ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANT - 37011188

State of Florida • Orlando, FL

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The Environmental Consultant works in the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Division of Environmental Assessment and Restoration, Water Quality Monitoring Program, Central Regional Operation Center in Orlando. This advanced environmental position assists with monitoring activities, collaborates with monitoring partners, and provides guidance to section staff.

The position conducts biological assessments and water quality sampling in freshwater, estuarine, and marine ecosystems, including surface water and groundwater. Biological assessments may involve taxonomic analysis of freshwater, estuarine, and marine flora and fauna. Completion of DEP training and passing required audits are necessary to conduct water quality data collection and specialized biological assessments. The role also plans field-sampling logistics with other personnel, uses GIS and other information sources, and performs office and field reconnaissance before sampling as needed.

The consultant reviews data accuracy according to QA/QC protocols, enters or uploads biological, physical, and chemical data into data systems, and assists with reporting surface-water data. The position provides technical assistance to the local DEP District, conducts requested investigations of water-pollution complaints, and responds to inquiries from the public, media, and elected officials under agency procedures. It also helps train newer personnel and maintains sampling equipment, supplies, laboratory space, vehicles, and gear in safe working order.

The position is based in Orlando, Florida, and requires frequent day travel, occasional overnight travel, medical monitoring, and the ability to meet applicable DEP snorkeling validation requirements. Boater safety training must be completed within nine months of hire.

Requirements

• At least seven years of verifiable related experience in chemistry, environmental science, natural sciences, biological sciences, physical sciences, environmental policy, or public health; qualifying post-secondary degrees in these fields may substitute year for year for the required experience.
• Valid driver's license.
• 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 in floral and/or faunal biological assessments.
• Skill in using personal computers and preparing technical reports.
• Ability to set work priorities and ensure assignments are completed properly.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing, deal courteously and respectfully with the public, and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and as part of a team; adaptability, flexibility, resourcefulness, and a positive outlook.
• Knowledge of terminology, principles, and analytical techniques of the physical and natural sciences.
• Knowledge of terminology, principles, and sampling techniques for measuring surface-water and groundwater quality.
• Skill in water-quality sample collection techniques, including wading, snorkeling, and traversing difficult terrain.
• Skill in operating and calibrating water-quality field instruments.
• Ability to maintain or complete training in ESRI GIS, Microsoft Office, Word, Access, Excel, PowerPoint, and data systems including DEP proprietary SBIO, LIMS, and Report Tracker.
• Ability to complete complicated or repetitive tasks accurately and efficiently and to carry 40 pounds while walking 100 yards over uneven terrain.
• Occasional overnight travel and frequent day travel, including long-distance travel.
• Medical monitoring is required.
• Boater safety training must be completed within nine months of hire; additional time is at the deputy director’s discretion.
• Snorkeling may be required, and candidates must meet DEP Underwater Operations Manual validation requirements.

Responsibilities

• Assist with water-quality monitoring activities, collaborate with monitoring partners, and provide guidance to section staff.
• Conduct biological assessments and collect water-quality samples in freshwater, estuarine, and marine ecosystems, including surface water and groundwater.
• Plan field-sampling logistics with other personnel using GIS, mapping programs, databases, the internet, and other available sources.
• Perform office and field reconnaissance as needed before sampling events.
• Review collected data for accuracy in accordance with QA/QC protocols.
• Enter or upload biological, physical, and chemical data into data storage and retrieval systems.
• Assist with reporting biological, chemical, and physical data for surface-water environments.
• Provide technical assistance to the local DEP District for sampling, monitoring, and bioassessment needs.
• Conduct requested complaint investigations involving suspected non-point-source or point-source water pollution, including fish kills, algae blooms, odors, and foam.
• Respond promptly to inquiries from the public, media, and elected officials and provide action-item replies within required time frames.
• Attend programmatic training and assist with training newer personnel as needed.
• Organize and maintain sampling equipment and gear in safe working order, including project supplies, coolers, kits, laboratory space, vehicles, and equipment.
• Perform or coordinate maintenance on sampling equipment.

Benefits

• Annual and sick leave
• Nine paid holidays and one personal holiday each year
• State Group Insurance coverage options, including health, life, dental, vision, and supplemental insurance
• Retirement plan options with employer contributions
• Tuition waivers

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed