ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST II - 37010043

State of Florida • Tallahassee, FL

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Water and natural resources are the foundation of Florida's communities, economy, and way of life. The Division of Environmental Assessment and Restoration (DEAR) is charged with protecting, maintaining, and improving the quality of Florida’s springs, rivers, lakes, estuaries, and coastal waters. DEAR team members provide the department and other resource agencies with the highest quality laboratory services available; provide technical support to the department and the public regarding water quality analysis and data quality assurance (QA); manage water quality data repositories for data storage and use by the department, other agencies and the public; and work together to monitor and assess Florida’s surface water and groundwater quality, develop strategies to reduce pollution, and work closely with local stakeholders to implement comprehensive restoration strategies that improve the lives of all Floridians and preserve aquatic resources for generations to come.
The Environmental Specialist II, 37010043, is in DEAR’s Laboratory Biology Program, Taxonomy Group. DEP leads state efforts to respond to harmful algal bloom (HAB) blooms in Florida's waters. The main duties of this position will be the identification of algae in environmental samples to the lowest practical taxonomical level and to serve as the technical coordinator for the algal group. This position will be responsible for qualitative and quantitative HAB sample analyses, which includes using the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) to track samples and enter results for reporting and using the Statewide Biological Database (SBIO) to enter taxonomic data. This position will assist the manager with workload organization, provide technical guidance to analysts, serve as the technical expert on algal taxa, and oversee microscope/equipment cleaning, maintenance, and calibration. This work is integral to Division, Department, and State goals by providing them with the highest quality laboratory services and algal data available.

Requirements

• Knowledge of the terminology, principles, and methods for aquatic biology and ecology, environmental sciences, and similar, related disciplines.
• Knowledge of the analytical techniques used to accurately identify algae to the lowest practical taxonomic level.
• Knowledge of biological and laboratory QA/QC principals and methods.
• Skill in using compound, inverted, and dissecting microscope for analytical purposes.
• Skill in the use of computers, including Microsoft Office software, internet resources, and/or other computer programs.
• Skill in collecting, recording, and interpreting scientific and technical data.
• Ability to understand and follow technical instructions related to sample collection, testing and analysis, including Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and quality assurance and quality control procedures.
• Ability to effectively communicate complex technical information, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to determine work priorities, assign work, and ensure timely completion of multiple concurrent assignments.
• Ability to coordinate other staff members and organize workload efficiently.
• Ability to be adaptable, flexible, and resourceful in response to laboratory workload shifts.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to think and work independently and work well in a group.
• Ability to complete repetitive tasks accurately and efficiently.
• Ability to sit and use a microscope daily.
• Ability to work at counter-height surfaces, including at a sink to wash laboratory glassware and sample containers.
• Ability to wear laboratory personal protective apparel and work with acids, acetone, Lugol's, formalin and other chemicals.
• Ability to maintain a valid driver’s license and travel.
• At least 5 years of verifiable related experience in biological sciences, environmental science, natural sciences, or physical sciences.
• Post-secondary degrees from an accredited college or university with a major in biological, environmental, natural, 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.
• Travel as needed.

Nice To Haves

• Two years’ experience of taxonomically identifying algae using an inverted or compound microscope.
• Experience identifying diatoms.
• Knowledge of harmful algal bloom formation and common taxa.
• Experience using flow cytometry to identify phytoplankton and cyanobacterial samples.

Responsibilities

• Identification of algae in environmental samples to the lowest practical taxonomical level.
• Serve as the technical coordinator for the algal group.
• Responsible for qualitative and quantitative HAB sample analyses.
• Use the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) to track samples and enter results for reporting.
• Use the Statewide Biological Database (SBIO) to enter taxonomic data.
• Assist the manager with workload organization.
• Provide technical guidance to analysts.
• Serve as the technical expert on algal taxa.
• Oversee microscope/equipment cleaning, maintenance, and calibration.

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