ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST I

The Environmental Specialist I position at the Florida Department of Environmental Protection in Jacksonville, FL, is an entry-level role focused on evaluating environmental resource permit applications for compliance with regulations. Responsibilities include producing permits, conducting site inspections, and providing technical assistance. Candidates should have a bachelor's degree and effective communication skills. The role offers opportunities for professional growth within a collaborative work environment dedicated to environmental stewardship.
About the position

The Environmental Specialist I position at the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is an entry-level professional role within the Permitting Program. This position is primarily responsible for conducting permitting activities related to Environmental Resource Permitting (ERP). The DEP is dedicated to environmental management and stewardship, aiming to protect Florida's air, water, and land while promoting economic growth. The vision of the DEP is to establish Florida as a leader in environmental protection. In this role, the Environmental Specialist I will review and evaluate state environmental resource permit applications to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations. This includes producing basic permits and documents, requesting additional information when necessary, and performing site inspections to support permit application evaluations. The specialist will also be responsible for accurately entering required data into agency databases and providing technical assistance to the compliance assurance program. The position requires effective communication skills, both verbal and written, to interact with customers and maintain professional relationships with co-workers and leadership. The DEP encourages innovation and efficiency, providing opportunities for professional growth and valuable experience in environmental management. The work environment is collaborative, focusing on creating connections and celebrating successes in protecting Florida's natural resources.

Responsibilities
• Review and evaluate state environmental resource permit applications for compliance with regulations.
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• Produce basic permits and documents, and request additional information as needed.
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• Perform site inspections to support permit application evaluations.
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• Accurately enter required data into agency databases and systems.
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• Provide technical assistance to the compliance assurance program.
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• Offer regulatory assistance to permittees and other stakeholders.
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• Participate in training activities as required.
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• Perform related work as assigned by the supervisor.

Requirements
• A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
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• One year of verifiable related experience, or a combination of education and experience totaling five years.
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• Knowledge of environmental or natural sciences terminology and principles.
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• Ability to collect, evaluate, analyze, and interpret scientific or technical reports.
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• Proficiency in preparing technical reports and using Microsoft Office Suite.
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• Understanding of applicable regulations, policies, and procedures related to environmental programs.
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• Ability to work independently and prioritize work assignments.
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• Effective communication skills, both verbally and in writing.
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• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Nice-to-haves
• Experience in environmental resource permitting or related fields.
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• Familiarity with data collection and analysis principles.
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• Experience in customer service or public outreach.

Benefits
• Dental insurance
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• Flexible spending account
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• Paid holidays
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• Retirement plan
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• Vision insurance