Requisition No: 800790

Agency: Environmental Protection

Working Title: DEP - OPS RECEPTIONIST / COMMUNICATIONS ASSISTANT - 37915016

Position Number: 37915016

Salary: $15.00 per hour

Posting Closing Date: 07/27/2023

OPS Receptionist/Communications Assistant

State of Florida

Department of Environmental Protection

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 main switchboard is the central advertised line for reaching agency’s district, division and program offices and leadership. The OPS Receptionist/Communications Assistant will assess the needs of each caller, determine the appropriate subject matter experts and transfer calls to the appropriate location. An ideal candidate would be able to maintain an understanding of the agency’s organizational responsibilities and structure in order to accurately direct inquiries to the appropriate divisions.

• This is an entry-level position responsible for answering the department’s main switchboard line, as well as supporting the Communications Office within the Office of the Secretary.
• The incumbent is responsible for interacting with callers in a timely, professional and diplomatic manner. The incumbent answers basic questions and forwards callers to appropriate district, division, or office for additional help.
• The incumbent is also responsible for compiling and sending daily news clips, weekly optics reports and updating, compiling and disseminating other reports.
• The incumbent will also perform other duties and special projects, as assigned.

The Difference You Will Make:

This role plays an integral part in the agency’s value of communicating and operating transparently and sharing information frequently and honestly with the public and stakeholders and is often the first impression of the agency. Callers may be citizens, businesses, advocates, media/press, elected officials and more.

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, Florida’s Capitol 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 benefits package for eligible OPS employees includes:

• Participation in state group insurance (must meet eligibility requirements*). For more details consult with People First at 877-562-7287 or go to: https://www.mybenefits.myflorida.com/health/eligibility_and_enrollment/ops_employees
• Participation in the Florida Deferred Compensation Plan (457b). For additional details and online enrollment visit MyFloridaDeferredComp.com
• State of Florida 401(a) FICA Alternative Plan (tax deferred Retirement Savings Plan). (For more information, please click Social Security Alternative Plan (aigrs.com) and read OPS Social Security Alternative Plan;
• Flexible Spending Accounts;

For a more benefits information, visit www.mybenefits.myflorida.com .

*Seasonal and part-time OPS employees (less than 30 hours average per week) refer to the links above for detailed eligibility requirements.

Pay:

$15.00 per hour

Your Specific Responsibilities:

Interact with callers in a timely, professional and diplomatic manner. Assists callers, answers basic questions and forwards to appropriate district, division or office. Evaluates content and elevates queries to appropriate leadership as necessary. Returns calls left on overnight voice mail.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of basic office systems such as Microsoft Office and Outlook
• Ability to quickly learn and efficiently operate phone switchboard system
• Ability to provide a positive experience for callers and other customers as required
• Ability to a positive team player and work well with others
• Knowledge of methods of compiling, organizing and analyzing information
• Ability to utilize problem-solving techniques
• Ability to understand and apply applicable rules, regulations, policies and procedures
• Ability to prioritize workload
• Ability to develop various reports
• Ability to communicate effectively
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others

Minimum Qualifications:

• A high school diploma
• One or more years of customer service or hospitality experience working directly with the public

Preferred Qualifications:

• Switchboard or call center experience
• Bilingual Spanish (or other language)
• Knowledge of SalesForce
• Knowledge of correct grammar usage and AP Style
• Strong verbal and writing skills
• Ability to maintain a strong work ethic, be detailed oriented, organized and multi-task on various work products
• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university

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@FloridaDEP.gov

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.