Environmental Specialist - Water Quality Monitoring

Pinellas County Government•HR-Public Works-Central, FL

10h•$53,290•Onsite

About The Position

This is a specialized professional and technical field and office position within the Water Quality Monitoring and Assessment Section of the Division of Environmental Management in the Department of Public Works. Primary duties include conducting environmental monitoring of the County’s streams, lakes, and coastal waters (including surface water quality, benthic, and seagrass monitoring); supporting the management and analysis of scientific data using R; and identifying microscopic freshwater and marine phytoplankton.

Requirements

Professional level experience in the assigned field of environmental management (biological science, ecology, natural resources).
Major coursework in physical, natural, or biological sciences, environmental engineering, or related field.
Environmental Specialist 1: At least 5 years of experience as described above.
Environmental Specialist 1: An Associate’s degree as described above, and at least 3 years of experience as described above.
Environmental Specialist 1: A Bachelor’s degree as described above, and at least 1 year of experience as described above.
Environmental Specialist 1: A Master’s degree or higher as described above.
Environmental Specialist 1: An equivalent combination of education, training, and/or experience.
Environmental Specialist 2: At least 6 years of experience as described above.
Environmental Specialist 2: An Associate’s degree as described above, and at least 4 years of experience as described above.
Environmental Specialist 2: A Bachelor’s degree as described above, and at least 2 year of experience as described above.
Environmental Specialist 2: A Master’s degree or higher as described above.
Environmental Specialist 2: An equivalent combination of education, training, and/or experience.
Possession and maintenance of a valid State of Florida Driver's License upon hire with eligibility based upon evaluation of a Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) driving report.
Assignment to work a variety of work schedules including compulsory work periods in special, emergency, and/or disaster situations.
Ability to swim.
Proficiency with writing and editing R code.
Ability to operate a microscope and perform freshwater and marine algae identification.
Ability to enter and query data within databases, perform basic statistical analysis, and prepare environmental reports.
Knowledge of freshwater and coastal marine ecology, mathematics, and natural, physical, and biological sciences.
Knowledge of scientific field research techniques and ability to conduct and participate in collection of water quality monitoring data.
Ability to formulate and present ideas and findings clearly and concisely in written, oral, and graphic form.
Ability to handle difficult situations and public interactions with tact, patience, and courtesy.
Ability to swim and snorkel.
Ability to trailer and operate small watercraft.
Knowledge of local, state, and federal environmental laws, rules, and regulations as related to surface waters.

Nice To Haves

Advanced proficiency in R programming.
Experience with statistical analysis.
Experience with identification of microscopic marine and/or freshwater phytoplankton.
Experience with surface water quality monitoring, related equipment, and lab practices.
Working knowledge of ESRI Geographical Information Systems (GIS).
Ability to drive and trailer boats, and USCG Safe Boat Operator Certification or equivalent.
Scuba certification.

Responsibilities

Assist in managing water quality and environmental datasets using R; data entry, data manipulation, QA/QC, and statistical analysis.
Identify microscopic freshwater and marine algae from lake and coastal water samples.
Conduct routine surface water quality monitoring; assist with seasonal benthic collections and seagrass surveys.
Calibrate and operate specialized monitoring equipment; prepare field equipment for use.
Assist in interpretation of data, evaluating ecological and environmental impacts and assisting in development of reports in support of National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit requirements under the Clean Water Act.
Perform other related work as assigned or required.