OPS ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST I - 37940179

State of Florida • Tallahassee, FL

4d • 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 OPS Environmental Specialist I, Position Number 37940179, is in DEAR’s Laboratory Biology Program, Taxonomy Group, in Tallahassee. DEP leads state efforts to respond to blue-green algae blooms in Florida's waters. This position will be responsible for preparing and analyzing environmental samples for identification of dominant algal taxa to the lowest practical taxonomic level, providing analytical support to senior taxonomists in implementing and operating new equipment or methodologies and troubleshooting assistance to new technicians. This work is integral to Division and Department goals by providing them with the highest quality laboratory services and data available.

Requirements

• At least four 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
• Knowledge of basic concepts, and techniques for aquatic biology, ecology, and environmental sciences.
• Skill in using a compound, inverted and dissecting microscope for analytical purposes.
• Skill in the use of computers, including Microsoft Office software, internet resources, or other computer programs.
• Skill in collecting, recording, and interpreting scientific and technical data.
• Skills in determining workload priorities and ensuring proper completion of work assignments
• Ability to sit and use a microscope daily.
• Ability to complete repetitive tasks accurately and efficiently.
• 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 use laboratory personal protective equipment and work with acids, acetone, formalin, ethanol, and other chemicals.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions.
• Ability to think and work independently, and to work well in a group.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to be adaptable, flexible, and resourceful in response to laboratory workload shifts.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of the terminology, principles and analytical techniques used to accurately identify algae to the lowest practical taxonomic level.

Responsibilities

• Preparing and analyzing environmental samples for identification of dominant algal taxa to the lowest practical taxonomic level.
• Providing analytical support to senior taxonomists in implementing and operating new equipment or methodologies.
• Troubleshooting assistance to new technicians.

Benefits

• Participation in state group insurance (must meet eligibility requirements).
• State of Florida 401(a) FICA Alternative Plan (tax deferred Retirement Savings Plan, for more information, please visit Corebridge Financial).
• Flexible Spending Accounts

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree