Job Description

Requisition No: 871586

Agency: Environmental Protection

Working Title: ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST III - 37021089

Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number: 37021089

Salary: $58,833.60

Posting Closing Date: 03/15/2026

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ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST III

State of Florida

Department of Environmental Protection

ANTICIPATED VACANCY

“INTERNAL AGENCY ONLY”

This position is located in Orlando, FL

and Responsibilities:

This is an intermediate level environmental position in the Submerged Lands and Environmental Resource Program (SLER) within the Division of Water Resource Management. The SLER Program is responsible for the administration of the environmental resource permitting program as authorized in Part II of Chapter 373 and Part IV of Chapter 403, Florida Statues and set forth in Title 62, Florida Administrative Code.

Primary Responsibilities:

Coordinates the review and processing of water quality enhancement area (WQEA) and similar applications that are assigned to the program. Process, evaluate and recommend final action on all assigned WQEA and other permit applications, monitoring and progress reports, modification requests, compliance/enforcement issues and other submittals and documents, in a timely and professional manner, as well as preparing appropriate documentation to support the recommended action. Performs field evaluations of proposed projects and permitted sites. Ensures consistency within the program, and within the Water Management Districts (WMDs).

Help to identify improvements and consistency initiatives that can be implemented within the program and within the WMDs related to WQEAs and other Environmental Resource Permits. Investigate and evaluate complaints relating to WQEAs, other permits, and initiate appropriate action. Performs field evaluations under all types of weather conditions and transverse rough terrain. Inspects and maintains awareness of assigned projects and recommend solutions to problems related to the assigned projects. Assists engineers and scientists located in the Department's Regulatory District Offices and the Water Management Districts in the review of ERP applications to ensure consistent and accurate implementation of ERP rules and statutes.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of biological, chemical, and physical processes as they relate to water quality and the aquatic environment.
• Knowledge of physical and natural sciences relative to environmental resources and water quality; Rules and statues governing the State’s regulatory and proprietary programs; Computers; Microsoft application suite; training techniques and principles.
• Skills: Effective verbal and written communication techniques; organization and coordination; Analytical capabilities.
• Ability to: Effectively communicate verbally and in writing; Prepare clear, concise, and articulate procedures, rules, letters, and reports; Effectively use computers and computer software; Establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff and the public; Work independently; Collect; analyze, and synthesize scientific and technical data; Understand and apply rules, directives, policies, and procedures; Work well under pressure and meet deadlines; Be detail-oriented; Ability to review, understand, and relate to area of expertise to an analysis of potential resource impacts from proposed projects and identify solutions to address the potential impacts; Ability to receive and maintain a DEP Certified Wetland Evaluator certification.

Minimum Qualifications:

Six years of related professional experience OR Any combination of post-secondary education or verifiable related experience, as described above, for a total of 6 years.

Ability to travel

A valid Florida driver’s license

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.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Minimum of 3 years of experience related to the Environmental Resource Program (permitting, compliance, enforcement and state lands) or similar state or Federal dredge and fill program experience.
• Experience with Florida’s Delineation of the Landward Extent of Wetlands and Surface Waters rule, Chapter 62-340, Florida Administrative Code.
• Experience with Florida’s Uniform Mitigation Assessment Method rule, Chapter 62-345, Florida Administrative Code.
• Experience with the rules and statutes governing the State’s regulatory and proprietary programs.
• Experience with GIS and Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, and Power Point.
• Ability to acquire and maintain a DEP Certified Wetlands Evaluator certification.

Pay:

$58,833.60

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 position is located in the Department’s Central District office in Orlando, Florida. Orlando is the perfect destination to start a new life for you and your family. Orlando is known for its breathtaking scenery, amazing attractions, and a casual and laid-back atmosphere. The city is home to numerous events and festivals throughout the year, so you always have something to do or places to explore.

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.

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.