Environmental Specialist 1

Whose Hiring: Florida Department of Environmental Protection

Application Deadline: 08/20/2025

Application Information and Link to Apply:

ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST I – 37021066 Job Details | State of Florida

Description:

This is an entry-level environmental professional position in the Mining and Mitigation Program responsible for permitting activities, compliance assistance, and inspection activities. Duties include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Support permitting and reclamation programs that are carried out statewide. Process, evaluate and recommend final action on all assigned mine reclamation conceptual plans, annual reports, notices of disturbance, as-built reclamation reports, dredge and fill permit applications, environmental resource permit applications, compliance/enforcement issues and other environmental and mine documents, in a timely and professional manner, preparing appropriate documentation.
• Perform field evaluations under all types of weather conditions and traverse rough terrain. Inspect and maintain awareness of mining/permitting/reclamation activities/compliance and enforcement and recommend solutions to existing problems.
• Perform or support in field evaluation of wetlands proposed to be disturbed by mining activities, construction activities and remaining natural resources.
• Support in investigating and evaluating complaints relating to all sources of pollution and initiate appropriate action.
• Responsible for the accurate and timely entry of required data and system information into agency databases and Oculus.
• Support in coordination within the department and with other state and federal agencies and interested groups concerning reclamation and mine permitting matters.
• Appropriately represent the Department in meetings and other forums with other agencies, the legislature, and the public.
• Maintain strong knowledge of applicable rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
• Maintain awareness of latest reclamation and restoration technology and native Florida ecosystems.
• Become familiar with Florida wetland plants, hydric soils, and the utilization of hydrologic indicators to identify wetlands.
• Perform land management activities on State Lands such as control of exotic plants, maintaining a native plant nursery, tree planting, property maintenance and security, habitat assessment and equipment maintenance, and participating in prescribed burns.
• Provides technical assistance in the planning, management, and compliance of: (1) lands of the State of Florida that are leased to the Division of Water Resource Management, (2) lands designated as part of the integrated Habitat Network and (3) other land for which the Division of Water Resource Management is the designated managing agency.
• Provide management and other staff members with periodic plans of action and status reports, written or oral, as needed, on assigned areas of responsibility. Assist with updating and verification of applicable files, maps and data accuracy updates or assisting with the updating of files, maps or data. Maintain up-to-date files and computer tracking. Maintain data, statistics, and technology information on all assigned activities and provide to staff, the public, other governmental agencies and the professional community as requested.
• Participates in training activities as required.
• Overnight travel is required.
• Performs related work as required by supervisor.