ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST II

Florida Department of Environmental Protection; United States; On-site; USD 55,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

A State Environmental Agency in Florida is seeking an Environmental Specialist II responsible for implementing water quality assessments in coordination with local stakeholders. This role involves field sampling, data analysis, and developing technical documentation to ensure compliance with environmental standards. The ideal candidate will have a background in environmental science and must demonstrate effective communication and analytical skills. This position is based in Tallahassee, Florida.

Qualifications

• At least five years of verifiable related experience in environmental science or related fields.
• A valid Driver License is required.
• Experience in project management principles and techniques.

Responsibilities

• Develop water quality assessment lists for the Northeast DEP District basins.
• Assist in developing documentation on the assessment process and results.
• Provide technical support and attend public meetings.

Skills

Knowledge of water quality analysis

Knowledge of data collection principles

Ability to communicate effectively

Knowledge of water quality modeling techniques

Ability to work independently

Ability to work in field conditions

Education

Post-secondary degree in relevant field

Tools

ArcGIS

Microsoft Excel

Statistical programming languages (R, Python)

Job description

ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST II - 37010231

ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST II

State of Florida

Department of Environmental Protection

This is not an IT or Software Position

This position is located in Tallahassee, FL

Position Overview and Responsibilities:

Overview: The Environmental Specialist II (Position Number 37010231) is in the Division of Environmental Assessment and Restoration’s Water Quality Evaluation & TMDL Program, Watershed Assessment Section in Tallahassee. The position is responsible for the implementation of the Identification of Impaired Surface Waters (Chapter 62-303, Florida Administrative Code) by developing water quality assessment lists for the Northeast DEP District basins, working in coordination with basin team members and local stakeholders. The position can include local field sampling of surface waters to obtain data necessary to support water quality assessments. The role of this position is important to the agency’s mission to protect, restore, and maintain the health of Florida’s waters.

Primary Responsibilities: This intermediate environmental position uses knowledge and understanding of applicable rules, including but not limited to, the State Surface Water Quality Standards (Chapter 62-302, F.A.C.) and Identification of Impaired Surface Waters (Chapter 62-303, F.A.C.) to implement and review the water quality assessments. Knowledge of and proficiency with the IWR (Microsoft Access) database, ArcGIS, and statistical and worksheet programs (e.g. Microsoft Excel) are needed to perform these duties.

The incumbent assists in developing documentation on the assessment process and results including the preparation or review of 4c (Natural Conditions), 4d (Study List) supporting information, 4b (Reasonable Assurance) and 4e (Restoration Activity) documents. Participates and provides technical support to other programs and sections within the division in the development, evaluation, and attainment of total maximum daily loads (TMDLs). Provides support to the basin team lead, section and program administrators by contributing to the creation of water quality summaries and maps, the analysis of technical data, and responds to public inquiries on the impairment status of basin specific waterbodies. Contributes to and attends public meetings and technical working group meetings with basin stakeholders to present assessment results, obtain additional data or relevant information, and address concerns or questions.

Additionally, the position may participate in sampling and monitoring activities to obtain data necessary to conduct water quality assessments and develop TMDLs. This includes training on DEP field monitoring SOPs and QA requirements including the collection of water and bioassessment samples, training on safe boating and trailering, designing and conducting field reconnaissance and surveys, and evaluating collected data.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of the terminology, principles, and analytical techniques of water quality analysis.
• Knowledge of water quality data collection principles and procedures.
• Knowledge and skill in the use of computers and software programs utilized for word processing, database management, statistical, and spreadsheet applications.
• Knowledge of water quality modeling techniques and mathematical and statistical procedures necessary to analyze data.
• Ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing.
• Ability to deal with the public in a tactful and courteous manner.
• Ability to work independently with minimum supervision.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to participate in intensive field work conditions.

Minimum Qualifications:

• At least five years of verifiable related experience in engineering, engineering sciences, chemistry, environmental science, natural sciences, biological sciences, physical sciences, environmental policy, computer science, or public health. Post-secondary degrees from an accredited college or university with a major in engineering, engineering sciences, chemistry, environmental science, natural sciences, biological sciences, physical sciences, environmental policy, computer science, or public health may be used as an alternative for the required years of experience on a year-for-year basis. A credential evaluation report from an approved agency must be submitted along with all foreign degrees.
• A Valid Driver License.
• Occasional overnight travel.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with, and/or knowledge of the challenges unique to working with large datasets.
• Knowledge of bioassessment data collection and interpreting results.
• Proficient in functional use of geospatial applications including ESRI GIS, QGIS, Web Mapping Applications.
• Knowledge and experience in project management principles and techniques.
• Skill in using statistical programming languages including R, Python, or SAS to conduct data analysis and advanced statistical analyses.
• Skill in using Python to create ArcGIS or QGIS geospatial processing tools.
• Skill and experience of developing and using watershed and water quality models to characterize impaired waters and establish restoration targets (example: PLSM, HSPF, LSPC, WASP, ArcNLET, etc.).

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 advance Florida’s position as a world leader in protecting natural resources while growing the state’s economy. 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 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.

There are several state parks in or near Tallahassee (Alfred B. Maclay Gardens, Letchworth-Love Mounds Archaeological, Lake Jackson Mounds Archaeological, Lake Talquin, Ney Landrum, Natural Bridge Battlefield Historic, and Edward Ball Wakulla Springs), please see the Florida State Park website for more information,floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails. Tallahassee’s closet beach is 25 miles away (Wakulla Beach) and St. George Island is about 1.5 hours away from the city.

Special Notes:

DEP is committed to successfully recruiting and onboarding talented and skilled individuals into its workforce. We recognize the extensive training, experience, and transferable 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:

[e-mail]

[e-mail]

An individual with a disability is qualified if he or she satisfies the skills, experience, and other job-related requirements for a position and can perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation. Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must contact the DEP Human Resources (HR) Office at [phone]. DEP requests applicants notify HR in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.

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.