Working Title: ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST III - 37020574
Pay Plan: Career Service
Position Number: 37020574
Salary: Agency to update
Posting Closing Date: 07/22/2024
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Environmental Specialist III
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 advance Florida’s position as a world leader in protecting natural resources while growing the state’s economy.
The Work You Will Do
The Office of Resilience and Coastal Protection, Environmental Specialist III position provides a professional level of oversight management for the Central Panhandle Aquatic Preserve Office which includes, St. Andrew’s Bay, St. Joseph Bay, Apalachicola Bay and Alligator Harbor Aquatic Preserves, including daily administrative, operational, and supervisory tasks required to accomplish resource protection within the assigned areas.
The Difference You Will Make
This position will help with the long term goals of DEP by supporting water quality and habitat monitoring programs and research and restoration projects; coordinating with regulatory agencies by providing expertise and analyzing impacts of proposed activities, including but not limited to aquaculture leases, docks, and dredging; collaborating with internal and external partners to share knowledge, data, and resources to support common goals; and protecting and maintaining the natural habitats for future generations. The data collection and long-term monitoring you will perform directly supports the management goals and objectives of the Central Panhandle Aquatic Preserves and its partners.
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 position will reside at the Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve, located in Eastpoint, Florida, within Franklin County. The surrounding area is rural and dominated by a working waterfront. Eastpoint is a small community reliant on tourism and the fishing industry. It is located across the bay from the city of Apalachicola and St. George Island. ANERR’s offices are positioned directly on the coast of the St. George Sound and Apalachicola Bay. Less than 5% of a working day is required to travel to locations within the county to perform mission critical duties.
Benefits
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 );
Flexible Spending Accounts;
Tuition waivers;
And more!
For a more complete list of benefits, visit www.mybenefits.myflorida.com .
Pay
The annual salary for this position is $49,000.00
Your Specific Responsibilities
Over-sees, implements and executes all resource management and protection activities in each of the Preserves. Actively participates in research, monitoring and resource management programs within the preserve to address priority management issues. Develops and maintains an inventory of the resources and their condition through field collection of samples, monitoring, sharing of data with other researchers and managers, and review of technical literature and databases. Cooperates with or assists other researchers to maximize the research accomplished. Pursues grants and other sources of funding or assistance to accomplish resource management needs. Operates vehicles, vessels, field equipment and personal computers as required to accomplish these tasks.
Prepares management plans for the Aquatic Preserves, including seeking public input. Participates in planning or reviewing resource management goals and objectives at the central office, department, regional and statewide levels where appropriate, to ensure that site specific issues are addressed by higher level plans and vice versa. Attends and represents the Office of Resilience and Coastal Protection at various meetings, and makes presentations as needed to ensure that the public and other agencies are aware of the site-specific issues and management objectives. Provides technical assistance to departmental, regional or local permitting, planning or enforcement authorities to ensure that regulations are properly implemented, applied and enforced.
Conducts education and outreach activities to better acquaint the public and resource users with the natural resources and resource protection needs of the preserves. Activities may include teaching classes, conducting interpretative field trips, answering phone calls and distributing available literature. Encourages volunteer efforts to assist with resource management needs. Works with the Aquatic Preserve Citizen Support Organization (CSO), Friends of the St. Joseph Bay Preserves to ensure all activities are in accordance with the CSO agreement. Collaborates with ANERR and SJB Buffer Preserve and participates in local festivals or activities that are relevant to the Preserve’s mission. Submits to newsletters and weekly reports, etc.
Develops and updates educational materials such as brochures, field guides, presentations, signage, maps, educational kiosks and programs that support the aquatic preserves.
Administers the field office to accomplish program goals including tracking budget allocated funds, purchasing needed materials, and providing reports required by the central and regional office, department, or granting agency. Prepares time and leave requests, and reviews and approves requests of supervised staff. Remains up to date on all department administrative procedures and ensures that supervised staff are properly trained in administrative and operational procedures. Directs and reviews the work of supervised staff. Ensures that office records and files are properly maintained. Responds promptly to public and agency inquiries and requests.
Develops and manages program grants. Identifies funding needs and opportunities, and attends strategy meetings. Ensures that grant deadlines are met and determines priorities and target dates for information gathering, drafting, editing, revising and submitting proposals. Creates and fulfills an annual work and budget plan.
Maintains strong partnerships and collaborations with regional Preserve managers, stakeholders and local, state and federal government to protect the long-term health and integrity of Florida’s coastal and aquatic environment.
Required Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities
Knowledge and experience in planning and implementing research and resource management projects.
Knowledge and skill in the use of computers and software programs utilized for word processing, spread sheet application and document design, including MS Office programs.
Knowledge of State of Florida administrative reports for tracking, contracts, grants, personnel, vehicles and budgets.
Knowledge of Florida’s ecosystem function (seagrass, marsh, oysters).
Knowledge of employee management skills.
Ability to manage grants.
Ability to understand and apply applicable environmental rules, regulations, policies, and procedures relating to environmental programs.
Ability to develop long-range management plans and to manage multiple simultaneous deadlines.
Ability to collect, analyze and interpret scientific data.
Ability to prepare technical reports or publications.
Ability to plan, organize and coordinate work assignments.
Ability to make technical presentations to professional groups, state and federal agencies, and resource managers concerning the Preserve’s programs and results.
Ability to safely operate and maintain vessels, vehicles, and field equipment.
Ability to effectively supervise, train and motivate staff.
Ability to multitask while responding to quick turnaround deadlines.
Ability to deal with the public, coworkers, and supervisors in a tactful and courteous manner.
Ability to communicate clearly verbally and in writing.
Ability to travel overnight if necessary; and maintain a valid driver license.
Ability to work long hours in sometimes harsh conditions in the field.
Ability to maintain a valid Driver’s License.
Required Qualifications
The incumbent of this position, in accordance with sections 110.1127 and 435.04, Florida Statutes and DEP Directive 422, Background Investigations, is required to successfully complete a background and fingerprint check.
A bachelor’s or master’s degree in biological or natural science and professional experience in the management of natural resource programs; or any combination of post-secondary education or verifiable related experience, as described above, for a total of five years.
SCUBA certification from a nationally recognized institution with experience in scientific diving.
At least two years of experience as a supervisor is preferred. This is a medically monitored position due to diving requirements.
Requirements
Other Job Related Requirements for this position:
Valid Class E driver’s license
This position is designated as a Position of Special Trust in accordance with DEP-422 (Positions of Special Trust or Responsibility). Any applicant being considered for employment must successfully complete a Level 2 State and National criminal history check as a condition of employment before beginning employment, and also be screened in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 435, F.S. No applicant may begin employment until the background screening results are received, reviewed for any disqualifying offenses, and approved by the Agency.
Skills
DEP is committed to successfully recruiting and onboarding talented and skilled individuals into its workforce. We recognize the extensive training, experience, and transferrable 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
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.
Seniority level
Mid-Senior level
Employment type
Full-time
Job function
Management and Manufacturing
Industries
Government Administration
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