ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST II - 42003194

State of Florida • Tallahassee, FL

11d

About The Position

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Aquaculture, is hiring an Environmental Specialist II for an open competitive opportunity. The position coordinates with a supervisor and Division staff to develop, manage, and execute projects, policies, procedures, and performance measures related to aquaculture education, policy, and scientific development. It keeps current with scientific, technical, and policy developments in aquaculture and may involve field work, meetings, data recording, workshops, and resource creation.

The role supports education and outreach, operational improvement, recirculation aquaculture system (RAS) design materials, and school site visits for troubleshooting. It also creates and updates Division publications, forms, web content, technical reports, comment letters, and presentations. The specialist assists with grant procurement and administration, maintains and develops partnerships, and attends relevant engagements in Florida and the region. Other related duties and projects may be assigned.

A high school diploma or equivalent plus qualifying experience, or a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, is required. A valid Class E driver license is required. The position has regulatory responsibilities, requires moderate travel, and requires successful completion of a background screening, including fingerprinting. Applicants must complete the Candidate Profile fields and provide verifiable responses to qualifying questions. The job may require occasional night and weekend work, including work during emergencies on nights, holidays, and weekends.

Requirements

• Meet one of the following education and experience options: high school diploma or equivalent and one year of experience in environmental protection, regulation, public health or food safety; a physical or natural science; agriculture; or engineering; high school diploma or equivalent and six months of experience as an Environmental Specialist I or higher with the State of Florida; or a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
• Possess a valid Class E Driver License.
• Knowledge of terminology and principles of aquaculture, environmental science, marine science, or a similar field.
• Knowledge of data collection and management practices and ability to work with large datasets.
• Ability to collect, evaluate, and analyze information and data from diverse sources, including scientific literature, and prepare reports and presentations, develop recommendations, solve problems, and document workflow.
• Knowledge of effective public science communication principles and experience applying them.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in writing and speech, including preparing and delivering technical reports, comment letters, grant proposals, progress reports, training and educational materials, data summaries, and presentations for varied audiences.
• Ability to write scientific and education grant proposals, manage grant funding, and coordinate project teams.
• Ability to interact professionally and courteously with the public, coworkers, and local, state, or federal employees, in person and virtually.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and work independently or cooperatively in teams.
• Ability to travel throughout the state and region and work occasionally during nights and weekends.
• Ability to plan, organize, and coordinate work assignments and schedules with competing deadlines.
• Ability to coordinate and lead projects, meetings, events, and collaborative teams within and outside the Department.
• Ability to use problem-solving techniques and exercise sound professional judgment.
• Ability to operate personal computers, printers, cell phones, vehicles, and issued equipment proficiently.
• Skills in Adobe, Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, and PowerPoint), and virtual video conferencing platforms.
• Ability to work during emergencies, including nights, holidays, and weekends.
• Ability to understand and follow legislative policy direction established in Florida Statutes and apply relevant rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Successful completion of a background screening, including fingerprinting, as a condition of employment.
• Applicants must complete all Candidate Profile fields and provide verifiable responses to qualifying questions.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate with the supervisor and Division staff on the development, management, and execution of aquaculture education, policy, and scientific development projects, policies, procedures, and performance measures.
• Keep current with relevant scientific, technical, and policy developments in aquaculture, including primary literature.
• Conduct or assist with field work, meetings, data recording, workshops, and resource creation.
• Assist with education and outreach programs and process improvement, including trainings, workshops, site visits, lectures, public communications, and educational materials.
• Develop alternative recommendations, solve problems, and document workflow to improve operational and management practices.
• Assist with creating and updating recirculation aquaculture system (RAS) design materials and conduct school site visits for troubleshooting as needed.
• Create and update Division publications, forms, and web content as assigned.
• Produce and update technical reports and comment letters, and deliver presentations related to Division priorities and projects.
• Assist with grant procurement, management, and administration in coordination with the supervisor.
• Maintain existing partnerships and build a network of partners for collaborative initiatives in Florida and the region.
• Attend meetings, webinars, workshops, trainings, conferences, and other engagements as appropriate to enhance program areas and build partnerships.
• Perform other related duties and projects as assigned.

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
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Tuition waivers

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED