Requisition No: 802033
Agency: Environmental Protection
Working Title: OPS ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST II – 37938003
Position Number: 37938003
Salary: $19.53 hourly
Posting Closing Date: 06/12/2023
Environmental Specialist II
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 OPS Environmental Specialist II, position number 37938003, is in the Division of Environmental Assessment and Restoration’s, Southeast Regional Operation Center, located in Fort Pierce and will be responsible for water quality sampling in freshwater and estuarine ecosystems as well as ground water wells, and performing biological assessments of streams and lakes. Duties for this position also include records management, calibration of field meters and maintenance of other field equipment. This position enables DEAR/SE ROC the capability to accomplish monitoring goals of Strategic Monitoring Plan, Status and Trend Monitoring Networks, as well as respond to public concerns related to water quality of surface waters.
The Difference You Will Make:
Water and natural resources are the foundation of Florida’s communities, economy, and way of life. The Division of Environmental Assessment and Restoration (DEAR) is charged with protecting, maintaining, and improving the quality of Florida’s springs, rivers, lakes, estuaries, and coastal waters. DEAR team members provide the department and other resource agencies with the highest quality laboratory services available; provide technical support to the department and the public regarding water quality analysis and data quality assurance (QA); manage water quality data repositories for data storage and use by the department, other agencies and the public; and work together to monitor and assess Florida’s surface water and groundwater quality, develop strategies to reduce pollution, and work closely with local stakeholders to implement comprehensive restoration strategies that improve the lives of all Floridians and preserve aquatic resources for generations to come.
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:
The work location of this position is in Fort Pierce (St. Lucie County), Florida. The city is on the southeast coast of Florida. It is a diverse community with miles and miles of unspoiled shoreline. It offers fascinating research centers and museums, excellent community services, a wealth of cultural and recreational attractions and educational and research facilities, such as Smithsonian Marine Station and Manatee Observation and Education Center. Florida Atlantic University, Indian River State College located in the region offer a hub for academic research, art, and other student activities.
OPS/Seasonal/Part TimeBenefits 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: $19.53 Hourly
Your Specific Responsibilities:
This intermediate environmental position performs biological assessment and water quality sampling in freshwater, estuarine and marine ecosystems for the Water Quality Monitoring Program. Water quality sampling is conducted on both surface and groundwater. Biological assessments may include taxonomic analysis of freshwater, estuarine and marine flora, and fauna. Completion of DEP training and pass status of audits are required to conduct water quality data collection and specialized floral and faunal biological assessments. Performs logistical planning in coordination with other personnel for field sampling events using GIS, internet, mapping programs, databases, and other available sources. Performs office and field reconnaissance as needed prior to sampling events.
Performs data accuracy reviews on all data collected following QA/QC protocols. Enters and/or uploads biological, physical, and chemical data into various data storage and retrieval systems. Assists with reporting of biological, chemical, and physical data for surface water environments.
Provides technical assistance to the local DEP District with sampling and other monitoring or bioassessment needs. Conducts complaint investigations as requested for non-point source or point source related water pollution violations, such as fish kills, algae blooms, reports of odor, foam. Responds in a timely manner to inquiries from the public, the media, and elected officials, per established agency guidelines and procedures. Provides action item reply within required time frames. Attends programmatic training as necessary. Assists in the training of newer personnel as necessary.
Organizes and maintains equipment and other sampling gear. This includes organization of field projects, keeping inventory of coolers, kits and supplies needed for projects, cleaning of laboratory space, vehicles, and equipment. Performs maintenance or facilitates maintenance on sampling equipment.
Snorkeling may be required. Participation in Boater safety training is required.
Performs other duties as required and as necessary.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Ability to understand and interpret applicable rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
- Ability to collect, evaluate, analyze, and interpret scientific or technical data
- Skill in operating and trailering small powerboats.
- Skill with the use of personal computers.
- Ability to prepare technical reports.
- Ability to determine work priorities and ensure proper completion of work assignments.
- Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
- Ability to deal with the public in a courteous and respectful manner.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and as part of a team.
- Ability to be adaptable, flexible, resourceful and to maintain a positive outlook.
- Knowledge of terminology, principals, and analytical techniques of the physical and natural sciences.
- Knowledge of the terminology, principles, and sampling techniques for measuring surface and ground water quality.
- Skilled in water quality sample collection techniques that include wading, snorkeling, and traversing difficult terrain.
- Knowledge of water quality field instruments.
- Ability to maintain a valid Class E Florida driver’s license and travel or drive long distances.
- Ability to maintain or complete training on functional use of ESRI GIS software, MS Office software, Word, Access, Excel, PowerPoint, and various data storage and retrieval systems.
- Ability to complete complicated or repetitive tasks accurately and efficiently as well as carry 40-pounds while walking ten minutes (100 yards) over uneven terrain.
- Skill in floral and/or faunal biological assessments.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, natural sciences, biological sciences, or physical sciences from an accredited university or college and 1 year of relevant experience; OR advanced degree in listed areas (Masters or PhD); OR 3 years of relevant experience.
- This position requires medical monitoring and is required to meet the snorkeling requirements in the DEP Underwater Operations Manual.
- Valid Driver License
- Travel
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.