OPS ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST II - 37940157

Florida; Tallahassee (FL); On-site; USD 35,000 - 44,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

State group insurance

401(a) retirement savings plan

Job summary

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is seeking an OPS Environmental Specialist II to perform field and laboratory QA support in Tallahassee, FL. Responsibilities include sampling, data analysis, training, and reporting under DEP SOPs.

Ideal candidates have 5+ years of experience in environmental science, a valid driver's license, and willingness to travel. The role involves collaboration in cross-functional teams and delivering detailed environmental assessments.

Qualifications

• At least 5 years of verifiable related experience in environmental science.
• Valid Driver’s License.
• Occasional travel, including long days and overnight travel.

Responsibilities

• Conduct field sampling of water, sediment, and biological parameters per DEP SOPs.
• Assist in experimental design and QA training activities.
• Prepare training materials and training videos for DEP audiences.
• Audit field and lab QA processes; prepare audit checklists and reports with corrective actions.
• Participate in the Division’s bioassessment workgroup; analyze data and write reports.
• Write environmental assessment reports and interpret physical, chemical, and biological data.

Skills

QA principles

Field sampling

Water quality sampling

Microsoft Word/Excel/PowerPoint

Data interpretation

Report writing

Presentations

Teamwork

Time management

Education

Bachelor's degree in environmental science or related field

Job description

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OPS ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST II - 37940157

Date: Sep 24, 2026

The State Personnel System is an E-Verify employer. For more information click on our E-Verify Website .

Requisition No:884193

Working Title: OPS ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST II - 37940157

This position is located in Tallahassee, FL

Position Overview and Responsibilities:

The OPS Environmental Specialist II, position number 37940157, 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 and quality assurance support throughout DEP. This position will assist section staff with conducting field and laboratory audits, providing DEP SOP and bioassessment training, conducting environmental field sampling, and review, interpretation and reporting of environmental data.

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. Assists in the preparation of training materials, including training videos for DEP and non-DEP audiences. Gives presentations to technical and non-technical audiences.

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.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of Quality Assurance (QA) principles, including field, laboratory, and data validation activities.
• Knowledge of environmental field sampling techniques, terminology, principles, and methodologies.
• Ability to collect water quality and biological samples while in harsh environments while following strict QA procedures.
• Knowledge of computer software programs including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint.
• Ability to provide scientific review, evaluation, and interpretation of chemical and biological data.
• Ability to write and edit environmental assessment reports.
• Ability to give presentations to a variety of audiences.
• Ability to work in teams and communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to organize workloads, work independently, and solve problems.

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.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of the DEP SOPs, Chapter 62-160, F.A.C., and biological assessment techniques.
• Ability to conduct field and laboratory audits.
• Experience in evaluating, analyzing, and interpreting scientific or technical data.
• Ability to provide attention to detail and complete tasks efficiently.

Pay:

The hiring salary range for the position is $25.62 – $32.03 hourly.

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.

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

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.