ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST I - 37020979

State of Florida; Orlando (FL); On-site; USD 41,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection in Orlando seeks an Environmental Specialist I to support regulatory programs by conducting inspections, providing technical assistance, and processing permitting documents. This entry level role emphasizes organization, time management, and collaboration across internal teams.

The position requires a valid driver's license, 4+ years of related experience, and willingness to travel.

Qualifications

• Valid driver license.
• At least 4 years of verifiable related experience.
• Foreign degrees require credential evaluation report.
• Willingness to travel, including overnight.

Responsibilities

• Plan and conduct inspections of low complexity facilities to assess compliance.
• Provide compliance assistance and education to regulated facilities.
• Develop and deliver training materials and participate in workshops.
• Review permits and related technical documents for assigned programs.

Skills

Regulatory compliance knowledge

Communication skills

Time management

Independent work

Field inspections

Job description

Requisition No: 883469

Agency: Environmental Protection

Working Title: ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST I - 37020979

Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number: 37020979

Salary: $45,290.04 - $45,290.16

Posting Closing Date: 09/18/2026

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST I

STATE OF FLORIDA

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

This position is located in Orlando, FL

PENDING VACANCIES

Position Overview And Responsibilities

In carrying out the duties of this position, the incumbent is expected at all times to be aware of and abide by the Department’s Standards of Conduct, as well as any and all departmental and/or work unit rules, directives, policies, procedures, and/or general orders applicable to performing the duties of this position. The incumbent is also expected to actively support and work toward fulfilling the Agency’s affirmative Action objectives. This entry level environmental position will exhibit and implement strong organizational and time management skills. Supports the Central District’s mission, goals, and values.

External Compliance Assistance, Outreach, Training, and Partnership Implementation

– Targets specific areas of regulatory noncompliance within the Central District and coordinates compliance assistance efforts with that industry.

• Conducts compliance/technical assistance site visits of low complexity regulated facilities to increase compliance rates.
• Seeks and cultivates positive partnering relationships with industry and regulated facilities to increase or maintain the highest possible compliance rates.
• Provides education and guidance to residential, commercial, institutional, and public sectors. When available, arrange for the application of CEUs and the like towards outreach participants’ licensure.
• Supports, develops, participates, and/or assists in the execution of compliance assistance workshops for the regulated community.

Internal Training, Consulting, and Organizational Improvement-

Supports efforts to determine training needs of Department staff.

• When directed, conduct peer review of work products for accuracy.
• Provides technical assistance as needed. Internal assistance includes training and providing technical assistance to Department staff.
• Evaluates and makes recommendations on training material and methodology. Develops and refines training aids such as SOPs, manuals, and handbooks.
• Participates, develops, and leads training activities and safety events. Facilitates learning through a variety of delivery methods including classroom instruction, virtual training, on-the-job coaching, job shadowing, and team building initiatives.
• Participates in training and is a self-advocate for training needs. Partners with appropriate district staff to learn about multiple DEP program areas.

Compliance – In general, this position may conduct inspections at facilities and sites known to be low complexity in multiple program areas.

• Plans and conducts inspections, site visits, sampling/testing, and/or other required field work. Reviews permitting files, reports, and other documents applicable to the inspection. Makes calculations and technical evaluations to determine compliance status of regulated facilities.
• Produces timely and accurate documentation of inspections, site visits, or field work. Reports are to be processed in accordance with established program rules, requirements, and policies. Enters inspection documentation, compliance data and resolution actions into the designated databases.
• Provides compliance assistance to regulated facilities before, during, and after inspections. Conducts follow up visits as needed to assist facilities with returning to compliance without enforcement.
• When necessary, recommends enforcement action. Drafts enforcement documents, coordinates, and leads enforcement meetings.
• Responds to, investigates, and takes steps to resolve complaints.

Permitting and Waste Cleanup – In general, this position may review and process low complexity permit applications and technical documents in multiple program areas.

• Reviews permit applications, plans, specifications, and reports for assigned programs.
• Ascertains that all Department rules are met.
• Reviews technical aspects of projects to determine that all materials and methods described in the application package are addressed, complete and suitable to the circumstances and in accordance with sound engineering practices and principles and particularly in accord with specific engineering publications referenced in Department rules.
• Updates permitting data/records in all applicable data management systems.
• Recommends issuance or denial of permits as appropriate.
• Ensures that Chapter 120, Florida Statutes, deadlines, and district metrics are met.
• Conducts permit determinations and communicates final decision with the facility/site owner.
• Coordinates with Compliance staff and supports inspections to determine compliance with permit.
• Writes Requests for Additional Information permit documents and other correspondence clearly and professionally as needed.

Technical Assistance

Provides technical assistance to applicants, Utilities, and engineers as regards to department rules, guidelines, and policies on regulated entities.

Performs related duties as required. including the conducting of meetings, data management, record keeping and streamlining of office procedures and document production.

Performs other duties as needed.

Required Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Knowledge of the terminology, principles, and analytical techniques of the physical or natural sciences.
• Ability to determine work priorities and ensure proper completion of work assignments.
• Ability to understand and apply applicable regulations, policies and procedures relating to environmental programs.
• Ability to communicate in a tactful and courteous manner bothverbally and in writing.
• Ability to evaluate, analyze and interpret scientific and technical data.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to physically conduct field inspections/investigations.
• Ability to work well with people.
• Knowledge of the Department’s compliance and enforcement policies and procedures.
• Skill and proficiency in computer operations and programs.

Minimum Qualifications

• Valid driver license
• At least 4 years of verifiable related experience. Post-secondary degrees may be used as an alternative for the required 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.
• Vendor Invoice, Chapter 215.422 F.S.
• Ability to travel, including some overnight

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

Upon appointment must complete initial OSHA 24-hour HAZWOPER and OSHA 8-hour HAZWOPER refresher annually thereafter.

Pay

$45,290.04 - $45,290.16

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 CD encompasses over 9,000 square miles and is home to North America’s most diverse estuary, the Indian River Lagoon, as well as five first magnitude springs (Silver Springs, Rainbow, Silver Glen, Volusia Blue and Alexander) and 11 Outstanding Florida Waterways. We also enjoy having seven aquatic preserves and 14 state parks within CD boundaries. Our unique and diverse district also incorporates some of the largest tourism destinations in the country. CD strives to safeguard Florida’s natural resources, while creating strong community partnerships to provide a healthy and sustainable environment that is accessible to Floridians and visitors alike.

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 .

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:

[e-mail]

[e-mail]

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 [phone]. 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.