Position Overview and Responsibilities: This advanced-level position in the SED’s Marathon Office that will directly oversee the work of one permitting staff member, including performance management and day-to-day guidance. The role also includes functional oversight of an additional permitting staff member, which consists of reviewing and approving the work produced by that staff member. Alongside these lead responsibilities, the incumbent manages and processes their own assigned permitting projects as deemed necessary. The incumbent must ensure that the staff they oversee are properly trained. This position is expected to exhibit and implement positive and energizing leadership skills. Additionally, they must serve as a role model by supporting the Southeast District’s mission, goals, and values. This position may serve as the local point of contact for the Division(s) and coordinate with the Division(s) when necessary.
Permitting and Waste Cleanup
In general, this position reviews and processes highly complex ERP permit applications and technical documents and 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 decision 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 regarding department rules, guidelines, and policies on regulated entities. Performs related duties as required, including conducting meetings, data management, record keeping and streamlining of office procedures and document production.
External Compliance Assistance, Outreach, Training, and Partnership Implementation
Strategizes and implements activities to target specific areas of regulatory non‑compliance within the Southeast District and 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. When available, arranges for the application of CEUs towards outreach participants' licensure. Supports, develops, participates, and assists in the execution of compliance assistance workshops for the regulated community.
Internal Training, Consulting, and Organizational Improvement
Strategizes, assesses and determines training needs of Department staff. When directed, conducts 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
Plans and conducts inspections, site visits, sampling/testing, and 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 processed 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. When necessary, recommends enforcement action. Drafts enforcement documents, coordinates, and leads enforcement meetings. Responds to, investigates, and takes steps to resolve complaints.
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 effectively, 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.
Minimum Qualifications
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 6 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 6 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.
Our Organization and Mission
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.
Benefits
Annual and sick leave benefits, nine paid holidays and one personal holiday each year, State Group Insurance coverage options (health, life, dental, vision, and other supplemental insurance), retirement plan options with employer contributions, tuition waivers, and other competitive employee benefits.