OPS ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST II - 37990085

State of Florida • Fort Myers Beach, FL

4d

About The Position

The OPS Environmental Specialist II, 37990085, are in the Division of Environmental Assessment and Restoration’s Water Quality Monitoring Program, South Regional Operation Center, located in Fort Myers and will be responsible for water quality sampling in freshwater and estuarine ecosystems as well as ground water wells, and performing biological assessments of streams and lakes. Duties for this position also include records management, calibration of field meters and maintenance of other field equipment. This position enables DEAR/South ROC the capability to accomplish monitoring goals of Strategic Monitoring Plan, Status and Trend Monitoring Networks, as well as respond to public concerns related to water quality of surface waters.

This intermediate environmental position performs biological assessment and water quality sampling in freshwater, estuarine and marine ecosystems for the Water Quality Monitoring Program. Water quality sampling is conducted on both surface and groundwater. Biological assessments may include taxonomic analysis of freshwater, estuarine and marine flora, and fauna. Completion of DEP training and pass status of audits are required to conduct water quality data collection and specialized floral and faunal biological assessments. Performs logistical planning in coordination with other personnel for field sampling events using GIS, internet, mapping programs, databases, and other available sources. Performs office and field reconnaissance as needed prior to sampling events.

Performs data accuracy reviews on all data collected following QA/QC protocols. Enters and/or uploads biological, physical, and chemical data into various data storage and retrieval systems. Assists with reporting of biological, chemical, and physical data for surface water environments.

Provides technical assistance to the local DEP District with sampling and other monitoring or bioassessment needs. Conducts complaint investigations as requested for non-point source or point source related water pollution violations, such as fish kills, algae blooms, reports of odor, or foam. Responds in a timely manner to inquiries from the public, the media, and elected officials, per established agency guidelines and procedures. Provides action item reply within required timeframes. Attends program training as necessary.

Organizes and maintains equipment and other sampling gear. This includes organization of field projects, keeping inventory of coolers, kits and supplies needed for projects, cleaning of laboratory space, vehicles, and equipment. Performs maintenance or facilitates maintenance on sampling equipment.

Snorkeling may be required. Participation in Boater safety training is required.

Performs other duties as required and as necessary.

Requirements

• Ability to collect, evaluate, analyze, and interpret scientific or technical data
• Ability to understand and interpret applicable rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Skill in operating and trailering small powerboats.
• Skill with the use of personal computers.
• Ability to prepare technical reports.
• Ability to determine work priorities and ensure proper completion of work assignments.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Ability to deal with the public in a courteous and respectful manner.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to work independently with general supervision and as part of a team.
• Ability to be adaptable, flexible, resourceful and to maintain a positive outlook.
• Knowledge of terminology, principles, and analytical techniques of the physical and natural sciences.
• Knowledge of the terminology, principles, and sampling techniques for measuring surface and ground water quality.
• Skilled in water sample collection techniques that include wading, snorkeling, and traversing difficult terrain.
• Knowledge of water quality field instruments.
• Ability to maintain a valid Class E Florida driver’s license and travel or drive long distances.
• Ability to maintain or complete training on functional use of ESRI GIS software, MS Office software, Word, Access, Excel, PowerPoint, and various data storage and retrieval systems.
• Ability to complete complicated or repetitive tasks accurately and efficiently as well as carry 40-pounds while walking ten minutes (100yards) over uneven terrain.
• Skill in floral and/or faunal biological assessments.
• At least five years of verifiable related experience in engineering, engineering sciences, chemistry, environmental science, natural sciences, biological sciences, physical sciences, environmental policy, or public health. Post-secondary degrees from an accredited college or university with a major in engineering, engineering sciences, chemistry, environmental science, natural sciences, biological sciences, physical sciences, environmental policy, or public health may be used as an alternative for the required five 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.
• Frequent day and occasional overnight travel.
• This is a medically monitored position.
• Completion of the boater safety training is required within 9 months of hire; additional time needed for completion will be at the discretion of the supervisor.

Responsibilities

• Water quality sampling in freshwater and estuarine ecosystems as well as ground water wells
• Performing biological assessments of streams and lakes
• Records management
• Calibration of field meters and maintenance of other field equipment
• Biological assessment and water quality sampling in freshwater, estuarine and marine ecosystems for the Water Quality Monitoring Program
• Taxonomic analysis of freshwater, estuarine and marine flora, and fauna
• Logistical planning in coordination with other personnel for field sampling events using GIS, internet, mapping programs, databases, and other available sources
• Office and field reconnaissance as needed prior to sampling events
• Data accuracy reviews on all data collected following QA/QC protocols
• Enters and/or uploads biological, physical, and chemical data into various data storage and retrieval systems
• Assists with reporting of biological, chemical, and physical data for surface water environments
• Provides technical assistance to the local DEP District with sampling and other monitoring or bioassessment needs
• Conducts complaint investigations as requested for non-point source or point source related water pollution violations, such as fish kills, algae blooms, reports of odor, or foam
• Responds in a timely manner to inquiries from the public, the media, and elected officials, per established agency guidelines and procedures
• Provides action item reply within required timeframes
• Attends program training as necessary
• Organizes and maintains equipment and other sampling gear
• Organization of field projects, keeping inventory of coolers, kits and supplies needed for projects, cleaning of laboratory space, vehicles, and equipment
• Performs maintenance or facilitates maintenance on sampling equipment

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: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees