Position Overview and Responsibilities: ENGINEERING SPECIALIST IV (37010619) Clean Water State Revolving Fund Program Division of Water Restoration Assistance. This position involves engineering work performed within the State Revolving Fund Program. Under the supervision of the Program Administrators and professional engineers, the incumbent will be primarily involved with implementing the State Revolving Fund Loan Programs authorized under Title VI of the Clean Water Act, Section 1452 of the Safe Drinking Water Act, Chapter 403, 1835 F.S. Engineering knowledge is required to assure that the proposed facilities are constructed in accordance with good engineering practice. Travel to project site locations may be required. The incumbent will be required to work 40-hour work weeks, Monday through Friday, and be present for work between the core hours of 9AM – 3PM on site at your workstation.
In carrying out the duties of this position, the incumbent is expected at all times to be aware of and abide by the Department’s Standards of Conduct, as well as any and all departmental and/or work unit rules, directives, policies, procedures, and/or general orders applicable to performing the duties of this position. Compliance with the processing requirements of Chapter 215.422, F.S. is mandatory.
This intermediate position involves engineering and project management work performed within the State Revolving Fund (SRF) Program. Engineering knowledge is required to ensure that the proposed facilities are constructed in accordance with good engineering practice. Under the supervision of the Program Administrator, the incumbent will be primarily involved with implementing the State Revolving Fund Loan Programs authorized under Title VI of the Clean Water Act, Section 1452 of the Safe Drinking Water Act, Chapter 403.1835, F.S., Chapter 403.8532 F.S., and the Small Community Wastewater Construction Grants Program authorized under Chapter 403.1838 F.S.
Ensures proper interpretation of federal/state rules, regulations, and statutes to accomplish their legislative intent and provides uniform application of these rules and guidance (verbal and written comments) to local government officials and their legal, fiscal, administrative, and engineering representatives during the preparation of documentation required under Chapters 62-503, 62-505 and 62-552, F.A.C. Also assists in rule revisions as necessary.
Reviews of planning documents, including sewer system evaluation surveys and site-specific studies, prepared by other engineers and requests for inclusion. The review of these documents includes ensuring the scope of the document is eligible and appropriate. Also, coordinates the interdisciplinary reviews by experts (State Clearinghouse review) representing Department and other governmental agencies. Prepares and publishes environmental information documents, ensuring the environmental information is adequately addressed in compliance with Chapters 62-503, 62-505, and 62-552, F.A.C.
Reviews interlocal agreements, capital finance plans, business plans, public participation documentation, and user charge systems.
Reviews directly plans and specifications and their conformity with facilities planning documentation and provides recommendations to staff Professional Engineers. This review includes establishing conformity of bidding information with plans and specifications and reviewing the value engineering documentation if applicable.
Manages, or oversees the management of, the construction phase of the projects. Responsibilities include reviews of disbursement requests for eligibility and accuracy, reviews of change orders for eligibility, and ensuring that interim and final construction inspections are conducted to ensure the construction is in accordance with the accepted plans and specifications.
Reviews asset management plans and coordinates, as applicable, with other areas in the Department to assess and implement requests for assistance for Capacity Assessment, Source Water Protection, Public Water System Supervision, etc. that are eligible for funding as part of the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund program.
Provides guidance (verbal and written comments) to local government officials and their legal, fiscal, administrative, and engineering representatives during the preparation of documentation required under Chapters 62-503, 62-505, and 552, F.A.C. Also reviews federal and state rules and statutes to ensure they are applied in a uniform manner. Represents the SRF Program at public meetings, public hearings, and workshops, including priority list meetings, SRF outreach workshops, and pre‑bid and pre‑construction meetings, as needed.
Assists with the Drinking Water Infrastructure Needs Survey and Assessment and the Clean Water Needs Survey.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of: the concepts, terminology, principles and analytical techniques of wastewater, stormwater, and drinking water engineering; public works financing concepts and terminology; governmental funding programs for public works; the planning, design, construction and operation of public utility systems; environmental problems and mitigation thereof.
Skill in: professional use of Microsoft Office Suite, primarily Outlook, Word, and Excel.
Ability to: understand and apply applicable rules, policies and procedures particularly those related to implementing the requirements of the Clean Water Act (CWA), Clean Water State Revolving Fund Program (CWSRF), Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), and the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund Program (DWSRF); solve problems relating to wastewater, stormwater and drinking water engineering; plan, organize, prioritize, coordinate and carry out work assignments; communicate effectively verbally and in writing; establish and maintain effective working relationships with others; perform on‑site construction inspections and administrative closeout inspections.
Minimum Qualifications
A valid driver’s license. Travel. At least four years of verifiable related experience. Post‑secondary education from an accredited college or university, with a degree in Engineering, may be used as an alternative for the required four 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.
Applicable Job‑Specific License or Certifications: Must obtain and maintain Florida Certified Contract Manager (FCCM) within one year of hire.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience in managing state agreements and contracts and the state procurement process. Florida Certified Contract Manager (FCCM) status. Knowledge of environmental issues and laws, especially as they relate to water and ecosystem issues in Florida. Excellent communication and people skills. Excellent organization and time management skills. A civil, environmental, chemical, or mechanical engineering degree. Fundamentals of Engineering (FE)/Engineer in Training (EIT) license.
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. 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, including health, life, dental, vision, and other supplemental insurance options; retirement plan options, including employer contributions; tuition waivers; and additional benefits listed on the State website.
Special Notes
DEP is committed to successfully recruiting and onboarding talented and skilled individuals into its workforce. Veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Reasonable accommodation is available.
