ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST III - 37010664

State of Florida • Tallahassee, FL

4d

About The Position

The Environmental Specialist III 37010664 is in the Division of Environmental Assessment and Restoration’s Water Quality Standards Program in Tallahassee, Florida.

In carrying out the duties of this position, the incumbent is expected at all times to be and abide by the Department’s Standards of Conduct, as well as any and all departmental and / or work units’ rules, directives, policies, procedures, and /or general orders applicable to performing the duties of the position.

This second level intermediate environmental position serves to assist the DEP quality assurance (QA) coordinator with the implementation of the Department’s QA Management Plan, the DEP QA Policy and the QA rule (Chapter 62-160, F.A.C.) for the water, waste and natural resources programs. The duties in this position involve specialized professional environmental work performing data quality assessment, data interpretation, and related quality assessment activities. This position requires a technical background in the environmental sciences, with specific focus on QA protocols of environmental measurement systems, as well as developed communication skills.

Requirements

• Knowledge of environmental field sampling protocols.
• Knowledge of Quality Assurance principles, including laboratory, field, and data validation activities.
• Ability to write and edit comprehensive environmental assessment reports.
• Ability to organize workloads, work independently, and solve problems.
• Ability to communicate effectively in both verbal and written formats.
• Ability to conduct laboratory and field audits.
• Ability to collect, record, analyze and interpret field and laboratory data.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to use computer systems and related software including MS word, MS Excel, and PowerPoint.
• At least six years of verifiable, related experience in one or more of the following fields: engineering, engineering sciences, chemistry, environmental science, natural sciences, biological sciences, physical sciences, environmental policy, computer science, or public health.
• A post-secondary degree in any of these fields from an accredited college or university may substitute for experience on a year-for-year basis.
• Applicants with foreign degrees must submit a credential evaluation report from an approved agency.
• Valid Driver’s License
• Occasional overnight Travel

Responsibilities

• Coordinates and conducts laboratory and field audits at the request of DEP program areas to determine compliance with QA protocols and specific project requirements, to include preparing audit checklists, audit reports and related documentation, as well as working with audited parties to identify QA problems and implement corrective actions. Ensures that all audits and reports are consistent and in accordance with all QA guidance documents, rules and policies. Prepares audit reports and related documents according to Section deadlines.
• Participates in the organization and delivery of QA training activities; including but not limited to, DEP Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) training, data consumer education, and data validation training. Assists in the preparation and /or review of DEP SOPs and other documents for field and laboratory procedures. Assists in developing and providing guidance to Department staff concerning the creation and review of QA planning documents for DEP programs and projects for regulatory and contracted work, in accordance with established QA procedures, rules and policies.
• Functions as a Department-wide consultant on issues concerning the appropriateness and quality of scientific information generated for environmental decision making. Includes interactions with Department program managers, QA officers and technical staff; and with local governments, water management districts, environmental consultants, EPA other federal agencies, and the regulated public on issues related to field and laboratory procedures, laboratory certification, data quality planning, data assessment, data validation, and database QA management. Performs data validation.
• Participates in environmental field sampling, including a wide array of highly sophisticated water chemistry, sediment, and biological parameters, according to DEP SOPs. Assists with the development of sampling methods. Assists in the experimental design and implementation of environmental studies.
• Writes and edits environmental assessment reports, including data entry into and data retrieval from relevant databases. Assists in the review, evaluation, and interpretation of physical, chemical and biological data and makes recommendations to assist DEP programs.
• Performs other related duties as directed.

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 (For more information, please click www.myfrs.com);
• Tuition waivers;

What This Job Offers

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