Requisition No: 838501
Agency: Environmental Protection
Working Title: ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST II - 37021131
Pay Plan: Career Service
Position Number: 37021131
Salary: $46,350/annually
Posting Closing Date: 10/23/2024
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ENVIRONMENTAL Specialist II (37021131 and 37021130)
State of Florida
Department of Environmental Protection

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 create strong community partnerships, safeguard Florida’s natural resources and enhance its ecosystem.

The Work You Will Do:

The Environmental Specialist III for the Onsite Sewage Program (OSP) plays a crucial role at the Florida Department of Environmental Protection by overseeing the inspection and regulation of septic systems in their service hub. This position ensures that new constructions, repairs, and modifications of septic systems comply with state environmental standards, thereby safeguarding public health and the environment.

This position is located within the Onsite Sewage Program, a vital component of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection's efforts to manage and protect the state's water resources.

Primary Responsibilities:

This is a first level intermediate environmental professional position in the Department’s Onsite Sewage Program responsible for conducting mid to high complexity application and project reviews, site inspections, data entry and analysis, drafting reports, permits, and other correspondence, and assisting with the development and implementation of a statewide environmental regulatory program. The job requires an advanced understanding of scientific principles and skills in applying rules and instructions to accomplish a variety of job functions related to environmental protection and regulation.

The Difference You Will Make:

The Environmental Specialist III for the Onsite Sewage Program is responsible for ensuring that septic systems are properly installed, maintained, and repaired within their local service hub. This role helps prevent the contamination of Florida’s groundwater and surface waters. Properly functioning septic systems prevent untreated wastewater from entering natural habitats, protecting Florida’s diverse ecosystems, including its rivers, lakes, and coastal waters. Clean water is also essential for public health, as it reduces the risk of waterborne illnesses and ensures clean water resources for communities.

How You Will Grow:
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.

Where You Will Work:
This position will be primarily in the field; however, the incumbent will be required to travel to DEP’s Panama City office located at 2420 Jenks Ave., Panama City, FL. at least once per week. The Panama City service hub will primarily serve Jackson, Washington, Bay, Calhoun, Gulf, and Franklin counties. Applicants must reside in one of these counties.

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 (For more information, please click www.myfrs.com);
• Flexible Spending Accounts;
• Tuition waivers;
• And more!

For a more complete list of benefits, visit www.mybenefits.myflorida.com.

Pay:
$46,350/annually

Your Specific Responsibilities:

Duties include but are not limited to:

• Performing routine construction installation inspections and re-inspections for onsite sewage treatment and disposal systems (OSTDS) to ensure compliance with Chapter 62-6, Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.) (“Standards for Onsite Sewage Treatment and Disposal Systems”) and other applicable Florida Statutes and rules.
• Making preliminary site visit to evaluate the property/site for an on-site sewage system installation, which includes determining soil suitability/classification, lot size, water table, percolation rate, drainage, and compliance with other criteria pursuant to Chapter 62-6, F.A.C.
• Reviewing OSTDS permit applications and site evaluation information to establish system construction criteria in compliance with appropriate Florida Statutes and Chapter 62-6 F.A.C.
• Inspecting and evaluating new on-site sewage disposal system installations to ensure adequate tank and drain field capacity, proper elevation, drain field cover, distances from wells, setbacks, and compliance with other criteria pursuant to Chapter 62-6, F.A.C.
• Enters data into the database and issues permits based on the above information within established time frames.
• Issuing permits for the construction, repair, and operation of OSTDS, consistent with the requirements of Chapter 62-6, F.A.C., and other applicable Florida Statutes and rules.
• Inspecting individual sewage disposal system installations at commercial establishments and residences where prior site evaluation revealed limitations to the development of property and thus require a highly specialized installation knowledge of procedures to provide satisfactory service.
• Advising members of the public on OSTDS program requirements and methods of complying with applicable Florida Statutes and rules.
• Conducting follow-up activities to assist OSTDS operators in returning to compliance without enforcement.
• Responding to, investigating, and taking steps to resolve complaints.
• When necessary, recommending enforcement action for violations of applicable Florida Statutes and rules.
• Participating in the drafting of enforcement documents and in enforcement meetings.
• Providing technical assistance in consultation with applicants, contractors, engineers, and other governmental agencies regarding Department rules, guidelines, and policies pertaining to OSTDS.
• Entering documentation and data into designated databases.
• Contributing to the development and maintenance of informational resources and data sets pertaining to OSTDS permit applications, compliance assistance activities, enforcement activities, and regulatory guidance and interpretation.
• Performing work assignments independently and under limited direct supervision
• Performs other duties as needed.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of the terminology, principles, and analytical techniques of the physical or natural sciences or ability to acquire and apply this knowledge through specialized training.
• Knowledge of field sampling techniques for soil, groundwater, surface water, and sediment or ability to acquire and apply this knowledge through specialized training.
• Skills in identifying Florida soils and wet season ground water table determinations using the USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service Soils methodologies or ability to acquire these skills through specialized training.
• Skills in understanding and applying applicable State and Federal statutes, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures relating to environmental programs or ability to acquire and apply these skills through specialized training.
• Skills in determining work priorities to ensure timely completion of work assignments without close supervision.
• Skills in maintaining effective and productive working relationships with others.
• Skills and proficiency in computer operations and programs such as Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point, Access, Share Point, Lists, and Outlook.
• Ability to solve problems and make decisions informed by applicable Florida statutes and rules, forms, guidance, and policies adopted by the Department of Environmental Protection.
• Ability to communicate effectively in a tactful and courteous manner both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to effectively collect, evaluate, analyze, and interpret scientific or technical data or ability to acquire through specialized training the skills needed to conduct these activities.
• Ability to follow directions and policies as established by the Department of Environmental Protection.
• Physical ability to conduct site visits, field inspections, evaluations, and investigations in temperatures and weather conditions typical of Florida and navigating areas with rough terrain.
• Ability to demonstrate personal integrity, responsibility, and accountability.

Required Qualifications:

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in environmental health, environmental science, or a physical or biological science and one year of verifiable related experience; or any combination of post-secondary education or verifiable related experience, as described above, for a total of five years.
• Successful completion of a background and fingerprint check pursuant to sections 110.1127 and 435.04 Florida Statutes and DEP Directive 422.
• Environmental Health Professional Certification in Onsite Sewage Systems, or be a Registered Sanitarian, or the equivalent as required under Section
  381.0101, Florida Statutes, to be obtained within six months of employment

Other Job Related Requirements for this position:

• Valid Driver License
• Ability to travel, including some overnight.

This position is designated as a Position of Special Trust in accordance with DEP-422 (Positions of Special Trust or Responsibility). 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, and also be screened in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 435, F.S. No applicant may begin employment until the background screening results are received, reviewed for any disqualifying offenses, and approved by the Agency.
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 through the following email addresses:

HR_Veterans Preference@dep.state.fl.us
HR_Recruitment@Florida DEP.gov
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). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.
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.
VETERANS’ PREFERENCE. Pursuant to Chapter 295, Florida Statutes, candidates eligible for Veterans’ Preference will receive preference in employment for Career Service vacancies and are encouraged to apply. Certain service members may be eligible to receive waivers for postsecondary educational requirements. Candidates claiming Veterans’ Preference must attach supporting documentation with each submission that includes character of service (for example, DD Form 214 Member Copy #4) along with any other documentation as required by Rule 55A-7, Florida Administrative Code. Veterans’ Preference documentation requirements are available by clicking here. All documentation is due by the close of the vacancy announcement.