environmental specialist i

Requisition No:

Agency: Environmental Protection

Working Title: ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST I

 Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number:

Salary:  $43,230.00 

Posting Closing Date: 11/04/2025 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

Environmental Specialist I
State of Florida
Department of Environmental Protection, Northwest District
This position is located in Tallahassee

Position Overview and Responsibilities:
This is entry-level professional position performing scientific tasks under general supervision. The job requires skills in applying instructions to accomplish different job functions and a general understanding of scientific principles within the Environmental Resource/National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Stormwater Compliance Program. The incumbent, with moderate supervision, is expected to:
Facility Compliance:  In general, this position will conduct a high volume of low complexity inspections and file/data reviews.

• Plans and conducts inspections, site visits and other required field work, or conducts records reviews necessary for compliance evaluations.  This includes, but is not limited to, reviewing permit files, reports, and other documents, as well as performing calculations and technical reviews. When necessary, makes enforcement recommendations to supervisor.
• Conducts follow-up activities to assist facilities in returning to compliance without enforcement.
• Responds to, investigates, and takes steps to resolve complaints.
• When necessary, recommends enforcement action. Participates in the drafting of enforcement documents and participates in enforcement meetings.
• Supports, participates, and assists in the execution of compliance assistance workshops for the regulated community.

Training:

• Participates and assists with internal training events/activities to gain the essential skills needed to determine the compliance status of regulated facilities. This includes participating in safety events, job shadowing, on the job training and team building initiatives as directed by management.
• Is a self-advocate for training, and partners with appropriate district staff to learn about multiple DEP program areas.

Report Processing:

• Produces timely and accurate documentation of file reviews, inspections, site visits or field work. Enters documentation, compliance data and resolution actions into the designated database.
• Reviews required reports, test reports and notices for regulated facilities. Ensures the reviews are accurate, completed timely and are entered into the designated database. Processes reports in accordance with established program rules, requirements, and policies.

Performs other duties as needed.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

1. Knowledge of the terminology, principles, and analytical techniques of the physical or natural sciences.
2. Ability to understand and apply applicable State and Federal rules, regulations, policies, and procedures relating to environmental programs.
3. Skill in collecting, evaluating, analyzing and interpreting scientific or technical data.
4. Ability to conduct field inspections/investigations that may involve working outdoors for extended periods of time in temperatures and weather conditions typical of Florida and navigating areas with rough terrain.
5. Ability to identify soils, plants and wildlife in aquatic and wetland ecosystems found in Florida.
6. Knowledge of field sampling techniques for soil, groundwater, surface water, and sediment.
7. Ability to serve the public, DEP's stakeholders and each other in a courteous and timely manner.
8. Ability to communicate effectively and professionally, both verbally and in writing.
9. Ability to maintain effective and productive working relationships with others.
10. Skill in dealing with conflicts, confrontations, and disagreements in a positive manner.
11. Ability to effectively prepare, prioritize, and organize work, meetings, and projects to meet deadlines and quality expectations.
12. Ability to effectively solve problems and make competent decisions.  
13. Ability to demonstrate personal integrity, responsibility, and accountability.
14. Skill and proficiency in computer operations and programs such as MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, SharePoint and Outlook.

Minimum Qualifications: 

• Valid Driver License and to travel.
• At least 4 years of verifiable related experience in Environmental/Regulatory and or Engineering. Post-secondary degrees from an accredited college or university with a major in Natural Science, Environmental Science or Engineering 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.
• Must obtain DEP's Certified Wetland Evaluator Certification within 1 year.

Pay:
Annual salary - $43,230.00

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 Northwest District is located along the Gulf Coast. We proudly serve 16 counties in the Florida panhandle including Bay, Calhoun, Escambia, Franklin, Gadsden, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson, Jefferson, Leon, Liberty, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, Wakulla, Walton and Washington. This district has three offices located in Pensacola, Panama City and Tallahassee. This position is available in the NWD branch office, located at 3900 Commonwealth Blvd., Tallahassee, FL

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 );
• Tuition waivers;
• Total Compensation Estimator Tool
• And more

For a more complete list of benefits, visit 

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:

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 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 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 , 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.