ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST III - 37002380

Requisition No: 883096

Agency: Environmental Protection

Working Title: ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST III - 37002380

Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number: 37002380

Salary: $58,833.60

Posting Closing Date: 09/18/2026

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Environmental Specialist III

State of Florida

Department of Environmental Protection

This position is located in West Palm Beach, FL

ANTICIPATED VACANCY

Position Overview and Responsibilities:

This intermediate level environmental position, with guidance from the Coral Reef Conservation Program (CRCP) Manager and Assistant Manager, acting as the Reef Resilience Coordinator, utilizes knowledge of environmental policies, procedures, and practices to provide technical assistance to CRCP. Reports to the CRCP Manager.

Leads the planning and implementation of the Reef Resilience (RR) local action strategy (LAS) projects identified by the Southeast Florida Coral Reef Initiative (SEFCRI) Team and RR-related projects in the Kristin Jacobs Coral Aquatic Preserve (KJCAP) management plan and informs programmatic communications as needed. Leads the planning and implementation of projects that improve the understanding of impacts to Southeast Florida's coral reefs from causes such as coral bleaching and disease, and informs future management strategies to restore coral reef habitats and increase reef resilience and adaptability. Ensures information exchange on topics related to reef resilience, disease, restoration, and any other pertinent information among CRCP staff to assist with project implementation.

Works with numerous partners in both the public and private sectors to further the states efforts in conserving and protecting marine resources in the KJCAP. Works collaboratively, fosters effective communication and exchanges information with intra- and interagency staff, SEFCRI Team members, interested stakeholders, and the general public. Works collaboratively and exchange information with CRCP staff, SEFCRI Team members, and all interested stakeholders. Maintains and establishes new partnerships with a variety of stakeholder groups including resource users, NGO's, educational institutions, and government agencies.

Participates in resilience and restoration-related meetings. Supports the coordination and development of restoration planning and disease and bleaching related disturbance monitoring for KJCAP. Collaborates with partners, the SEFCRI Team and local stakeholders to evaluate and implement adaptive management measures that promote KJCAP ecosystem recovery and resilience. Oversees coordination and implementation of the Southeast Florida Action Network (SEAFAN) for coordinating marine incident response and the SEAFAN BleachWatch Program and observer network. Oversees the planning, coordination, and execution of the Annual Southeast Florida Reef Cleanups and the Southeast Florida Marine Debris Reporting and Removal Program. Maintains DEP Diver qualification as defined by the DEP Underwater Operations Manual, including current medical approval for diving. Participates in restoration and resilience related field work, as well as other CRCP related field work, as required.

Develops and manages grants and/or contracts, provides oversight of contractor(s), tracks budgets and deliverables and ensures progress and completion of all projects, as appropriate. Prepares proposals, budgets, and contracts for assigned projects. Liaises with the Coral Protection and Restoration Program, as necessary. Maintains program and project files and records. Analyzes data, develops and maintains databases, prepares progress and financial reports, and facilitates annual review (and revision, if needed) of assigned core programs and projects. Organizes, facilitates, and participates in SEFCRI or non-SEFCRI related workshops and meetings. Ensures meeting minutes are recorded for all assigned program/project meetings and prepares meeting summaries. Assists with CRCP, KJCAP, and SEFCRI programmatic and strategic planning. Assists with the implementation of other SEFCRI projects and CRCP activities, as directed.

Where appropriate, represents the DEP, Office of Resilience and Coastal Protection, CRCP, KJCAP, and the SEFCRI Team. Attends all necessary DEP, ORCP, CRCP, and SEFCRI meetings and functions. Attends training programs (where funds allow). Assists with education and outreach activities, as needed. Occasional weekend and evening work may be required to support CRCP outreach activities, attend meetings, and field work. Regular local travel throughout Southeast Florida and occasional long-distance travel may be required to perform these duties.

May aid in the event of an emergency at DEP field offices, including pre-storm preparation, post-storm clean-up and replacement of stored goods to ready field office for operation after a storm; or other services assigned.

Snorkels or scuba dives as required.

Other duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of coral reef ecosystems and general marine science or coastal resource management.
• Knowledge of ecological and resource management terminology, principles, and methods with emphasis on coral reef ecosystems.
• Knowledge of coral reef resilience indicators and climate change adaptation planning.
• Knowledge of coral disease and restoration strategies.
• Knowledge of adaptive/sustainable coral reef ecosystems management.
• Experience managing program and project budgets and managing grants and contracts.
• Experience managing large, diverse stakeholder groups.
• Skill in math and analysis.
• Skill in organization, writing, and editing (both technical and colloquial).
• Skill in public speaking and meeting facilitation.
• Skill in PC computers, Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Skill in small boat handling and trailering, or the ability to acquire these skills.
• Skill in SCUBA diving, scientific diving, and experience as a diver for marine science field work.
• Ability to prepare technical reports.
• Ability to understand and apply applicable rules, regulations, policies, and procedures relating to environmental programs.
• Ability to formulate policies and procedures.
• Ability to communicate courteously and effectively with a diverse range of people on a variety of topics.
• Ability to work collaboratively with others and different agencies to implement management recommendations.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to be flexible, multitask, and meet tight deadlines.
• Ability to plan, direct, implement, and manage multiple, multi-year, concurrent projects.
• Ability to work in a team setting and independently.
• Ability to work independently and complete tasks with attention to detail under minimal supervision.
• Ability to determine work priorities, ensure proper completion of work assignments.
• Ability to identify the stony coral and reef fish species of Southeast Florida.
• Ability to lift at least 35 lbs.

Minimum Qualifications:

At least five (5) years of verifiable related experience in marine environmental or biological sciences. Post-secondary degrees from an accredited college or university with a major in marine environmental or biological sciences 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.

Valid Driver License required for regular local travel throughout Southeast Florida and occasional long-distance travel.

Additional screening questions may be required.

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:

Must be a certified scuba diver with Advanced Open Water certification who can provide documentation of at least 50 logged dives. Rescue and Nitrox SCUBA certifications to be obtained within 1 year if not already certified for these ratings.

Must have prior approval and meet the diving and/or snorkeling validation requirements in the DEP Underwater Operations Manual. This position is medically monitored.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master of Science degree in the marine environmental or biological sciences or a related field.
• Skill with ESRI ArcGIS Online and Survey123.
• Experience with citizen science and incident reporting and response programs.
• Knowledge of and experience with coral reef out-planting.
• Rescue and Nitrox scuba certifications

Pay:

$58,833.60

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:

This position is located in West Palm Beach Florida. West Palm Beach is Palm Beach Countys capital city and its cultural center. Its active downtown stretches from a scenic pier on the Lake Worth Lagoon to a waterfront Great Lawn, which hosts a weekly green market, outdoor concerts and this season a 35-foot-tall holiday sandcastle. Dozens of local beaches provide easy access to both the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway. Several State Parks as well as National Parks are in the immediate area as well.

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 www.myfrs.com);
• Tuition waivers;
• Total Compensation Estimator Tool
• And more!

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

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.

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.