ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST II - 37010078

Florida; Tallahassee (FL); On-site; USD 44,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

State benefits package

401(a) retirement plan

Job summary

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection in Tallahassee seeks an Environmental Specialist II (37010078) to support the Water Quality Standards Program. The role involves field sampling, bioassessment, QA reviews, data entry, and reporting to improve bioassessment methods.

Minimum qualifications include 5 years of environmental science experience, a valid driver's license, and ability to travel. Proficiency with Word, Excel, ArcGIS, and field equipment is required.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of verifiable related experience in environmental science
• Post-secondary degree from an accredited college or university may substitute for the required experience
• Valid Driver’s License
• Occasional travel, including long days and overnight travel
• Knowledge of DEP SOPs for surface water and biological sampling
• Knowledge of water quality data collection and field analysis principles

Responsibilities

• Conduct field sampling of water chemistry, sediment, and biological parameters per DEP SOPs
• Assist in bioassessment, sampling, and QA activities and staff training
• Write and review environmental assessment reports and data analyses
• Maintain and order program field sampling equipment and schedule samples in the DEP Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS)
• Provide data review, interpretation, and reporting of environmental data for bioassessment method improvement

Skills

Organizational skills

Verbal & written communication

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

ArcGIS

Field sampling

QA procedures

Education

Post-secondary degree in engineering, environmental science, or related field

Tools

ArcGIS

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Working Title: ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST II - 37010078

This position is located in Tallahassee, FL

Position Overview and Responsibilities:

The Environmental Specialist II, position number 37010078, is in the Division of Environmental Assessment and Restoration’s Water Quality Standards Program (WQSP), Aquatic Ecology and Quality Assurance Section (AEQAS) in Tallahassee, Florida and will be responsible for providing bioassessment method support through field work, training, and technical evaluations. This position will assist section staff with conducting bioassessment and sampling DEP SOP training, conducting field and laboratory audits, conducting environmental field sampling, and review, interpretation and reporting of environmental data for bioassessment method improvement.

This first level intermediate environmental position conducts field sampling, including a wide array of water chemistry, sediment, and biological parameters, according to DEP Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Assists in the experimental design and implementation of environmental studies. Participates in organization and delivery of DEP SOP training and QA activities, including training on and assessments of water quality sample

collection, bioassessment sample collection, and habitat assessment procedures. Participates in field or lab audits conducted by the section at the request of DEP program areas to determine compliance with QA protocols and specified project requirements, to include preparing audit checklists, audit reports, and related documentation, as well as working with audited parties to identify QA problems and implement corrective actions.

Participate in the Division’s bioassessment workgroup, which includes developing new approaches to solve problems, conducting data analysis, writing reports, and reviewing work done by other workgroup members.

Writes environmental assessment reports, including data entry, data retrieval from relevant databases, and data analysis. Assists in the review, evaluation, and interpretation of physical, chemical, and biological data.

Maintains and orders Program field sampling equipment and schedules samples in the DEP Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS). Ensure that field and lab data are complete and are entered into appropriate databases according to Section deadlines.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to organize workload, solve problems, work in teams, and communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Knowledge of computer software programs including Microsoft Word, Excel and ArcGIS.
• Knowledge of DEP SOPs for surface water and biological sampling.
• Knowledge of using multi-parameter water quality data sondes devices.
• Knowledge of water quality data collection and field analysis principles and procedures.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to safely operate motorized boats and tow a trailer.
• Knowledge of and demonstrate proficiency in DEP’s stream condition index, habitat assessment, and lake vegetation index sampling protocols.

Minimum Qualifications:

• At least 5 years of verifiable related experience in environmental science. Post-secondary degrees from an accredited college or university with a major in engineering, engineering sciences, environmental science, natural sciences, biological sciences, physical sciences, environmental policy, public health, or computer science from an accredited university or college may be used as an alternative for the required 5 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.
• Valid Driver’s License
• Occasional travel, including long days and overnight travel.

Pay:

The hiring salary range for the position is $3,945.84 – $4,340.42, monthly.

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:

The work location of this position is in Tallahassee (Leon County), Florida. Tallahassee , Florida’s Capital City, lined with rolling hills, oak trees, and canopied roads combine 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*).
• State of Florida 401(a) FICA Alternative Plan (tax deferred Retirement Savings Plan, for more information, please visit Corebridge Financial ).

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

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:

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.Candidatesrequiring 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.

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.

Location:

TALLAHASSEE, FL, US, 32399 TALLAHASSEE, FL, US, 32307 TALLAHASSEE, FL, US, 32309 TALLAHASSEE, FL, US, 32310 TALLAHASSEE, FL, US, 32303 TALLAHASSEE, FL, US, 32316 TALLAHASSEE, FL, US, 32311 TALLAHASSEE, FL, US, 32301 TALLAHASSEE, FL, US, 32317 TALLAHASSEE, FL, US, 32302 TALLAHASSEE, FL, US, 32304 TALLAHASSEE, FL, US, 32308 TALLAHASSEE, FL, US, 32312 TALLAHASLEE, FL, US, 32305

For assistance, call the People First Service Center at [phone] Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Eastern time. Pursuant to Florida Law, 110.211 F. S., the State of Florida is an EEO employer.