About this role
Requisition No: 885133
Agency: Environmental Protection
Working Title: ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST II - 37010043
Pay Plan: Career Service
Position Number: 37010043
Salary: $4,300.00 Monthly
Posting Closing Date: 10/27/2026
Total Compensation Estimator Tool
Environmental Specialist II
State of Florida
Department of Environmental Protection
This position is located in Tallahassee, FL
Position Overview and Responsibilities:
Water and natural resources are the foundation of Florida's communities, economy, and way of life. The Division of Environmental Assessment and Restoration (DEAR) is charged with protecting, maintaining, and improving the quality of Florida’s springs, rivers, lakes, estuaries, and coastal waters. DEAR team members provide the department and other resource agencies with the highest quality laboratory services available; provide technical support to the department and the public regarding water quality analysis and data quality assurance (QA); manage water quality data repositories for data storage and use by the department, other agencies and the public; and work together to monitor and assess Florida’s surface water and groundwater quality, develop strategies to reduce pollution, and work closely with local stakeholders to implement comprehensive restoration strategies that improve the lives of all Floridians and preserve aquatic resources for generations to come.
The Environmental Specialist II, 37010043, is in DEAR’s Laboratory Biology Program, Taxonomy Group. DEP leads state efforts to respond to harmful algal bloom (HAB) blooms in Florida's waters. The main duties of this position will be the identification of algae in environmental samples to the lowest practical taxonomical level and to serve as the technical coordinator for the algal group. This position will be responsible for qualitative and quantitative HAB sample analyses, which includes using the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) to track samples and enter results for reporting and using the Statewide Biological Database (SBIO) to enter taxonomic data. This position will assist the manager with workload organization, provide technical guidance to analysts, serve as the technical expert on algal taxa, and oversee microscope/equipment cleaning, maintenance, and calibration. This work is integral to Division, Department, and State goals by providing them with the highest quality laboratory services and algal data available.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Knowledge of the terminology, principles, and methods for aquatic biology and ecology, environmental sciences, and similar, related disciplines.
- Knowledge of the analytical techniques used to accurately identify algae to the lowest practical taxonomic level.
- Knowledge of biological and laboratory QA/QC principals and methods.
- Skill in using compound, inverted, and dissecting microscope for analytical purposes.
- Skill in the use of computers, including Microsoft Office software, internet resources, and/or other computer programs.
- Skill in collecting, recording, and interpreting scientific and technical data.
- Ability to understand and follow technical instructions related to sample collection, testing and analysis, including Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and quality assurance and quality control procedures.
- Ability to effectively communicate complex technical information, both verbally and in writing.
- Ability to determine work priorities, assign work, and ensure timely completion of multiple concurrent assignments.
- Ability to coordinate other staff members and organize workload efficiently.
- Ability to be adaptable, flexible, and resourceful in response to laboratory workload shifts.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
- Ability to think and work independently and work well in a group.
- Ability to complete repetitive tasks accurately and efficiently.
- Ability to sit and use a microscope daily.
- Ability to work at counter-height surfaces, including at a sink to wash laboratory glassware and sample containers.
- Ability to wear laboratory personal protective apparel and work with acids, acetone, Lugol's, formalin and other chemicals.
- Ability to maintain a valid driver’s license and travel.
Minimum Qualifications:
At least 5 years of verifiable related experience in biological sciences, environmental science, natural sciences, or physical sciences. Post-secondary degrees from an accredited college or university with a major in biological, environmental, natural, or physical sciences 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. Valid Driver’s License. Travel as needed.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Two years’ experience of taxonomically identifying algae using an inverted or compound microscope.
- Experience identifying diatoms.
- Knowledge of harmful algal bloom formation and common taxa.
- Experience using flow cytometry to identify phytoplankton and cyanobacterial samples.
Pay:
$4,300.00/month
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 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 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 acco mmodation.
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.