Professional Geologist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Requisition No: 874926 

Agency: Environmental Protection

Working Title: PROFESSIONAL GEOLOGIST I - 37020533 1

 Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number: 37020533 

Salary:  Annual Salary Range: $50,584.67 - $62,000.00 (commensurate with experience) 

Posting Closing Date: 08/05/2026 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

PROFESSIONAL GEOLOGIST I - 37020533

State of Florida

Department of Environmental Protection

This position is located in Tallahassee, FL

Position Overview and Responsibilities:

This is a Professional Geologist I position with a high level of responsibility that plays a critical role in the Department's mission to protect human health and the environment through the assessment and remediation of petroleum-contaminated sites. The position provides technical oversight, project management, and professional geologic certification for state-funded petroleum cleanup projects conducted in accordance with Section 376, Florida Statutes, and Chapter 62-780, Florida Administrative Code. The position requires extensive knowledge of petroleum contamination assessment and remediation, administrative procedures associated with preapproved cleanup as outlined in the BPSS SOP Manual, and the evaluation of technical work products and associated costs. A Florida Professional Geologist license is required to provide technical oversight and professional certification as authorized under Chapter 492, Florida Statutes, for PRP Team 1 activities.

• Oversee the performance of the contamination assessment and remedial action activities for state-funded rehabilitation projects as a Site Manager.  Make recommendations for corrective actions, negotiate changes in the scope of work as required and prepare change orders.  Negotiates site-specific elements with contractors and prepares work orders for said work.  Reviews and approves contractor invoices for completed work.  Monitors the environmental rehabilitation occurring at site and the consultant's efficiency in accomplishing the cleanup in a cost-effective and timely manner, including on-site inspections.
• Provide geology guidance, review, oversight, and project management of work performed by Agency Term Contractors (ATC).  Review geology work products and petroleum cleanup work for consistency with established protocols and program procedures on a regular basis. Identify and highlight any such deficiencies or discrepancies. Make recommendations regarding the implementation of remedial strategies and evaluations regarding ongoing projects. Develop and implement corrective procedures as appropriate. Help identify areas and help develop guidance documents for PRP.  Review and evaluate scopes of work authorized and management of in progress work for proper procedure adherence. 
• Respond to specific requests for assistance from the ATCs, as well as Division of Waste Management staff and leadership.
• Provide geology document review support to the contracted cleanup counties on an as needed basis. Help coordinate and supervise such reviews when performed by other than county cleanup staff.  Perform technical reviews of PRP documents when necessary.
• Help develop and implement a continuing training program for geology for the PRP. Provide such training in the most appropriate format based upon specific requirements.
• Perform other duties as required.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of Geologic and Hydrogeologic concepts and principles.
• Knowledge of the Petroleum Cleanup provisions of Section 376, F.S. and applicable Department rules and guidance. 
• Skill in using personal computers.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a diverse group of professionals.
• Ability to plan and organize a complex workload.
• Ability to understand and apply applicable rules, regulations, policies and procedures. 
• Ability to analyze and interpret scientific and technical data.
• Ability to conduct inspections.
• Ability to maintain OSHA HAZWOPER certification.
• Ability to successfully draft/evaluate complex and/or controversial permits or similar compliance concerns with enough expertise for managing complex issues.
• Ability to provide guidance and/or training on complex and/or controversial permits or similar compliance concerns.

Minimum Qualifications:

• At least four years of verifiable related experience in geology, environmental science, or one of the natural sciences. Post-secondary degrees from an accredited college or university with a major in geology, environmental science, or one of the natural 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's License
• Travel is 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 licensed in the state of Florida as a Professional Geologist.
• OSHA Certification successfully obtained within six months of employment.
• Florida Certified Contract Manager (FCCM) Certification successfully obtained within one year of employment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• OSHA Safety Certification
• Florida Contract Manager Certification.
• Experience with OCULUS, STCM, FIRST, and MapDirect.

Pay:

Annual Salary Range: $50,584.67 - $62,000.00 (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 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.

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.