ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST Il- 37010273

State of Florida • Tallahassee, FL

1d • $43,260 - $46,260 • Onsite

About The Position

This is an intermediate professional environmental position in the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Division of Air Resource Management (DARM), Office of Air Monitoring (OAM), Data Quality Section. The position reports directly to the Environmental Administrator-SES of the Data Quality Section and is located in Tallahassee, Florida. It supports statewide air monitoring activities, including air-quality data validation and submission to the USEPA Air Quality System (AQS), quality assurance documentation, technical evaluations, audits, database support, and program-related meetings and training. The incumbent must follow applicable Department standards of conduct, rules, directives, policies, and procedures and work cooperatively as a respectful team member.

The role evaluates ambient air quality data and associated quality assurance information to confirm completeness, accuracy, validity, regulatory compliance, and usability. It supports continuous improvement of the statewide air monitoring quality system through periodic and follow-up data reviews and audits, technical recommendations, and written reports. It also supports preparation and maintenance of plans, procedures, forms, and related documentation; management of the Air Monitoring Validation Program database; annual data certification; and communication and assistance for statewide program participants and other customers.

Requirements

• Valid driver’s license.
• Travel on state business is required.
• At least five years of verifiable related experience in physical or natural sciences or environmental science. A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in a physical or natural science or environmental science, plus one year of verifiable related experience, may substitute for the required experience on a year-for-year basis.
• Knowledge of physical or natural science and environmental and scientific concepts.
• Knowledge of data collection and analysis principles and procedures.
• Knowledge of state and federal regulations, procedures, and policies related to quality assurance for ambient air quality monitoring.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and personal computers.
• Basic math calculation skills.
• Ability to understand, interpret, and apply rules and regulations.
• Ability to evaluate, analyze, and interpret scientific and technical data; solve problems; and prepare technical reports, plans, and documents.
• Skills in database programs and records management and maintenance.
• Ability to plan, organize, and coordinate work assignments; manage multiple priorities; and organize others to deliver documentation in a timely manner.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively with people from diverse technical and non-technical backgrounds, work independently, contribute to organizational success, and establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to be an effective, conscientious, and respectful team member.
• Successful completion of background screening is required because the position is designated as a Position of Special Trust.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of or experience uploading large datasets to the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s Air Quality System database.
• Knowledge of or experience performing beta testing within a statewide air monitoring database management system.
• Knowledge of or experience performing data validation and verification for quality assurance of ambient air quality monitoring.
• Knowledge or work experience with measurement, monitoring, or modeling techniques related to pollution transport and dispersion.

Responsibilities

• Review and audit air monitoring data periodically to ensure collection, analysis, and handling comply with applicable federal and state regulations and established policies and procedures.
• Recommend improvements to the statewide air monitoring quality system, conduct follow-up audits and data reviews, monitor progress, and prepare written reports.
• Validate data to determine whether quality goals and project requirements have been met, assess the impact of unmet requirements, and establish the data’s accuracy, completeness, validity, usability, and legal defensibility.
• Support preparation, review, revision, and distribution of annual network plans, quality assurance project plans (QAPPs), standard operating procedures (SOPs), forms, and other quality assurance documentation.
• Provide validated statewide ambient air quality data to the USEPA Air Quality System in accordance with applicable regulations, guidance, and procedures.
• Communicate with statewide air monitoring staff about ambient data handling and related topics.
• Support the DEP Air Monitoring Validation Program database, including maintaining site, parameter, area, and security code files and making database updates, additions, and deletions.
• Assist field technicians, local programs, and industries with database questions and problems, including data-entry issues; retrieve and disseminate information to internal and external customers.
• Review air quality and quality assurance data for completeness and validity, conduct quarterly reviews, and take appropriate action ahead of annual certification deadlines.
• Conduct and/or participate in program-related training events.
• Perform other duties as directed by the Administrator or designee.

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, including employer contributions.
• Tuition waivers.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level