Algal Taxonomy Specialist II

Florida; Tallahassee (FL); On-site; USD 536,000 - 625,000; Full time

Job summary

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is seeking an Environmental Specialist II in Tallahassee to identify algae in environmental samples and serve as the algal group’s technical coordinator. You will use LIMS to track samples and SBIO to enter taxonomic data, supporting HAB response and water quality programs.

Candidates should have strong aquatic biology knowledge, algae taxonomy expertise, and lab QA/QC experience, plus proficiency with microscopes and communicating

Qualifications

• Knowledge of aquatic biology, ecology, and environmental sciences.
• Ability to identify algae to the lowest taxonomic level.
• Knowledge of QA/QC principles and laboratory practices.
• Proficiency with compound, inverted, and dissecting microscopes.
• Experience using data systems (LIMS) and lab databases.

Responsibilities

• Identify algae in environmental samples to the lowest practical taxonomic level.
• Serve as technical coordinator for the algal group and supervise workload.
• Perform qualitative and quantitative HAB analyses and enter results in LIMS/SBIO.
• Oversee microscope/equipment cleaning, maintenance, and calibration.
• Provide technical guidance to analysts and communicate results clearly.

Skills

Aquatic biology

Algae taxonomy

QA/QC

Microscope use

MS Office

Data collection & interpretation

SOPs compliance

Written communication

Prioritization & multitasking

Team coordination

Education

Bachelor's degree in biological, environmental, natural, or physical sciences

Tools

LIMS

SBIO database

Job description

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is seeking an Environmental Specialist II in Tallahassee to identify algae in environmental samples and serve as the algal group’s technical coordinator. You will use LIMS to track samples and SBIO to enter taxonomic data, supporting HAB response and water quality programs.

Candidates should have strong aquatic biology knowledge, algae taxonomy expertise, and lab QA/QC experience, plus proficiency with microscopes and communicating