Job Description

Requisition No: 853287 

Agency: Environmental Protection

Working Title: ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST III - 37021139

 Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number: 37021139 

Salary: $54,000-56,000 annually (commensurate with experience) 

Posting Closing Date: 06/06/2025 

Total Compensation Estimator 

ENVIRONMENTAL Specialist III

State of Florida

This position is located in Ocala, FL

This advertisement will be used to fill multiple positions.

Position Overview and Responsibilities:

The Environmental Specialist III for the Onsite Sewage Program (OSP) plays a crucial role at the Florida Department of Environmental Protection by overseeing the inspection and regulation of septic systems in their service hub. This position ensures that new constructions, repairs, and modifications of septic systems comply with state environmental standards, thereby safeguarding public health and the environment.

This position is located within the Onsite Sewage Program, a vital component of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection's efforts to manage and protect the state's water resources.

This is a second level intermediate environmental professional position in the Department’s Onsite Sewage Program responsible for conducting application and project reviews of varying complexity, site inspections, data entry and analysis, drafting reports, permits, and other correspondence, and assisting with the development and implementation of a statewide environmental regulatory program. The job requires a specialized understanding of scientific principles and skills in applying rules and instructions to accomplish a variety of job functions related to environmental protection and regulation.

Your Specific Responsibilities:

Duties include but are not limited to:  

• Performing construction installation inspections and re-inspections for onsite sewage treatment and disposal systems (OSTDS) to ensure compliance with Chapter 62-6, Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.) (“Standards for Onsite Sewage Treatment and Disposal Systems”) and other applicable Florida Statutes and rules.  
• Making preliminary site visit to evaluate the property/site for an on-site sewage system installation, which includes determining soil suitability/classification, lot size, water table, percolation rate, drainage, and compliance with other criteria pursuant to Chapter 62-6, F.A.C.  
• Reviewing OSTDS permit applications and site evaluation information to establish system construction criteria in compliance with appropriate Florida Statutes and Chapter 62-6, F.A.C.  
• Inspecting and evaluating new on-site sewage disposal system installations to ensure adequate tank and drain field capacity, proper elevation, drain field cover, distances from wells, setbacks, and compliance with other criteria pursuant to Chapter 62-6, F.A.C.  
• Issuing permits for the construction, repair, and operation of OSTDS, consistent with the requirements of Chapter 62-6, F.A.C., and other applicable Florida Statutes and rules.   
• Inspecting individual sewage disposal system installations at commercial establishments and residences where prior site evaluation revealed limitations to the development of property and thus require a highly specialized installation knowledge of procedures to provide satisfactory service.  
• Advising members of the public on OSTDS program requirements and methods of complying with applicable Florida Statutes and rules.   
• Conducting follow-up activities to assist OSTDS operators in returning to compliance without enforcement.  
• Responding to, investigating, and taking steps to resolve complaints.  
• When necessary, recommending enforcement action for violations of applicable Florida Statutes and rules.  
• Participating in the drafting of enforcement documents and in enforcement meetings.  
• Providing technical assistance in consultation with applicants, contractors, engineers, and other governmental agencies regarding Department rules, guidelines, and policies pertaining to OSTDS.  
• Preparing files for court proceedings.  
• Entering documentation and data into designated databases.  
• Contributing to the development and maintenance of informational resources and data sets pertaining to OSTDS permit applications, compliance assistance activities, enforcement activities, and regulatory guidance and interpretation.  
• Participating in training activities and continuing education programs to enhance skills and familiarity with program requirements, regulations, and OSTDS technologies.   
• Performing work assignments independently and under limited direct supervision  
• Performs other duties as needed.   

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of the terminology, principles, and analytical techniques of the physical or natural sciences.
• Knowledge of field sampling techniques for soil, groundwater, surface water, and sediment. 
• Skills in identifying Florida soils and wet season ground water table determinations using the USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service Soils methodologies. 
• Skills in understanding and applying applicable State and Federal statutes, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures relating to environmental programs.  
• Skills in determining work priorities to ensure timely completion of work assignments without close supervision.
• Skills in maintaining effective and productive working relationships with others.
• Skills and proficiency in computer operations and programs such as Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, SharePoint, Lists, and Outlook.
• Ability to solve problems and make decisions informed by applicable Florida statutes and rules, forms, guidance, and policies adopted by the Department of Environmental Protection.
• Ability to communicate effectively in a tactful and courteous manner both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to effectively collect, evaluate, analyze, and interpret scientific or technical data or ability to acquire through specialized training the skills needed to conduct these activities.
• Ability to follow directions and policies as established by the Department of Environmental Protection.
• Physical ability to conduct site visits, field inspections, evaluations, and investigations in temperatures and weather conditions typical of Florida and navigating areas with rough terrain. 
• Ability to demonstrate personal integrity, responsibility, and accountability. 

  Minimum Qualifications:

• Travel, including some overnight. 
• Valid Driver’s License.
• At least six years of verifiable related experience in environmental science. A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in environmental health, environmental science, or a physical or biological science 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.
• Environmental Health Professional Certification in Onsite Sewage Systems, or be a Registered Sanitarian, or the equivalent as required under Section 381.0101, Florida Statutes, to be obtained within six months of employment.
• Successful completion of a background and fingerprint check pursuant to sections 110.1127 and 435.04 Florida Statutes and DEP Directive 422.

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:

• Environmental Health Professional Certification in Onsite Sewage Systems, or be a Registered Sanitarian, or the equivalent as required under Section 381.0101, Florida Statutes, to be obtained within six months of employment.

Pay:

$54,000-56,000 annually(commensurate with experience)

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:

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 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;
• And more!

For a 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:

HR_VeteransPreference@dep.state.fl.us

HR_Recruitment@FloridaDEP.gov

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 (850) 245-2511. 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.

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. 

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