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 create strong community partnerships, safeguard Florida’s natural resources and enhance its ecosystem.
This posting is for an OPS Environmental Specialist (ES) I. This temporary position will support ES I level work in enhanced data accountability and transparency through timely and accurate data entry, preparation of inspection reports, performance of quality assurance (QA), database updates, and other tasks that directly support the Water Compliance and Enforcement Program (WCEP).
Water and natural resources are the foundation of Florida’s communities, economy, and way of life. The Division of Water Resource Management (DWRM) is responsible for implementing state laws providing for the protection of the quality of Florida’s drinking water, ground water, rivers, lakes, estuaries and wetlands; and the reclamation of mined lands.
DEP encourages its leaders to constantly innovate and seek efficiencies. We believe in supporting and encouraging you as you take on important and often complex projects while offering you the opportunity to gain valuable experience quickly.
The Benefits of Working for the State of Florida: Working for the State of Florida is more than a paycheck. The State’s benefits package for eligible OPS employees includes:
- Participation in state group insurance (must meet eligibility requirements).
- Participation in the Florida Deferred Compensation Plan (457b).
- State of Florida 401(a) FICA Alternative Plan (tax deferred Retirement Savings Plan).
- Flexible Spending Accounts.
Your Specific Responsibilities:
- Accurate and timely entry of required data and system information into agency databases and Oculus.
- Draft basic compliance and enforcement documents.
- Provide outreach and compliance assistance to owners/operators as needed.
- Prepare SOPs, inspection templates, and training documents for District Staff to conduct field inspections at NPDES Wastewater and Stormwater construction sites and industrial facilities consistently across the state.
- Provide file and inspection report review (QA/QC support) to District Offices.
- Assist with the development and presentation of training materials including presentations, guidance, and handouts to provide stormwater inspectors with basic inspection skills.
- Review facility monitoring reports for compliance with permit conditions.
- Investigate complaints and prepare reports, legal notices, and other documents.
- Maintain and update data systems utilized for program management.
- Review permit applications; identify environmental impacts associated with proposed activities; assist in the resolution of environmental issues; draft proposed agency action.
- Evaluate laboratory tests and recommend corrective action.
- Perform related work as required.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Ability to understand and apply applicable regulations, policies, and procedures relating to environmental programs.
- Ability to evaluate, analyze, and interpret technical reports and supporting documentation.
- Ability to determine work priorities and ensure proper completion of work assignments.
- Ability to work independently.
- Ability to prepare technical reports.
- Ability to communicate effectively and professionally, both verbally and in writing.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers and leadership.
- Ability to interact with customers in a tactful and courteous manner.
- Ability to use personal computers.
- Ability to travel and maintain a valid Florida Driver’s license.
- Knowledge of and skill in the use of computers and software programs utilized for word processing, database management, statistical and spreadsheet applications, including MS Office applications Access, Excel, PowerPoint, Word and Outlook.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Valid Driver’s License;
- High school diploma or equivalent.
Preferred Qualifications:
- A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in one of the physical or natural sciences or engineering.
BACKGROUND SCREENING REQUIREMENT: This position is a Position of Trust. Any applicant being considered for employment must successfully complete a Level 2 State and National criminal history check as a condition of employment before beginning employment.
Persons interested in applying for this position must submit a completed State of Florida Employment Application through the People First System.
DEP is committed to successfully recruiting and onboarding talented and skilled individuals into its workforce. We recognize the extensive training, experience, and transferrable skills that veterans and individuals with disabilities bring to the workforce. Veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to contact our recruiter for guidance and answers to questions.
HR_VeteransPreference@dep.state.fl.us
HR_Recruitment@dep.state.fl.us
The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer, and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace.
Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center (1-866-663-4735).
The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act.
