OPS ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST II - 37940180

State of Florida • Tallahassee, FL

6d • Onsite

About The Position

This position is located in Tallahassee, FL. The OPS Environmental Specialist II is in the Division of Environmental Assessment and Restoration’s Biology Program, Toxicology Laboratory in Tallahassee and will be responsible for conducting and analyzing aquatic toxicity bioassays and Alga Growth Potential (AGP) tests. This work provides the department and other resource agencies with the highest quality laboratory services available. In carrying out the duties of this position, the incumbent is expected at all times to be aware of and abide by the Department’s Standards of Conduct, as well as any and all departmental and/or work unit rules, directives, policies, procedures, and/or general orders applicable to performing the duties of this position as it relates to the environmental impact on the State of Florida.

Requirements

• Knowledge of the terminology, principles, and techniques used in biological research, analysis, or testing.
• Knowledge of the procedures, techniques, QA/QC, and equipment used in aquatic toxicity testing.
• Skill in the use of scientific laboratory and field equipment.
• Skill in the use of computers, including Microsoft Office software, internet resources, and other computer programs.
• Ability to collect, record, and analyze scientific data relating to the biological sciences.
• Ability to understand and follow verbal and written technical instructions for laboratory analysis, including Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and QA/QC procedures.
• Ability to plan, organize, and coordinate work assignments.
• Ability to calibrate and maintain laboratory equipment.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to use laboratory personal protective equipment (PPE) and work with acids, acetone, and other chemicals.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to work independently and to work well in a group.
• Ability to lift 50 pounds.
• Valid Driver License.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a major in biological sciences, environmental science, aquatic sciences, microbiology, ecology, natural sciences, or physical sciences preferred.
• Experience in aquatic toxicology, environmental laboratory analysis, water quality testing, bioassays, laboratory QA/QC procedures, SOPs, statistical analysis, and/or laboratory information management systems (LIMS).

Responsibilities

• Provides analytical support in the Aquatic Toxicity Assessment laboratory.
• Independently performs aquatic toxicity tests using invertebrate and vertebrate test organisms and participates in the design, evaluation, and operation of testing of dischargers for compliance with state and federal regulations using aquatic toxicity tests and participates in advanced studies using toxicity testing and bioassay procedures.
• Assists analysts with all aspects of lab work under guidance of the Environmental Manager and Career Service ESII position, including training in bioassay techniques, AGP, quality control procedures, and lab maintenance.
• Maintains organism and algal cultures, ensures that adequate laboratory supplies are maintained for operational efficiency and supports the coordination of monthly standard reference toxicity tests with regularly scheduled samples.
• Initiates resolution of laboratory issues including but not limited to material repair, culture problems, and test conflicts.
• Cross trains in other Biology Lab groups to provide backup and support when needed.
• Provides weekend and holiday operational support on a rotating basis to ensure completion of toxicity tests and maintenance of organism cultures.
• Collects and transports samples from the commercial carrier on Saturdays on a rotating basis as necessary.
• Retrieves and interprets analytical data, performs statistical analysis of results, and assists in preparation of reports for management.
• Reviews bench sheets and logbooks to ensure accuracy and ongoing relevance.
• Assists in review, modification, and creation of laboratory standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Maintains proficiency in and conducts AGP analyses.
• Ensures that laboratory meets appropriate quality assurance requirements for certification.
• Assists in maintaining microbiological and biochemical oxygen demand laboratory overflow services including the review of electronic data deliverables, final reports, invoices, and the upload of data to FDEP’s laboratory information management system (LIMS), including any necessary sample logins as assigned.
• Serves as the FDEP Laboratory’s point of contact for microbiology overflow services as assigned and contacts clients to obtain facility information as needed.
• Performs other work as required.

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

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed