ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST II - 42003169 1 1

State of Florida • CEDAR KEY, FL

49d

About The Position

The Environmental Specialist II works for the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Aquaculture, conducting water quality monitoring and supporting management of shellfish harvesting areas and unclassified estuaries. The position determines monitoring programs, measures physical parameters in the field, and collects water and tissue samples for laboratory analysis. It also conducts computer modeling of environmental water quality parameters in shallow inshore areas and prepares technical reports for supervisory review.

The role involves conducting shoreline surveys, establishing water sampling stations, assessing pollution sources, and collecting hydrographic and meteorological data. The specialist evaluates, installs, and maintains water quality monitoring technologies and instrumentation, and maintains district office, field instruments, boat equipment, and vehicles. The position also attends meetings, reviews water quality and shellfish documents, and assists other districts with surveys, monitoring, analyses, and editorial review of shellfish-area surveys. Occasional travel is required. The employee must complete an approved boating safety course and obtain a Florida boating safety identification card within 90 days of employment, maintaining it throughout employment. The position may require work during emergencies, including nights, holidays, and weekends. A valid Class E driver's license is required, as is successful completion of a background screening including fingerprinting.

Requirements

• Meet one of the following minimum qualifications: high school diploma or equivalent plus one year of experience in environmental protection, regulation, public health, food safety, physical or natural sciences, agriculture, or engineering; high school diploma or equivalent plus 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's license.
• Successfully complete an approved boating safety course and obtain a Boating Safety Education Identification Card issued by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission within 90 days of employment, and maintain it throughout employment.
• Pass a background screening, including fingerprinting.
• Knowledge of terminology, principles, and analytical techniques of the physical or natural sciences.
• Knowledge of data collection and analysis principles and procedures.
• Ability to collect, evaluate, analyze, and interpret scientific or technical data.
• Ability to prepare technical reports.
• Ability to understand and apply rules, regulations, policies, and procedures relating to environmental programs and follow legislative policy direction established in Florida Statutes.
• Ability to deal with the public tactfully and courteously.
• Ability to work independently and plan, organize, and coordinate work assignments.
• Ability to communicate effectively and establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to use problem-solving techniques and personal computers.
• Ability to work during emergencies, including nights, holidays, and weekends.
• Ability to travel.

Responsibilities

• Determine appropriate monitoring programs and perform in situ measurement of physical parameters.
• Collect water and tissue samples for laboratory bacteriological and chemical analysis.
• Operate state vehicles, technical field equipment, and outboard motorboats.
• Conduct computer modeling of environmental water quality parameters for shallow inshore areas.
• Collect pollution-source information and hydrographic and meteorological data for water classification and management plans.
• Prepare technical reports, including charts, graphs, statistical analyses, and interpretation, for supervisory review.
• Conduct shoreline surveys to assess actual and potential impacts of point and nonpoint pollution sources.
• Establish water sampling stations based on shoreline surveys.
• Evaluate, install, and maintain water quality monitoring technologies and instrumentation.
• Maintain the district office, technical field instruments, boat equipment, and vehicles.
• File administrative reports and requisitions for supplies.
• Attend meetings and review documents regarding water quality and shellfish.
• Assist other districts with shoreline surveys, water quality monitoring, and computer-assisted statistical analyses.
• Participate in editorial review of other district office comprehensive shellfish harvesting area surveys.
• Perform other related duties 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, including 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