Job Description

Requisition No: 870099

Agency: Environmental Protection

Working Title: ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST I - 37021127

Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number: 37021127

Salary: $43,230.00

Posting Closing Date: 02/25/2026

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Environmental Specialist I (37021127)

State of Florida

Department of Environmental Protection

This position is located in Pensacola, FL

and Responsibilities:

The Environmental Specialist I 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 an entry level environmental professional position in the Department’s Onsite Sewage Program responsible for conducting low-to-mid complexity application and project reviews, site inspections, data entry and analysis, drafting reports, permits, and other correspondence. The job requires a general understanding of scientific principles and skills in applying rules and instructions to accomplish a variety of job functions related to environmental protection and regulation.

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.).
• 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.
• 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.
• Investigating complaints and taking the necessary enforcement actions to bring into compliance.
• Providing technical assistance and consults with applicants, contractors, engineers, and other governmental agencies regarding Department rules, guidelines, and policies pertaining to OSTDS.
• Entering documentation and data into designated databases.
• Participating in training activities and continuing education programs to enhance skills and familiarity with program requirements, regulations, and OSTDS technologies.
• Performing work assignments independently and under general 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, PowerPoint, Access, SharePoint, 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.

Minimum Qualifications:

• At least 4 years of verifiable related experience in public or environmental health. Post-secondary degrees may be used as an alternative for the required 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.
• Valid Driver’s License.
• Ability to travel, including some overnight.

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.

Applicable Job-Specific License or Certifications:

Environmental Health Professional Certification in Onsite Sewage Systems, or be a Registered Sanitarian, or be an Environmental Health Technician, or the equivalent under s.381.0101, Florida Statutes, within 6 months of employment.

Pay:

$43,230.00

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. 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:

The Northwest Service Area is located along the Gulf Coast. We proudly serve 16 counties in the Florida panhandle including Bay, Calhoun, Escambia, Franklin, Gadsden, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson, Jefferson, Leon, Liberty, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, Wakulla, Walton and Washington. This position is available in Pensacola; located downtown at 160 W. Government St. Pensacola, FL., 32502.

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);
• Tuition waivers;
• Total Compensation Estimator Tool
• And more!

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

Special Notes:

DEP is committed to successfully recruiting and onboarding talented and skilled individuals into its workforce. We recognize the extensive training, experience, and transferable 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_VeteransPreference@dep.state.fl.us

HR_Recruitment@FloridaDEP.gov

An individual with a disability is qualified if he or she satisfies the skills, experience, and other job-related requirements for a position and can perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation. Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must contact the DEP Human Resources (HR) Office at (850) 245-2511. DEP requests applicants notify HR in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.

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.