OPS ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST II - 37979083

State of Florida • Miami, FL

9d • Onsite

About The Position

This position serves as the Reef Injury Prevention and Response (RIPR) Technician for the Coral Reef Conservation Program (CRCP) within the Office of Resilience and Coastal Protection (ORCP). With guidance from the DEP Southeast Regional Administrator and DEP Coral Reef Conservation Program (CRCP) Manager, and the Reef Injury Prevention and Response (RIPR) Coordinator, supports the planning and implementation the RIPR Program, and RIPR-related local action strategy projects as identified in the Kristin Jacobs Coral Aquatic Preserve (KJCAP) management plan, as directed. Reports to the RIPR Coordinator.

Utilizing knowledge of environmental policies, procedures and practices, may develop and manage grants, contracts, oversee contractors, and associated progress reporting and financial tracking for all assigned projects. May prepare proposals, budgets, and contracts for assigned projects. Maintains program and project files and records. Analyzes data, develops and maintains databases, prepares progress and financial reports, and facilitates annual review (and revision, if needed) of assigned core programs and projects. Organizes, facilitates, and participates in CRCP and SEFCRI-related workshops and meetings. Ensures meeting minutes are recorded for all assigned program/project meetings and prepares meeting summaries. Assists with CRCP and SEFCRI programmatic and strategic planning. Assists with the implementation of other SEFCRI projects and CRCP activities, as directed.
Attends training programs (where funds allow). Assist with education and outreach activities, as needed. Periodic weekend and evening work may be required to support CRCP outreach activities.
Understands federal laws, state laws and policies, American Academy of Underwater Sciences (AAUS) and DEP standards governing commercial, scientific and recreational scuba diving practices, certifications and operations and ensures diving activities are conducted in compliance with current laws and policies. Suspends diving operations considered to be unsafe or unwise. Communicates with UDSO to address concerns and resolve any questions related to diving operations. Safely operates and maintains DEP vessels, vehicles, sampling, photographic, and scuba equipment, as assigned. Provides assistance to the DEP Miami Unit Diving Safety Officer (UDSO), as directed.

Assist in the management of coral reef and hardbottom injury incidents in southeast Florida.

Create a case file in the Injury Events folder and GIS Map (habitat/bathymetric) for each incident. Provide logistical coordination and technical assistance to support documentation and assessment of reef resource injury incidents. Participate in resource trustee meetings and site visits, as directed. Coordinate and participate in site visits to assess reef injuries, conduct triage and restoration, and complete required monitoring, as appropriate. Maintain complete files for all incidents in southeast Florida, including Injury Response Intake Form, GIS Maps, Restoration Plan, Salvage Plan, Trustee Response Cost Tracker, all related correspondence, etc. Write incident assessment reports and maintain records of photo and video files, GPS track files, and data sheets. Assist in planning and participate in annual CSI for Coral Reefs training and protocol review. Assist in maintaining the Water Quality Assurance Trust Fund Budget Tracker.

RIPR Field Work Preparation and Organization

Complete and submit dive and float plans for all RIPR-related field days. Lead field work planning, preparation, and organization. Pre-dive preparations may include camera prep and Garmin GPS upkeep, charging Pegasus power thrusters monthly, data sheet printing/creation, packing appropriate equipment, creating GIS maps and determining site coordinates. Post-dive organization may include downloading and organizing photos, downloading and plotting GPS tracks, entering diver data, and transcribing injury assessment data into virtual impact diagrams. Assist the RIPR Specialist with dive equipment management, as needed, including, but not limited to, assisting the RIPR Specialist with sending all gear in for annual maintenance, keeping the BBEC Dive Shed organized, coordinating transfer of gear to other programs, ordering new gear and arranging for gear repairs and tank fills. Maintain DEP Diver qualification as defined by the DEP Underwater Operations Manual, including current medical approval for diving.

Update and Maintain Reef Injury Prevention and Response (RIPR) Database

Aid in updating and maintaining the Southeast Florida Injury Tracker MS Access database to reflect the correct information from all case files. Records need to be updated and cross-checked with paper and electronic case files. As new cases come in, the database needs to be updated and managed accordingly. Add and update each injury’s budget information by grant tracking number. Use the database to run queries that will populate annual summary reports and various data/budget inquiries that may arise. Additionally, use the database and associated linked ArcGIS map to spatially keep track of cases.

Vessel Monitoring and Tracking

Using PortVision (or similar website), receive and organize emails from vessel zone alerts. Pull tracks and information about vessels on/near southeast Florida reefs, determine if in-water site checks are necessary, and plot in GIS as needed.

RIPR Educational Outreach Campaign

Assist the RIPR Specialist with outreach and partnership efforts with relevant local agencies and stakeholders. Duties may include creating and presenting power point presentations for various user groups.

Coral Reef Conservation Program (CRCP) ArcGIS Online Data Management

Maintain and update the Florida’s Coral Reef Locator Map and all associated data on ArcGIS Online, as needed. Create and use online maps.

Coral Reef Stabilization and Rehabilitation Project Coordination

Assist in the planning and development of future stabilization and restoration projects for injury sites, as needed. Maintain complete files for all aspects of future stabilization and rehabilitation projects and associated monitoring. Keep up to date on all annual monitoring tasks, (mosaic and in situ). Submit permit required reports for coral transplantation as stipulated in the permits and assist in planning and implementation of biological restoration, as appropriate.

Coral Reef Monitoring and Restoration Project Coordination

Work with the RIPR Coordinator to develop and implement coral reef monitoring and restoration projects to strengthen CRPA case protocols, as appropriate. Maintain complete files for all aspects of the projects including scopes of work, permits and deliverables.

Serve as RIPR Coordinator Alternate, as needed

Serve as back-up to the State Trustee representative for resource damage incidents and collaborate with other inter- and intra- agency representatives, as necessary and appropriate, to prevent, respond to, and manage resource damage incidents. Duties may include receiving and routing injury reports, attending meetings, etc.

Support RIPR Program and CRCP office with general/administrative office work, as needed

Assist in writing project scopes and purchase requisitions, requesting invoices, and approving deliverables. Assist with filing, handling purchasing card transactions, mailings, entering data, as assigned. Attend DEP/ORCP/CRCP meetings and functions, as appropriate or directed. Participate in monthly CRCP staff meetings and quarterly BBEC staff meetings. Contribute to the KJCAP management plan annual report and trackers, as well as NOAA Progress Reports. Where appropriate, represent the DEP, the ORCP, and attend meetings and functions related to the CRCP, involving local travel throughout southeast Florida and occasional long-distance travel. Perform other duties as assigned.

May aid in the event of an emergency at the DEP field offices, including pre-storm preparation, post-storm clean-up and replacement of stored goods to ready field office for operation after a storm; or other services assigned.
Snorkels or scuba dives as required to assist with field work.
Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• At least five (5) years of verifiable related experience in marine environmental or biological sciences.
• Post-secondary degrees from an accredited college or university with a major in marine environmental or biological 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.
• Regular local travel throughout Southeast Florida and occasional long-distance travel.
• Valid Driver License.
• Must be able to work flexible schedule including occasional evenings and weekends.
• Must be a certified scuba diver who can provide documentation of at least 50 logged dives.
• Must have prior approval and meet the diving and/or snorkeling validation requirements in the DEP Underwater Operations Manual.
• This position is medically monitored.
• Knowledge of coral reef ecosystems and familiarity with Southeast Florida coral and fish species identification
• Skill with scientific report writing and technical review
• Skill with scientific diving, working dives or underwater data collection
• Skill in math and analysis
• Skill in organization, writing and editing (both technical and colloquial)
• Skill in public speaking and meeting facilitation
• Skill in PC computers, Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and ArcGIS
• Skill in small boat handling and trailering, or the ability to acquire these skills
• Ability to understand and apply applicable rules, regulations, policies, and procedures relating to environmental programs
• Ability to prepare technical reports
• Ability to be flexible, multitask, and meet tight deadlines
• Ability to work in a team setting and independently
• Ability to work independently and complete tasks with attention to detail under minimal supervision
• Ability to determine work priorities and ensure proper completion of work assignments
• Ability to communicate courteously and effectively with a diverse range of people
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others
• Ability to lift a minimum of 35 lbs.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of and experience with Habitat Equivalency Analysis
• Knowledge of and experience with Coral Reef Protection Act
• Knowledge of and experience with PortVision360 and Microsoft Access
• Rescue Diver scuba certification or higher, with scientific diving experience.
• Knowledge of ecological and resource management terminology, principles, and methods with emphasis on coral reef ecosystems
• Knowledge of, and experience with, regulatory permitting preferred.
• Knowledge of and experience with operating Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs)
• Knowledge of and experience with coral reef restoration and out-planting.
• Knowledge of and experience with photogrammetry.
• Rescue and Nitrox scuba certifications, or the ability to obtain these within 1 year, are preferred

Responsibilities

• Supports the planning and implementation of the RIPR Program and RIPR-related local action strategy projects.
• Develops and manages grants, contracts, and oversees contractors.
• Prepares proposals, budgets, and contracts for assigned projects.
• Maintains program and project files and records.
• Analyzes data, develops and maintains databases, and prepares progress and financial reports.
• Organizes, facilitates, and participates in workshops and meetings.
• Ensures meeting minutes are recorded and prepares meeting summaries.
• Assists with programmatic and strategic planning.
• Assists with the implementation of other SEFCRI projects and CRCP activities.
• Attends training programs.
• Assists with education and outreach activities.
• Ensures diving activities are conducted in compliance with current laws and policies.
• Suspends diving operations considered to be unsafe or unwise.
• Operates and maintains DEP vessels, vehicles, sampling, photographic, and scuba equipment.
• Provides assistance to the DEP Miami Unit Diving Safety Officer (UDSO).
• Assists in the management of coral reef and hardbottom injury incidents in southeast Florida.
• Creates case files and GIS Maps for each incident.
• Provides logistical coordination and technical assistance for documentation and assessment of reef resource injury incidents.
• Participates in resource trustee meetings and site visits.
• Coordinates and participates in site visits to assess reef injuries, conduct triage and restoration, and complete monitoring.
• Maintains complete files for all incidents.
• Writes incident assessment reports and maintains records of photo and video files, GPS track files, and data sheets.
• Assists in planning and participates in annual CSI for Coral Reefs training and protocol review.
• Assists in maintaining the Water Quality Assurance Trust Fund Budget Tracker.
• Completes and submits dive and float plans for all RIPR-related field days.
• Leads field work planning, preparation, and organization.
• Performs pre-dive preparations including camera prep, GPS upkeep, equipment charging, data sheet preparation, equipment packing, and GIS map creation.
• Performs post-dive organization including downloading and organizing photos, downloading and plotting GPS tracks, entering diver data, and transcribing injury assessment data.
• Assists with dive equipment management, including maintenance, organization, and repair coordination.
• Maintains DEP Diver qualification.
• Aids in updating and maintaining the Southeast Florida Injury Tracker MS Access database.
• Updates and cross-checks records with paper and electronic case files.
• Manages the database as new cases come in.
• Adds and updates injury budget information by grant tracking number.
• Uses the database to run queries for reports and data/budget inquiries.
• Uses the database and ArcGIS map to spatially track cases.
• Receives and organizes emails from vessel zone alerts using PortVision.
• Pulls tracks and information about vessels on/near southeast Florida reefs.
• Determines if in-water site checks are necessary and plots in GIS.
• Assists with outreach and partnership efforts with relevant local agencies and stakeholders.
• Creates and presents power point presentations for various user groups.
• Maintains and updates the Florida’s Coral Reef Locator Map and associated data on ArcGIS Online.
• Creates and uses online maps.
• Assists in the planning and development of future stabilization and restoration projects.
• Maintains complete files for all aspects of future stabilization and rehabilitation projects and associated monitoring.
• Keeps up to date on all annual monitoring tasks.
• Submits permit required reports for coral transplantation.
• Assists in planning and implementation of biological restoration.
• Works with the RIPR Coordinator to develop and implement coral reef monitoring and restoration projects.
• Maintains complete files for all aspects of monitoring and restoration projects.
• Serves as back-up to the State Trustee representative for resource damage incidents.
• Collaborates with other inter- and intra- agency representatives.
• Receives and routes injury reports.
• Attends meetings.
• Assists in writing project scopes and purchase requisitions.
• Requests invoices and approves deliverables.
• Assists with filing, handling purchasing card transactions, mailings, and data entry.
• Attends DEP/ORCP/CRCP meetings and functions.
• Participates in monthly CRCP staff meetings and quarterly BBEC staff meetings.
• Contributes to the KJCAP management plan annual report and trackers, and NOAA Progress Reports.
• Represents the DEP, the ORCP, and attends meetings and functions related to the CRCP.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Aids in the event of an emergency at DEP field offices, including pre-storm preparation and post-storm clean-up.
• Snorkels or scuba dives as required to assist with field work.

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: Associate degree