Requisition No: 802777

Agency: Environmental Protection

Working Title: PLANNER IV - 37020818

Position Number: 37020818

Salary: $38,429.56 to $43,000 based on education and experience

Posting Closing Date: 05/31/2023

Planner IV

Position #37020818

Department of Environmental Protection

Open Competitive

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 create strong community partnerships, safeguard Florida’s natural resources, and enhance its ecosystem.

The Work You Will Do:

The Division of State Lands, as Florida’s lead agency for environmental management and stewardship, serves as staff to the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund (Governor and Cabinet). As such, the division’s role goes far beyond just acquiring lands for protection. It provides oversight for the management of activities on more than 12 million acres of public lands including lakes, rivers and islands. These public lands help ensure all Florida’s residents and visitors can truly appreciate the state’s unique landscapes.

The Difference You Will Make:

The Land and Recreation Grants Section fosters partnerships to enhance and sustain Florida's natural and cultural resources and provide increased outdoor, local recreational opportunities. The team assists Florida’s local communities that have unmet financial needs for conservation and recreation.

This position is housed in the Division of State Lands, Land and Recreation Grants Section. The Section administers four (4) state and federal grant programs:

• Florida Communities Trust (FCT) - Parks and Open Space Program and Stan Mayfield Working Waterfronts Program
• Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program (FRDAP)
• Recreational Trails Program (RTP)
• Land and Water Conservation Fund Program (LWCF)

The position provides technical guidance and assistance to applicants, grantees, internal and external stakeholders, and the public. Prepare, host, participate in, or attend webinars, conference calls, and/or site visits. Review applications, reports, close-out and reimbursement documentation, and other financial grant or contract information. Prepare routing packages, memorandums, briefings, and reports. Provide ideas to implement procedures to being grantees. Assist grantees to become compliant with grant agreements and provide public access to the properties. Assist grantees needing amendments or revisions to their land management plan. Review and revise rule to define compliance and provide tools to implement. Provide recommendations regarding other funding sources to assist in the restoration and development of acquired properties.

How You Will Grow:

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 - Tallahassee, Florida’s Capital City, lined with rolling hills, oak trees, and canopied roads combines 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);
• Flexible Spending Accounts;
• Tuition waivers; and more!

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

Pay:

$38,429.56 to $43,000 based on education and experience

Your Specific Responsibilities:

This is an advanced planning and evaluation position performing functions under the Florida Communities Trust (FCT) Act and Land Conservation Program. The work is primarily involved in the evaluation and review of grant applications, management plans and stewardship reports related to the administration of a statewide land acquisition grant program for parks, open space, greenways, and working waterfronts projects.

• Evaluates and analyzes applications for land acquisition projects from an assigned region of the state. Prepares correspondence and reports documenting the results of assigned work and maintains related files in accordance with applicable statutes, rules, and procedures of FCT.
• Provides program information and technical assistance to interested parties on the preparation of grant applications, management plans and stewardship reports in accordance with applicable statutes, rules and procedures of FCT. Assists with the preparation of training materials, FCT’s Annual Report, surveys, webinars, and other publications that provide program information and guidance to interested parties.
• Reviews and analyzes land management plans, revenue reports, and stewardship reports for assigned projects selected for funding or acquired by FCT. Prepares written correspondence documenting the results of assigned review work and maintains files in accordance with applicable statutes, rules and procedures of FCT.
• Coordinates internally within the Department and with other FCT staff to complete work assignments in a consistent, effective, and timely manner. Coordinates externally with technical staff from other federal, state, and local agencies, water management districts, and regional planning councils in performing assigned work and providing program outreach.
• Conducts site visits of assigned projects selected for funding or acquired by FCT. Prepares written reports based on the results of the site visits and maintains related files in accordance with applicable statutes, rules and procedures of FCT.
• Provides FCT Board support including the preparation of agenda materials and participation in meetings. Provides information and guidance to FCT Board on the extent to which grant applications, management plans, stewardship reports and other assigned work are consistent with and further applicable statutes, rules and procedures of FCT.
• Participates in professional development activities as directed in support of FCT.
• Travel.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of: environmental issues involving park planning, ecology, and/or natural resource management and planning.

Skill in: urban and regional planning and/or park planning and development; grant writing and/or grant evaluation; research, writing and/or publishing.

Ability to: understand and apply applicable rules, regulations, policies and procedures; deal with the public in a tactful and courteous manner; work independently; meet deadlines; plan, organize, and coordinate work assignments; communicate effectively both verbally and in writing; establish and maintain effective working relationships internally and externally; use computer software applications, particularly Microsoft Office products; maintain a valid driver’s license; travel.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Maintain a valid Driver’s License.
• Ability to travel in a state-owned vehicle.

Other Requirements:

• Vendor invoice responsibilities, according to Chapter 215.422 F.S.

Contact:

Linda.Reeves@FloridaDEP.gov

850-245-2702

DEP is committed to successfully recruiting and onboarding talented and skilled individuals into its workforce. We recognize the extensive training, experience, and transferrable 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@dep.state.fl.us

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.