OPS Environmental Specialist II - 37934024

Ops Environmental Specialist Ii - 37934024

The Environmental Specialist I, 37934024, is in the Division of Environmental Assessment and Restoration's Water Quality Monitoring Program, Northeast Regional Operation Center in Jacksonville and will be responsible for water quality sampling in freshwater and estuarine ecosystems, as well as groundwater wells and performing biological assessments of streams and lakes. Duties for this position include record management, calibration of field meters and maintenance of field equipment. This position enables DEAR/NE 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 include:

• 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 of 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 minimal 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 quality sample collection techniques that include wading, snorkeling, and traversing difficult terrain.
• Ability to maintain a valid Class E Florida driver's license and travel or drive long distances.
• Ability to travel, including long field days and occasional overnight travel.
• Knowledge of water quality field instruments.
• 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 (100 yards) over uneven terrain.
• Ability to become Habitat Assessment (HA), Stream Condition Index (SCI), Lake Vegetation Index (LVI), Rapid Periphyton Survey (RPS), and Linear Vegetation Survey (LVS) certified.

Minimum qualifications include:

• At least 5 years of verifiable related experience in environmental science, natural sciences, biological sciences, or physical sciences. Post-secondary degrees from an accredited college or university with a major in chemistry, environmental science, natural sciences, biological sciences, 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.
• Occasional travel.

Pay: $24.27 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 location of this position is in Jacksonville (Duval County), Florida. This city is centered on the banks of the St. Johns River, about 25 miles south of the Georgia state line. Jacksonville is adjacent to the Atlantic coast and has 1,100 miles of shoreline. It is home to the largest urban park system in the nation, with 80,000 acres of parks, including 7 State Parks, 2 National Parks, a National Preserve, 400 City Parks and Gardens and an Arboretum with focus on protecting, teaching, research, collection, public education, and recreation. University of North Florida, Jacksonville University, and Edward Waters College are a few of the colleges located in the region which offer a hub for academic research, art, and other student activities.

Ops/Seasonal/Part time 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*). For more details consult with People First at 877-562-7287 or go to: https://www.mybenefits.myflorida.com/health/eligibility_and_enrollment/ops_employees Participation in the Florida Deferred Compensation Plan (457b). For additional details and online enrollment visit MyFloridaDeferredComp.com State of Florida 401(a) FICA Alternative Plan (tax deferred Retirement Savings Plan). (For more information, please click Social Security Alternative Plan (aigrs.com) and read OPS Social Security Alternative Plan.) Flexible Spending Accounts. For more benefit information, 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. DEP requests applicants notify HR in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.

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.