Requisition No: 885225
Agency: Environmental Protection
Working Title: ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST III - 37000303
Pay Plan: Career Service
Position Number: 37000303
Salary: $53,580.60
Posting Closing Date: 10/11/2026
Environmental Specialist III – 37000303
The primary responsibility of this environmental specialist position is to evaluate the potential for adverse impacts to coastal ecosystems associated with projects that require Joint Coastal Permits (JCP) ) or Environmental Resource Permits (ERP) and their associated sovereignty submerged lands authorizations where applicable. This position requires. This position requires expertise in marine ecology in order to evaluate the effects of activities such as beach nourishment, inlet management, ocean fishing piers and shoreline structures on marine, beach and wetland habitats. The incumbent of this position is expected to maintain expertise in the statutes, rules and policies related to this program, pursuant to Chapter 120, 161, 253, 258, 373 and 403, Florida Statutes. The ability to interpret these statutes and the associated rules in order to recommend appropriate agency action is required, as is the ability to resolve conflicts between commenting agencies.
Conducts the regulatory review and processing of JCP and ERP applications, as well as the co-processing of authorizations to use sovereign submerged lands in accordance with relevant statutes, rules, and procedures. Coordinate with personnel from the Office of Resilience and Coastal Protection (ORCP), other branches of the Department and other agencies to ensure timely completion of the application review process. Reviews applications for completeness and prepares requests for additional information required to fully understand the proposed projects. Evaluate the potential impacts of these proposed projects and determine if they meet all issuance criteria as specified by statute and rule. Collaborate with applicants to minimize impacts and to offset any unavoidable impacts through mitigation. Prepare written reports addressing these impacts and criteria. Once approved by management, draft the documents for intended and final agency action. Maintain ongoing communication with supervisors and applicants regarding projects status and deadlines.
Coordinates with applicants and with appropriate personnel from ORCP, the Department, and other agencies prior to permit application to discuss the potential impacts, design, and feasibility of future projects. Works with a prospective applicant and appropriate agency personnel to develop designs that avoid or minimize adverse environmental impacts.
Inspects project sites (as appropriate) from the land, air, and water (including snorkeling) to assess coastal conditions in order to determine the most appropriate response to proposed activities requiring a permit. Conducts on-site inspections during the application phase of a project to evaluate the potential for impacts to biological resources and water quality. Conducts post-issuance inspections to assess the actual impacts and to determine compliance with the permit. Documents the inspections with photographs and field reports.
Maintains professional knowledge of marine ecology, habitat restoration, wildlife protection, dredging technologies and the statutes, rules, and policies of the Program.
Represents the Program in meetings or forums with local, state, and federal governmental representatives and public interest groups. Participates in administrative hearings, as an expert witness, regarding projects evaluated. Prepare responses to applicants or concerned citizens regarding issues related to our projects or programs. Assists in the development of rules and policies necessary for the implementation of the Program.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Additional reviews may be performed to screen for preferred qualifications, experience and education. You may be contacted to participate in an additional selection process which may consist of written exercises, work samples, skills tests, and interviews. Support of knowledge, skills, and abilities should be demonstrated on the application, in the education, in the work experience, in the work sample, in the interview and/or during reference checks.
$53,580.60
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.
Tallahassee, Florida’s Capital City, lined with rolling hills, oak trees, and canopied roads combine old world charm with a modern pace of life. Home to two major universities as well as state government, Tallahassee is a mid-sized city in the heart of Florida’s Big Bend. Tallahassee is a highly desirable location for both those seeking their first job or those ready to enter the next exciting chapter in their career.
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:
For a complete list of benefits, visit www.mybenefits.myflorida.com
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.
Rick Sanborn, HR Liaison
Office of Resilience and Coastal Protection
Florida Department of Environmental Protection
Richard.Sanborn@floridadep.gov
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.
Join Florida’s talented workforce to fulfill your professional goals and achieve a meaningful career. Our talented public servants work hard to serve more than 19 million residents across Florida, and you, too, can realize success in the Sunshine State.
Working in Florida’s state government means being responsive to the issues impacting the taxpayers of our state. Florida’s state government boasts both fast-paced work environments in which critical thinking and creative problem-solving are a must as well as steady employment opportunities that prize consistent service to our state’s residents. In some positions, state employment means being able to influence policy decisions and help implement change. In others, state employment means being the reliable resource that our taxpayers have come to expect from Florida’s public servants. All positions offer the ability to gain valuable experience quickly, improving your overall skillset. The State of Florida is seeking individuals with leadership skills, creativity and dedication to their fellow Floridians and individuals who recognize the professional development opportunities and achievements possible through state service.
Florida boasts the third largest population in the country and is richly diverse in both population and landscape. With an award-winning park system, warm weather and beautiful bodies of water, Florida is the perfect environment for recreational activities and outdoor enthusiasts. Our favorable tax climate means your income goes further and our business-friendly policies foster private sector growth. Joining Florida’s talented, diverse workforce provides the opportunity to achieve your professional goals while living in a state that values quality of life, culture and recreation. For employment opportunities with the State of Florida, visit https://jobs.myflorida.com.
