Job Description

Requisition No: 872273

Agency: Environmental Protection

Working Title: OPS ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST I - 37950108

Pay Plan: Temp

Position Number: 37950108

Salary: $18/hour, 28 hours weekly

Posting Closing Date: 03/27/2026

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

OPS Environmental Specialist I—Bartow

Position Number 37950108

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 Mining and Mitigation Program is responsible for the management of State-Owned Lands leased to DEP’s Division of Water Resource Management. The Environmental Specialist/Land Management Technician will conduct a variety of land management activities to restore previously mined lands to Florida ecosystems. This position includes field work and overnight travel.

The Difference You Will Make:

You will be part of the Mining and Mitigation Program. The program protects Florida’s unique environment by ensuring that proposed mining operations are designed to protect water and wildlife resources, mining operations are conducted in compliance with Florida environmental regulations, and that mines are reclaimed after mining is complete. The program also manages and restores land on thousands of acres.

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:

The Homeland Office is located in Bartow, FL. This position will give you the opportunity to work throughout Polk County. Bartow is a small town in proximity to Tampa and Orlando and popular tourist destinations. Also, with no state income tax, Florida is a great place to work regardless of where you find yourself on the career ladder.

Pay:

$18/hour, 28 hours/week

Your Specific Responsibilities:

• Perform land management activities on State Lands such as herbicide control of invasive plants, maintaining a native plant nursery, tree planting, habitat assessment, and participating in prescribed fires.
• Operation and maintenance of vehicles, equipment and tools.

• Maintain awareness of latest reclamation and restoration technology and native Florida ecosystems.
• Assists regulatory staff in performing field evaluations of conservation easements.
• Assists in environmental response to natural disasters.
• Coordinates with supervisor and other staff members on team projects.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships;
• Ability to interact with coworkers and public in a tactful and courteous manner;
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions;
• Ability to work both independently and as a team;
• Ability to solve problems;
• Ability to use a computer for timesheets, email communication, and training.
• Interest in habitat management, reclamation, restoration, and/or habitat rehabilitation techniques;
• Ability to understand and apply applicable rules, regulations, policies and procedures;
• Knowledge of biological functions related to Florida ecosystems;
• Ability to maintain a valid driver’s license.
• Ability to travel throughout Florida and to work extended hours and endure physically demanding field inspections, including but not limited to traversing difficult upland/wetland terrain.
• ability to pass a work capacity test within one year of employment in order to participate in prescribed fires (test is walking one mile in 16 minutes).

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma.
• A valid driver’s license.

Preferred Qualifications:

• S130/190 Basic Wildland Firefighter Training
• Experience in herbicide treatment of invasive plants
• Experience safely using ATVs, UTVs

Persons interested in applying for this position must submit a completed State of Florida Employment Application through the People First System.

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_ER@dep.state.fl.us

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.