, analyzing and interpreting scientific or technical data.
• Ability to identify soils, plants and wildlife in aquatic and wetland ecosystems found in Florida.
• Ability to understand and apply applicable State and Federal rules, regulations, policies, and procedures relating to environmental programs.
• Ability to conduct field inspections/investigations that may involve working outdoors for extended periods of time in temperatures and weather conditions typical of Florida and navigating areas with rough terrain.
• Ability to serve the public, DEP's stakeholders and each other in a courteous and timely manner.
• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to maintain effective and productive working relationships with others.
• Skill in dealing with conflicts, confrontations, and disagreements in a positive manner.
• Ability to effectively prepare, prioritize, and organize work, meetings, and projects to meet deadlines and quality expectations.
• Ability to effectively solve problems and make competent decisions.
• Skill and proficiency in computer operations and programs such as MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, SharePoint and Outlook.

Other Job-Related Requirements for this Position:

• Requires initial OSHA 24-hour HAZWOPER to be completed within one year and OSHA 8-hour HAZWOPER refresher annually thereafter.
• Complete DEP's Certified Wetland Evaluator Training within 1 year

Minimum Qualifications:

• Valid Driver License
• Ability to travel, including some overnight.
• At least 4 years of verifiable related experience in Environmental/Regulatory and or Engineering.
• Post-secondary degrees from an accredited college or university with a major in Natural Science, Environmental Science or Engineering 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.

Pay: Annual salary - $41,170.08

Our Organization and Mission: The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is the state's lead 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.

The Benefits of Working for the State of Florida: Working for the State of Florida is more than a paycheck. The State's total compensation package for employees features a highly competitive set of employee benefits including: 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; And more!

Location: PANAMA CITY, FL, US, 32405