Entry Level Environmental Management Jobs in Florida

Requisition No: 881083 

Agency: Environmental Protection

Working Title: ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST I - 37010705

 Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number: 37010705 

Salary:  43,230.00 to $45,000.12 

Posting Closing Date: 08/20/2026 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST I

37010705

State of Florida

This position is located in Tallahassee, FL

Position Overview and Responsibilities:

This is an entry-level professional position responsible for assisting with the implementation of laws, regulations, and policies of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Stormwater Program. The position is responsible for permitting, compliance and enforcement of Phase II Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4) permits.

Specific responsibilities include the following:

• Compliance: schedule and conduct audits and site inspections of MS4 permittees for compliance with permit requirements and preparing findings based on the audit and requirements of the MS4 permit; review MS4 annual reports and preparing findings; conducting enforcement activities as necessary.
• Meet virtually and in person with the regulated community to provide technical assistance. Educate staff and the public on stormwater management and regulation under the NPDES Stormwater Program. Assist with citizen complaints regarding MS4 concerns.
• Permitting: review applications for consistency with rule requirements, issuing drafts, intent to issue and final permit coverages.
• Assist in the development and improvement of rules, policies and procedures for implementation of the MS4 Program.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of biological, chemical, physical processes and engineering concepts as they relate to water quality and the environment.
• Knowledge and skill in the use of computers and software programs utilized for email, word processing, database management, and spreadsheet applications.
• Ability to prepare technical reports.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to participate in intensive fieldwork, involving long hours and physically taxing conditions.

Minimum Qualifications:

• At least four years of verifiable related experience in environmental regulation, education, engineering, or science. Post-secondary degrees from an accredited college or university 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's License

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:

Florida Stormwater, Erosion, and Sedimentation Control Inspector Program certification. Experience in environmental permitting or compliance. Experience in public speaking.

Pay:

$43,230.00 to  $45,000.12  

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 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.