Watershed Restoration Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Requisition No: 881125 

Agency: Environmental Protection

Working Title: ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANT - 37010823

 Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number: 37010823 

Salary:  $4,582.95 monthly 

Posting Closing Date: 08/21/2026 

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ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANT

State of Florida

Department of Environmental Protection

This position is located in Tallahassee, FL

Position Overview and Responsibilities:

This is an advanced environmental professional position coordinating activities associated with implementing the State’s Basin Management Action Plan (BMAP) Program covering multiple surface water basins. Responsibilities include assessing information and preparing watershed reports; recommending additional data collection; data analysis and interpretation to determine aquatic ecosystem health; and developing and implementing watershed management plans to restore and protect the health of waterbodies. This program relies on partnerships and close coordination with managers and technical staff of the program, division, department, water management districts, local, state, regional, and federal agencies, the public, and the regulated community. This position is specifically responsible for guiding development of TMDL implementation plans. This responsibility requires extensive public contact and creating effective working partnerships with watershed stakeholders. Strong interpersonal skills and an understanding of the principles of watershed management are used to perform the following duties: 

Basin Management Action Plan (BMAP) Development:

Works with Department staff and stakeholders to establish locally supported BMAPs. Responsible for consensus-building and group decision-making. This includes organizing meetings, leading discussions, preparing agendas, background papers, maps, tables, presentation materials and other documents and materials, and coordinating with TMDL and BMAP development contractors to provide a basis for decision-making in developing and implementing BMAPs.  Formulates basin-specific approaches to stakeholder participation in developing BMAPs.  Contacts stakeholders individually by phone, e-mail, or other means, including follow-up with stakeholders to ensure that minutes, action items, and other tasks are completed.  Maintains e-mail distribution lists for specific basins to inform stakeholders of TMDL/BMAP-related meetings and disseminate TMDL/BMAP information.  Ensures that Program and District Office staff are informed of and involved in BMAP development processes. Manage projects, particularly with respect to projects supporting BMAP development.  Prepares draft BMAPs or BMAP sections that reflect stakeholder input. Ensures proper coordination in the Department and among stakeholders in BMAP drafting and review and in securing local acceptance, Department approvals, and Secretarial adoption of BMAPs.

Stakeholder Involvement and Coordination: Works to coordinate activities with stakeholders, such as for water quality project identification, model development or updates, draft BMAPs, and participating in TMDL development. Prepares informational materials for use by the public and internally; develops maps, tables, calendars, templates, and other documents to strengthen stakeholder support and participation in plan development and other stakeholder processes. Works with stakeholders to organize workshops and briefings and make presentations to governmental agencies, local officials, the public, and other interested parties. Organizes and participates in specific basin stakeholder meetings and assists other Basin Coordinators in organizing and conducting local decision-making processes.

Plan Monitoring and Reporting:

 Assures that BMAP implementation meetings and reporting requirements are carried out as identified and scheduled in adopted BMAPs and other related watershed plans. Initiates meetings and other communications with stakeholders and department staff on the status of actions identified in BMAPs, on water quality results, and on the status of other environmental responses to BMAP implementation.  Provide summary progress reports and other information to program and division managers on actions identified in approved BMAPs and related plans.

Other Duties:

Serves as facilitator, team leader, or member of Program/Section approved teams to ensure completion of assigned tasks. Assists WMDs, local governments, and federal agencies in incorporating priority water quality improvement projects and budgets in applicable planning documents, such as watershed restoration plans.  Review and comment on WMD Surface Water Improvement and Management Act (SWIM) Plans, best management practice (BMP) manuals, and other efforts related to both urban and agricultural nutrient source protection. Assists in the development and implementation of financial assistance agreements, contracts and grants related to water quality restoration.

Perform other related duties as required.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

1. Knowledge of the terminology, principles, and analytical techniques of hydrology, water quality modeling, aquatic ecology, watershed management, and aquatic resource assessment.
2. Knowledge of applied statistical methods for water quality assessments.
3. Knowledge of data collection and analysis principles and procedures.
4. Knowledge of and skill in working in a team environment with others to achieve a task.
5. Skill in dealing with the public in a professional and tactful manner.

1. Skill in using MS-Office, ESRI GIS software, and various modeling tools.
2. Ability to evaluate, analyze and interpret scientific or technical data.
3. Ability to understand and apply applicable laws, rules, policies, and procedures relating to land and water resource management program activities.
4. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
5. Ability to create effective working partnerships with watershed stakeholders.
6. Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
7. Ability to work well as a team member and direct the outcomes of environmental projects.
8. Ability to solve problems and effectively make decisions.
9. Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
10. Ability to work well under pressure.
11. Ability to prepare technical reports.

Minimum Qualifications:

At least seven years of verifiable related experience in chemistry, environmental science, natural sciences, biological sciences, physical sciences, or environmental policy. Post-secondary degrees from an accredited college or university with a major in chemistry, environmental science, natural sciences, biological sciences, physical sciences, or environmental policy may be used as an alternative for the required seven 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.

Other requirements:

• Valid Driver’s License
• Occasional overnight travel

Applicable Job-Specific License or Certifications:

Florida Certified Contract Manager (FCCM) designation or ability to obtain within 18 months of completing the on-the-job requirements for eligibility to take the FCCM training.

Preferred Qualifications:

Bachelors degree in chemistry, environmental science, natural sciences, biological sciences, physical sciences, or environmental policy from an accredited university or college.

Pay:

$4,582.95 Monthly

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.