Environmental Specialist Iii

Environmental Specialist III -

This is an intermediate-level position that coordinates permitting and reclamation programs that are carried out statewide. Process, evaluate and recommend final action on all assigned mines reclamation conceptual plans, annual reports, notices of disturbance, as-built reclamation reports, dredge and fill permit applications, environmental resource permit applications, State 404 applications, compliance/enforcement issues and other environmental and mine documents, in a timely and professional manner, preparing appropriate documentation.

Perform field evaluation of wetlands proposed to be disturbed by mining activities, construction activities and remaining natural resources. Investigates and evaluates complaints, including emergency response, relating to all sources of pollution and initiates appropriate action. Coordinate within the department and with other state and federal agencies and interested groups concerning reclamation and mine permitting matters. Perform field evaluations under all types of weather conditions and transverse rough terrain.

Inspects and maintains awareness of mining/permitting/reclamation activities/compliance and enforcement and recommends solutions to existing problems. Maintain public records, data and statistics on mining, reclamation and permitting activities and disseminate mining, reclamation, permitting, and technical information to staff, the public, other governmental agencies, regulated entities, and the professional community. Coordinate fulfillment of public records requests. Assist with maintaining and utilizing Geographic Information System (GIS) with data received from mining companies.

Graphically reproduce data, conduct site reviews for permitting and compliance and collect data utilizing GIS. Review of data received from the mining companies for consistency with previous data. Assist with program website maintenance. Appropriately represents the Department in meetings and other forums with other agencies, the legislature, and the public. Maintain strong knowledge of applicable rules, regulations, policies and procedures.

Maintain awareness of latest reclamation and restoration technology and native Florida ecosystems. Provide management and other staff members with periodic plans of action and status reports, written or oral, as needed, on assigned areas of responsibility. Assist with updating and verification of applicable files, maps and data accuracy updates or assisting with the updating of files, maps or data. Maintain up-to-date files and computer tracking.

Maintain data, statistics, and technology information on all assigned activities and provide staff, the public, other governmental agencies and the professional community as requested. Perform other related duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to deal with the coworkers and public in a tactful and courteous manner.
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions.
• Ability to work both independently and as a team to solve problems.
• Report writing and computer skills required.
• Ability to work effectively and accurately while under deadline.
• Ability to prioritize extensive workload and maintain organized records.
• Ability to evaluate complex interrelationships.
• Knowledge of habitat management, reclamation, restoration and/or habitat rehabilitation techniques.
• Ability to collect, evaluate, analyze and interpret technical data.
• Ability to understands and apply applicable rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
• Skill in observing and reporting topographical and biological field conditions.
• Knowledge of biological functions related to Florida ecosystems.
• Ability to perform field inspections and land management activities.
• Ability to endure physically demanding field inspections, including but not limited to traversing difficult upland/wetland terrain and freshwater/marine ecosystems.

Minimum Qualifications:

• At least four years of verifiable related experience in engineering, environmental science, natural science or…