ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST II - 37010217

State of Florida • Indian River Estates, FL

10d • Onsite

About The Position

The Environmental Specialist II positions are in the Division of Environmental Assessment and Restoration’s Water Quality Monitoring Program, Southeast Regional Operation Center (ROC) in Fort Pierce. These roles are responsible for water quality sampling in freshwater and estuarine ecosystems, as well as groundwater wells, and performing biological assessments of streams and lakes. Duties include record management, calibration of field meters, and maintenance of field equipment. These positions support the accomplishment of monitoring goals for the Strategic Monitoring Plan and Status and Trend Monitoring Networks, and respond to public concerns regarding water quality of surface waters. The work involves performing biological assessments and water quality sampling in freshwater, estuarine, and marine ecosystems. Water quality sampling is conducted on both surface and groundwater. Biological assessments may include taxonomic analysis of freshwater, estuarine, and marine flora and fauna. Completion of DEP training and passing audits are required for water quality data collection and specialized floral and faunal biological assessments. Logistical planning for field sampling events is performed using GIS, internet, mapping programs, databases, and other sources. Office and field reconnaissance may be conducted prior to sampling events. Data accuracy reviews are performed on all collected data following QA/QC protocols. Biological, physical, and chemical data are entered and/or uploaded into various data storage and retrieval systems. Assistance is provided with reporting of biological, chemical, and physical data for surface water environments. Technical assistance is provided to local DEP Districts with sampling and other monitoring or bioassessment needs. Complaint investigations are conducted for non-point source or point source related water pollution violations, such as fish kills, algae blooms, and reports of odor or foam. Timely responses are provided to inquiries from the public, media, and elected officials according to agency guidelines. Action item replies are provided within required time frames. Programmatic training is attended as necessary, and assistance may be provided in training newer personnel. Equipment and sampling gear are organized and maintained, including field projects, inventory of coolers, kits, and supplies, and cleaning of laboratory space, vehicles, and equipment. Maintenance of sampling equipment is performed or facilitated. Snorkeling and use of boats may be required for duties. Other duties as required and necessary will be performed.

Requirements

• 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.
• 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.
• Skill in floral and/or faunal biological assessments.
• At least five years of verifiable related experience in engineering, engineering sciences, chemistry, environmental science, natural sciences, biological sciences, physical sciences, environmental policy, 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, or public health may be used as an alternative for the required five 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.
• 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.
• Valid Driver License

Responsibilities

• Perform water quality sampling in freshwater and estuarine ecosystems, as well as groundwater wells.
• Perform biological assessments of streams and lakes.
• Manage records.
• Calibrate field meters and maintain field equipment.
• Perform logistical planning for field sampling events using GIS, internet, mapping programs, databases, and other sources.
• Perform office and field reconnaissance prior to sampling events.
• Perform data accuracy reviews on all data collected following QA/QC protocols.
• Enter and/or upload biological, physical, and chemical data into various data storage and retrieval systems.
• Assist with reporting of biological, chemical, and physical data for surface water environments.
• Provide technical assistance to local DEP Districts with sampling and other monitoring or bioassessment needs.
• Conduct complaint investigations for non-point source or point source related water pollution violations.
• Respond to inquiries from the public, the media, and elected officials.
• Organize and maintain equipment and other sampling gear.
• Perform maintenance or facilitate maintenance on sampling equipment.
• Snorkeling may be required.
• Use of Boats to perform duties may be required.
• Perform other duties as required and as necessary.

Benefits

• Annual and Sick Leave benefits
• Nine paid holidays and one Personal Holiday each year
• State Group Insurance coverage options, including health, life, dental, vision, and other supplemental insurance options
• Retirement plan options, including employer contributions
• Tuition waivers

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree