Job Description

Requisition No: 877123

Agency: Environmental Protection

Working Title: PROFESSIONAL ENGINEER III - 37011315

Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number: 37011315

Salary: Annual Salary Range: $75,000.00 - $84,083.64 (commensurate with experience)

Posting Closing Date: 07/16/2026

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

PROFESSIONAL ENGINEER III - 37011315

State of Florida

Department of Environmental Protection

This position is located in Tallahassee, FL

and Responsibilities:

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is seeking an experienced, highly skilled Professional Engineer III to join our Division of Waste Management, Permitting & Compliance Assistance Program, Solid Waste Program & Permitting Section in Tallahassee, Florida. This position includes mentoring and assignment management for engineering staff within the Solid Waste Section. You will guide staff development, review technical work products and provide statewide technical assistance to the Division, Districts and delegated counties.

In this leadership-focused engineering role, you will serve as a statewide subject matter expert responsible for the technical review, evaluation, and approval of solid waste management facility permits—including major Class I landfills, waste processing operations, C&D debris disposal facilities, CCR units, and waste-to-energy facilities. Your work directly supports DEP’s mission by ensuring the safe, compliant and environmentally sound design and operation of these facilities across Florida. You will lead engineering analyses, coordinate with district offices, guide consultants and applicants and serve as the technical authority in meetings. This position also provides expert guidance to internal staff, local governments and other stakeholders.

• Manages comprehensive technical reviews, evaluations, and approvals of construction, operation, closure and renewal permit applications. The facilities included in these activities are active, non-delegated Class I landfills and other solid waste facilities co-located at these landfills including solid waste operations such as Class III landfills, waste processing facilities, waste tire facilities, and construction and demolition debris disposal facilities. It also includes solid waste permitting at CCR units, WTE facilities and associated WTE disposal and co-located facilities. Ensures the permitting time clocks for these reviews are achieved. Prepares appropriate correspondence to applicants, local and state officials, local and state agencies, consultants and other in-house Department programs as required. Coordinates with appropriate District office staff on these projects as needed. Leads the engineering analysis and discussion when meeting with applicants, consultants, engineers and others to discuss technical design and regulatory requirements on these projects. Briefs on the status of these permit application reviews and makes recommendations to Program and Division leadership on appropriate agency actions as needed.
• Develop rules and guidelines for statewide solid waste management required by Chapter 403 Florida Statutes. Participates in various task forces and work groups associated with this rulemaking and other rules that are related to solid waste management. Provides guidance and clarification about solid waste rules and regulations, along with Department policies.
• Leads engineering and technical review of permit applications and corrective action documents subject to the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). Ensures the permitting time clocks for these reviews are maintained. Prepares appropriate correspondence to applicants, local and state officials, local and state agencies, consultants and other in-house Department programs as required.
• Responsible for project and contract management for state funded projects. These sites are frequently high profile. In addition to leading technical reviews and comments, the incumbent is responsible for clear communication and coordination with all parties involved, including the district, consultants, local governments, and contractors, as well as Division leadership.
• Manages work assignments and provides review and oversight of the work of engineering staff in the Permitting and Compliance Assistance program. Provides training and mentoring for the professional development of the engineering staff in the program. provides technical assistance to Division and District Solid Waste staff, local government officials, consulting engineers and planning groups regarding solid waste management and RCRA corrective action. Reviews and evaluate specific permit applications when requested by District staff.
• Provides review for the approval or denial of variances and alternate procedures for the solid waste program. This includes evaluating the design, construction and operation information submitted by applicants; coordination of District comments; and formulation of a response for Division Director approval and providing professional engineering certification as needed.
• Make public presentations and participate in seminars, workshops and training sessions to promote proper solid waste management. Serves as a subject matter expert as assigned or requested.
• The incumbent of this position has been identified as emergency Mission Essential Personnel in accordance with Rule 60L-34.0071(3)(e)1. a., F.A.C. and, in that capacity, may be required, on short notice, to perform duties and travel in support of emergency efforts. All leave approved is subject to recall in the occurrence of a major event. Leave should be coordinated with backup/cross-trained staff and approved by management to ensure that DEP essential functions can be performed, if required.
• This position may be placed on-call to remain available to perform essential duties.
• Performs related work as required.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of engineering principles and practices.
• Knowledge of geology, hydrogeology, chemistry and Florida’s groundwater.
• Knowledge of site assessment techniques and methods, including monitoring of well construction and sampling.
• Knowledge of state and federal regulations.
• Skill in project management.
• Skill in effective meeting management and consensus decision making.
• Skill in Microsoft Office software.
• Ability to evaluate comprehensive technical documents.
• Ability to analyze and interpret engineering data.
• Ability to communicate effectively and maintain a working relationship with others.
• Ability to write effectively, in a well-organized, and understandable manner.

Minimum Qualifications:

• At least four years of verifiable related experience in engineering, environmental science or one of the natural sciences and one year of post-registration experience. Post-secondary degrees from an accredited college or university with a major in engineering, environmental science or one of the natural sciences may be used as an alternative for the required five 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
• Travel is required.

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:

Licensed as a State of Florida Professional Engineer under Chapter 471, F.S. Applicant must possess or be qualified to obtain, within one year of employment, an active Florida Certified Contract Manager certification.

Preferred Qualifications:

Two years of post-licensure engineering experience. Strong technical skills, excellent communication abilities and a commitment to environmental protection. Expertise in engineering principles, geology, hydrogeology, chemistry and state/federal environmental regulations.

Pay:

Annual Salary Range: $75,000.00 – $84,083.64 (commensurate with experience)

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:

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.

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.