OPS ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST III

Florida Department of Environmental Protection; United States; Hybrid; USD 34,440; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

State group insurance participation

401(a) FICA Alternative Plan

Flexible Spending Accounts

Job summary

A state environmental agency in Florida seeks an OPS Environmental Specialist III to manage projects aimed at enhancing water quality through innovative solutions. Responsibilities include overseeing grant agreements, providing technical assistance, and developing effective strategies for watershed restoration. Candidates should have a relevant bachelor’s degree, strong problem-solving skills, and four years of experience. The position offers $25 per hour with a commitment to team collaboration and effective communication in a dynamic work environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum 4 years of verifiable related experience.
• Valid driver’s license required.
• Achieve Florida Certified Contract Manager status within 1 year.

Responsibilities

• Manage grant agreements and associated projects.
• Conduct evaluations and provide technical assistance.
• Develop strategies to improve water quality.

Skills

Problem-solving

Effective communication

Team collaboration

Technical document preparation

Database management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in environmental, engineering, natural/social sciences, or business/finance management

Tools

Microsoft Office (Word, Excel)

Job description

OPS ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST III - 37950300

Requisition No: 869591

Agency: Environmental Protection

Working Title: OPS ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST III - 37950300

Pay Plan: Temp

Position Number: 37950300

Salary: $25 per hour

Posting Closing Date: 02/17/2026

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

OPS ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST III

State of Florida

Department of Environmental Protection

This position is located in Tallahassee, FL

Anticipated Vacancy

Position Overview and Responsibilities:

ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST III (37950300)

Alternative Water Supply & Restoration Program

Division of Water Restoration Assistance

This program develops and manages grant agreements for two grants programs:

• The Legislative Water Projects (LP) Grants Program implements projects resulting from line-item appropriations (legislative appropriations) in the Florida General Appropriations Act. Each year, the Florida Legislature may solicit applications (from governmental entities) directly for “Community Budget Issue Request” projects, including water projects, in anticipation of upcoming legislative sessions. This process is an opportunity to secure legislative sponsorship of project funding through the state budget.
• The Alternative Water Supply (AWS) Grants Program is focused on projects that increase water supplies through development of non-traditional water sources and/or water storage.

This position utilizes knowledge of environmental rules and regulations to assist in the development and implementation of financial assistance agreements for the Alternative Water Supply and Restoration Program’s overall mission to preserve, restore and protect the water quality of Florida. The incumbent will be required to work 40-hour work weeks, Monday through Friday, and be present at the workplace during the core hours of 9AM-3PM.

Serves as project manager for technical projects that have been contracted for by the Department, particularly in the area of water quality and supply projects. Provides technical assistance to governments and their consultants in the development of the contracts and scopes of work and as needed throughout the contract period. Maintains, manages, processes and reports on the status of assigned projects from start to completion. Compiles, facilitates and completes the internal/external evaluation, review, approvals, and processing of technical, scientific, financial and administrative projects, as assigned.

Participate and work effectively as a leader, facilitator, or member of program-approved teams created to facilitate the completion of tasks related to the implementation of watershed restoration, to improve the effectiveness of the operation of the program or to resolve process or work problems.

Develop and critically analyze watershed restoration implementation strategies to reduce pollutants entering receiving waters and assure the protection or restoration of beneficial uses.

Represents the Division at meetings and interagency discussions associated with water-related projects.

Maintains project and funding data in the Enterprise Grants System Program Area Component to properly manage and track grant progress and in order to provide reports to leadership on grants awarded by the Department.

Performs other duties as assigned, which may include database entry, project management, and issue tracking.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of:

• Department contracting procedures and policies
• Grant funding processes

Skill in:

• Professional use of Microsoft Office applications, particularly Word and Excel

Ability to:

• Analyze and solve problems
• Communicate effectively in writing and orally
• Work independently and as part of a team
• Prepare and critique technical documents
• Plan, organize, and prioritize work assignments for successful, timely completion
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others
• Use a database and spreadsheets to analyze information and generate reports, charts, and graphs
• Evaluate and analyze data relating to grant management activities

Minimum Qualifications:

• A valid driver’s 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.

Applicable Job-Specific License or Certifications:

• Achieve and maintain a valid Florida Certified Contract Manager status within 1 year from hiring.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental, engineering, natural/social sciences, or business/finance management.
• Knowledge of wastewater and stormwater treatment practices
• Experience in managing state agreements and contracts and the state procurement process
• Has an active and valid Florida Certified Contract Manager (FCCM) status.
• Knowledge of environmental issues and laws, especially as they relate to water and ecosystem issues in Florida.
• Excellent communication and people skills.
• Excellent organization and time management skills.

Pay:

$25 per hour

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:

Division of Water Restoration Assistance

Douglas Building

3900 Commonwealth Boulevard

Tallahassee, FL 32399

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 benefits package for eligible OPS employees includes:

• Participation in state group insurance (must meet eligibility requirements*).
• State of Florida 401(a) FICA Alternative Plan (tax deferred Retirement Savings Plan, for more information, please visit Corebridge Financial).
• Flexible Spending Accounts;
• And more!

For a complete list of benefits, visit www.mybenefits.myflorida.com.

*Seasonal and part-time OPS employees (less than 30 hours average per week) refer to the links above for detailed eligibility requirements.

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.

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.