ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST II - 37020851

State of Florida • Temple Terrace, FL

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Environmental Specialist II works in the Division of Environmental Assessment and Restoration’s Water Quality Monitoring Program at the Southwest Regional Operation Center in Temple Terrace, Florida. The position conducts water-quality sampling in freshwater and estuarine ecosystems and groundwater wells, and performs biological assessments of streams and lakes. It supports monitoring goals under the Strategic Monitoring Plan and Status and Trend Monitoring Networks and responds to public concerns about surface-water quality.

This intermediate environmental position performs biological assessments and water-quality sampling in freshwater, estuarine, and marine ecosystems, including surface and groundwater. Biological assessments may include taxonomic analysis of freshwater, estuarine, and marine flora and fauna. Required DEP training and certifications cover data collection and specialized assessments, including the Stream Condition Index, Lake Vegetation Index, Rapid Periphyton Survey, Linear Vegetation Survey, and Stream and Lake Habitat Assessments. The employee helps implement monitoring plans, plans field-event logistics with other personnel using GIS, mapping programs, databases, and other sources, and conducts office and field reconnaissance before sampling as needed.

The position reviews collected data for accuracy under QA/QC protocols; enters or uploads biological, physical, and chemical data into data systems; and assists with data analysis, interpretation, and reporting for surface and groundwater environments. It provides technical assistance to the local DEP District, investigates water-pollution complaints when requested, and responds to inquiries from the public, media, and elected officials under agency procedures and timelines. It also organizes and maintains sampling equipment and supplies, cleans laboratory space, vehicles, and equipment, and performs or arranges equipment maintenance. Snorkeling may be required, and boater safety training is required.

Requirements

• At least five 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 a listed field may substitute year for year for the experience requirement.
• 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 determine work priorities and complete assignments properly.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing and to interact with the public courteously and respectfully.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and to work independently with general supervision as well as on a team.
• Ability to be adaptable, flexible, and resourceful and maintain a positive outlook.
• Knowledge of terminology, principles, and analytical techniques of the physical and natural sciences, and of surface- and groundwater-quality sampling techniques.
• Skill in water-sample collection, 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, MS Office (including Word, Access, Excel, and PowerPoint), and data systems including DEP’s 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.
• Completion of boater safety training within nine months of hire, with additional time subject to the deputy director’s discretion.
• If snorkeling is required, meet DEP Underwater Operations Manual validation requirements.
• Ability to travel frequently during the day, including long-distance travel, and occasionally overnight.
• Meet the position’s medical-monitoring requirement.

Responsibilities

• Collect water-quality samples from freshwater, estuarine, marine, and groundwater environments.
• Perform biological assessments, including specialized assessments of streams and lakes and taxonomic analysis of flora and fauna.
• Assist with implementing water-quality monitoring plans and coordinate logistics for field-sampling events.
• Conduct office and field reconnaissance before sampling events as needed.
• 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 data analysis, interpretation, and reporting for surface- and groundwater environments.
• Provide technical assistance to the local DEP District for sampling, monitoring, and bioassessment needs.
• Conduct requested investigations of complaints related to non-point-source or point-source water pollution, including fish kills, algae blooms, odor, or foam.
• Respond to public, media, and elected-official inquiries and provide action-item replies within required timeframes.
• Attend programmatic training and assist in training new personnel as needed.
• Organize and maintain sampling equipment, gear, coolers, kits, and supplies; clean laboratory space, vehicles, and equipment; and perform or arrange equipment maintenance.
• Perform other duties as required and necessary.

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