OPS Environmental Specialist III - 37950051

Environmental Specialist III

The OPS Environmental Specialist III, 37950051, is in the Division of Environmental Assessment and Restoration's Water Quality Monitoring Program, Central Regional Operation Center, located in Orlando and will be responsible for water quality sampling in freshwater and estuarine ecosystems as well as ground water wells, and performing biological assessments of streams and lakes. Duties for this position also include records management, calibration of field meters and maintenance of other field equipment. This position enables DEAR/Central 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.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to collect, evaluate, analyze, and interpret scientific or technical data
• Ability to understand and interpret applicable rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Skill in operating and trailering small powerboats.
• Skill with the use personal computers.
• Ability to prepare technical reports.
• Ability to determine work priorities and ensure proper completion of work assignments.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Ability to deal with the public in a courteous and respectful manner.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to work independently with general supervision and as part of a team.
• Ability to be adaptable, flexible, resourceful and to maintain a positive outlook.
• Knowledge of terminology, principles, and analytical techniques of the physical and natural sciences.
• Knowledge of the terminology, principles, and sampling techniques for measuring surface and ground water quality.
• Skilled in water sample collection techniques that include wading, snorkeling, and traversing difficult terrain.
• Knowledge of water quality field instruments.
• Ability to maintain a valid Class E Florida driver's license and travel or drive long distances.
• 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.
• Ability to complete complicated or repetitive tasks accurately and efficiently as well as carry 40-pounds while walking ten minutes (100yards) over uneven terrain.
• Skill in floral and/or faunal biological assessments.

Minimum Qualifications:

• At least six 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.
• Valid Driver's License
• 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.
• Pay: $29.13 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 Orlando (Orange County), Florida. This central Florida region city is home to several theme parks such as Disney World, Universal Studios, Legoland, SeaWorld and Aquatica and Gatorland. The Atlantic coast is just an hour's drive from Orlando, and the Gulf of Mexico lies 90 miles to the west of the city. It is home to 100 lakes and 100 parks and 21 community centers offering athletics, camps, and social programs. The University of Central Florida and several other 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 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).
• Flexible Spending Accounts;
• And more! For a complete list of benefits, visit www.mybenefits.myflorida.com.
• *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:

HR_VeteransPreference@dep.state.fl.us

HR_Recruitment@FloridaDEP.gov

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.

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.

Location: Orlando, FL, US, 32835