Entry Level Conservation Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Requisition No: 877740 

Agency: Environmental Protection

Working Title: ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST I - 37010422

 Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number: 37010422 

Salary:  $3,774.18 Mo. / $45,290.16 Yr. 

Posting Closing Date: 06/21/2026 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST I

State of Florida

Department of Environmental Protection

This position is located in Fort Myers, FL

Multiple Vacancies

Position Overview and Responsibilities:

• The Florida Department of Environmental Protection protects, conserves and manages the state's natural resources and enforces its environmental laws. Each position works together as a whole to advance Florida's position as a world leader in protecting natural resources while growing the state's economy. 
• These are entry-level environmental positions performing professional work and basic scientific tasks under general supervision in the district's Permitting Program and Compliance Assurance Program. This position is responsible for processing permit applications and/or conducting compliance inspections for the Department's Submerged Lands and Environmental Resource Coordination (SLERC) Program. The job requires skills in applying instructions to accomplish different job functions and a general understanding of scientific principles. In carrying out the duties of this position, the incumbent is expected at all times to be aware of and abide by the Department's Standards of Conduct, as well as any and all departmental and/or work unit rules, directives, policies, procedures, and/or general orders applicable to performing the duties of this position.

• Permitting Program Position: In general, this position will review and process a high volume of low-complexity permit applications. Ensures work products (file reviews, inspections, site visits, field work, reports, documents, etc.) are accurate, completed timely and are entered into the designated database. Reports are to be processed in accordance with established program rules, requirements, and policies. Duties relate to the administration of the permitting and/or compliance enforcement activities within the Submerged Lands and Environmental Resource Coordination Program applications and/or compliance and enforcement activities pertaining to dredging and filling activities in, on, or over wetlands or surface waters, sovereignty submerged land authorizations, wetland determinations, and mangrove trimming activities, which includes reviewing all data and information to determine compliance with Chapters 403, 373, 253, 258, F.S; Chapters 62-302, 62-330, 62-340, 62-345, 18-18, 18-20, 18-21, of the Florida Administrative Code.

• Compliance Assurance Program Position: In general, this position will conduct a high volume of low complexity inspections and or file/data reviews and takes action to resolve complaints. Plans and conducts inspections, site visits, and/or other required field work, or conduct 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, make enforcement recommendations to the supervisor. Provides compliance assistance to regulated facilities before, during, and after inspections. Conducts follow up activities to assist facilities in returning to compliance without enforcement. Responds to complaints in a prompt and effective manner, investigates, and takes steps to resolve the matter. When necessary, recommend enforcement action. Participate in the drafting of enforcement documents and participate in enforcement meetings.

• Supports, participates, and/or assists in the execution of compliance assistance workshops for the regulated community.

Working hours: (A) Daily from Monday to Friday - 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (B) Total hours in workweek 40 (C) Eligible for Flexible Workweek. This position is not eligible for teleworking.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of the terminology, principles, and analytical techniques of the physical or natural sciences. 
• Knowledge of data collection and analysis principles and procedures.
• Ability to collect, evaluate, analyze, and interpret scientific or technical data.
• Ability to prepare technical and programmatic reports.
• Ability to use personal computers.

• Ability to understand and apply applicable rules, regulations, policies, and procedures relating to environmental programs.
• Ability to understand and follow legislative policy direction as established in Florida Statutes.
• Ability to deal with the public in a tactful and courteous manner.
• Ability to work independently or in a team.
• Ability to plan, organize and coordinate work assignments.
• Ability to communicate effectively in writing and verbally.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to utilize problem-solving techniques.
• Ability to work outdoors for extended periods of time in temperatures and weather conditions typical of South Florida.
• Ability to perform field inspections include climbing ladders and stairs, walking on slopes, lifting and carrying 40 pounds over a distance of up to 100 yards.
• Ability to use safety equipment.
• Ability to conduct and complete work assignments without close supervision.
• Ability to track and coordinate multiple projects.
• Ability to be adaptable, flexible, resourceful and to maintain a positive outlook.

Minimum Qualifications:

• At least 4 years of verifiable related experience in regulatory inspection/compliance/permitting or other professional related experience. Post-secondary degrees from an accredited college or university with a major in a natural or physical 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.

• The ability to successfully complete a Level 2 State and National criminal history background check.

• Valid Driver License
• Travel is required, including overnight
• Must adhere to the DEP Snorkeling Policy and Directive 710 and Motor Vehicles/Watercraft Assignment and Utilization Directive 620.

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.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Minimum of one year of regulatory inspection/compliance/permitting or other professional related experience.
• Knowledge of state and federal regulations pertaining to State Lands and Environmental Resource Coordination Program (SLERC).
• Knowledge of Chapters 403, 373, 253, 258, Florida Statutes (F.S.), Rules Chapters 62-302, 62-330, 62-331, 62-340, 62-345, 18-14, 18-20, 18-21, and other applicable Florida Administrative Codes (F.A.C.).
• Skill and experience in using GIS software products, such as ESRI ArcMap 10.x, to prepare maps and in using portable GPS units to locate geographic or natural resource features.
• kill and experience in the identification of wetland ecosystems and the delineation of wetlands: plant identification, hydric soil identification, and wetland hydrology.
• Ability to evaluate, analyze, and interpret aerial photography, site plans and drawings.
• Knowledge of potential environmental impacts which result from construction.
• Ability to snorkel.
• Skilled at performing field inspections.

Pay:

$3,774.18 Mo. / $45,290.16 Yr.

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:

South District - The South District Office is located in Fort Myers. Fort Myers is popular for its great beaches that line the Gulf Coast, shopping and fishing.  Attractions include the historic Henry Ford and Thomas Edison estates, downtown Fort Myers, with its many restaurants and nightlife, as well as nearby Naples and the islands of Captiva and Sanibel. It is a sports enthusiast haven as the Spring Training home of the Boston Red Sox and Minnesota Twins. The South District covers 8 counties (Lee, Collier, Charlotte, DeSoto, Sarasota, Hendry, Glades and Highlands). 

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 more complete list of benefits, visit www.mybenefits.myflorida.com.

To learn more about different DEP career opportunities, visit https://floridadep.gov/adm/hr/content/career-opportunities-0

To learn more about the DEP South District office, please access the following link: https://floridadep.gov/south

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_ER@dep.state.fl.us

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.