About this role
Environmental Specialist II
State of Florida
Department of Environmental Protection
This position is located in Pensacola, FL
Position Overview and Responsibilities:
The Environmental Specialist II are in the Division of Environmental Assessment and Restoration’s Water Quality Monitoring Program, Northwest Regional Operation Center (ROC) in Pensacola and will be responsible for water quality sampling in freshwater and estuarine ecosystems, and preforming biological assessments of streams and lakes. Duties for these positions include record management, calibration of field meters and maintenance of field equipment. These positions enable DEAR/Northwest 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.
These intermediate environmental positions perform biological assessment and water quality sampling in freshwater, estuarine and marine ecosystems for the Water Quality Monitoring Program. 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.
Major duty responsibilities will include managing data for the Northwest Regional Operations Center (ROC), including timely and accurate data entry into Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) databases, such as WIN, DMT, and SBIO. Responsibilities will also include conducting quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) reviews of data entered by other team members, identifying and troubleshooting data errors, and ensuring data accuracy, completeness, and integrity within these databases. 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, according to established agency guidelines and procedures. Provides action item reply within required time frames. Attends programmatic training as necessary. Assist 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.
Use of boats to perform duties will be required.
Performs other duties as required and as necessary.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
1. Ability to collect, evaluate, analyze, and interpret scientific or technical data.
2. Ability to understand and interpret applicable rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
3. Skill in operating and trailering small powerboats.
4. Skill with the use of personal computers.
5. Ability to prepare technical reports.
6. Ability to determine work priorities and ensure proper completion of work assignments.
7. Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
8. Ability to deal with the public in a courteous and respectful manner.
9. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
10. Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and as part of a team.
11. Ability to be adaptable, flexible, resourceful and to maintain a positive outlook.
12. Knowledge of terminology, principles, and analytical techniques of the physical and natural sciences.
13. Knowledge of the terminology, principles, and sampling techniques for measuring surface and ground water quality.
14. Skilled in water quality sample collection techniques that include wading, snorkeling, and traversing difficult terrain.
15. Knowledge of water quality field instruments.
16. 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.
17. 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.
18. Skill in floral and/or faunal biological assessments.
Minimum Qualifications:
- At least five years of verifiable related experience in environmental science, natural sciences, biological sciences, or environmental policy. Post-secondary degrees from an accredited college or university with a major in environmental science, natural sciences, biological sciences, or environmental policy may be used as an alternative for the required five years of experience on a year-for-year basis. A credential evaluation report from an approved agency (https://www.fldoe.org/teaching/certification/foreign-trained-grads/approved-credential-evaluation-agencie.stml) must be submitted along with all foreign degrees.
- Frequent day and occasional overnight travel.
- This is a medically monitored position.
- Completion of the boater safety training is required within 9 months of hire; additional time needed for completion will be at the discretion of the supervisor.
Other job requirements:
- Valid Driver License
Additional reviews may be performed to screen for preferred qualifications, experience and education. You may be contacted to participate in an additional selection process which may consist of written exercises, work samples, skills tests, and interviews. Support of knowledge, skills, and abilities should be demonstrated on the application, in the education, in the work experience, in the work sample, in the interview and/or during reference checks.
Pay:
$3,774.17 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 Pensacola (Escambia County), Florida, in the “panhandle” and is surrounded by 50-plus miles of coastline which includes the emerald-green Gulf of Mexico waters and white sandy beaches. Known as the "Cradle of Naval Aviation," Pensacola Bay Area is proud to call itself home to the renowned Blue Angels, officially known as the U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron. Pensacola’s heritage includes a mix of many different cultures, making it the ideal place to learn, grow, and work. University of West Florida and Pensacola State College and other smaller colleges located in the region offer a hub for academic research, art and other student activities.
The Benefits of Working for the State of Florida:
Working for the State of Florida is more than a paycheck. The State’s total compensation package for employees features a highly competitive set of employee benefits including:
- Annual and Sick Leave benefits;
- Nine paid holidays and one Personal Holiday each year;
- State Group Insurance coverage options, including health, life, dental, vision, and other supplemental insurance options;
- Retirement plan options, including employer contributions (For more information, please click www.myfrs.com (http://www.myfrs.com) );
- Tuition waivers;
- Total Compensation Estimator Tool (https://compcalculator.myflorida.com/)
- And more!
For a complete list of benefits, visit www.mybenefits.myflorida.com
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. Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must contact the DEP Human Resources (HR) Office at (850) 245-2511. DEP requests applicants notify HR in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.