OPS Environmental Specialist II

Environmental Specialist II
Position #37979216
State of Florida
Department of Environmental Protection

Our Organization and Mission:
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is the state’s lead agency for environmental management and stewardship – protecting our air, water, and land. The vision of DEP is to create strong community partnerships, safeguard Florida’s natural resources and enhance its ecosystem.

The Work You Will Do:
The Environmental Specialist II is a core member of the Charlotte Harbor Aquatic Preserves (CHAP) and includes office and field duties necessary to coordinate and conduct estuary resource management activities, watershed coordination activities, education and outreach and all other program activities related to resource protection and management of the aquatic preserves.

The Difference You Will Make:
The best qualified candidate for the Environmental Specialist II position will possess the knowledge, skills, and experience required for the successful daily operations of Charlotte Harbor Aquatic Preserves (CHAP), consisting of five aquatic preserves in Sarasota, Charlotte, and Lee counties.

How You Will Grow:
DEP encourages its leaders to constantly innovate and seek efficiencies. We believe in supporting and encouraging you as you take on important and often complex projects while offering you the opportunity to gain valuable experience quickly.

Where You Will Work: The Charlotte Harbor Aquatic Preserves office is based in Charlotte County, in Punta Gorda, Florida.

The Benefits of Working for the State of Florida:
This full-time Other Personal Services (OPS) Environmental Specialist II position offers health insurance benefits.
Working for the State of Florida is more than a paycheck. The State’s benefits package for eligible OPS employees includes:

• Participation in state group insurance (must meet eligibility requirements*). For more details consult with People First at 877-562-7287 or: https://www.mybenefits.myflorida.com/health/eligibility_and_enrollment/ops_employees
• Participation in the Florida Deferred Compensation Plan (457b). For additional details and online enrollment visit MyFloridaDeferredComp.com
• State of Florida 401(a) FICA Alternative Plan (tax deferred Retirement Savings Plan). (For more information, please click Social Security Alternative Plan (aigrs.com) and read OPS Social Security Alternative Plan;
• Flexible Spending Accounts;

For more benefits information, visit www.mybenefits.myflorida.com. *Seasonal and part-time OPS employees (less than 30 hours average per week) refer to the links above for detailed eligibility requirements.

Pay: $18.00 per hour – 40 hours per week, Monday – Friday; variable work schedule with an occasional weekend for educational outreach events. Occasional travel.

Your Specific Responsibilities
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Possess knowledge of terminology, principles, and analytical techniques of the physical or natural sciences.
• Must be comfortable working in the field and in the water for extended periods of time and in potentially adverse conditions.
• Possess knowledge of data collection and analysis principles and procedures.
• Possess extensive knowledge of flora and fauna of Florida’s estuarine habitats.
• Ability to collect, evaluate, analyze, and interpret scientific or technical data; prepare technical reports; understand and apply rules, regulations, policies, and procedures relating to environmental programs.
• Ability to communicate professionally and effectively both verbally and in writing.
  The Environmental Specialist II assists with the continuous water quality monitoring program which involves following the Office of Resilience and Coastal Protection (ORCP) requirements for calibration, deployment, record keeping, data management and analyzation, along with, the maintenance and tracking of the YSI water quality instruments and the data sonde pilings and signs.
• Assist with the volunteer water quality monitoring program for training, recruitment, supply purchasing, data entry and quality assurance.
• Analyze biological and water quality data. Prepare written reports and technical presentations of monitoring data. Conduct site inspections for permit applications to assess submerged resources.
• Assist with other resource management activities, including colonial wading bird rookery monitoring, submerged archaeological monitoring, seagrass monitoring, water quality sampling, oyster monitoring and other special projects.
• Participate and assist in the development and presentation of outreach and educational activities, including school and group presentations and local environmental festivals. Represent CHAP and DEP at inter-agency and partner meetings.
• Prepare monthly paperwork (timesheet, vehicle/vessel logs, activity reports) and assist aquatic preserves manager with the preparation of reports as needed, including monthly reports, resource management plans, budget requests, grant reports, and other materials.
• Maintain records and files electronically and assist with vehicle, vessel and building maintenance.
• Aid in the event of an emergency including pre-storm preparation, post-storm clean-up and logistical support.
• The incumbent in this position is responsible for maintaining DEP Snorkel Certification and CPR/First Aid/AED Certification and other related duties and training as assigned.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with stakeholders, work independently and as a team.
• Ability to plan, organize, coordinate work assignments, and conduct education and outreach events.
• Have working knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook, Power Point, Access, Publisher, Adobe, and GIS software.
• Possess strong boating skills and knowledge of safe boating operations and travel.
• Ability to meet snorkeling validation requirements in accordance with the DEP Underwater Operations Manual.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs. and carry over 100 yards.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Driver’s License
• Bachelor’s degree with a major in natural science from an accredited college or university
• Completion of Florida Boating Safety Course (if born after Jan. 1, 1988)

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in water quality monitoring
• Small watercraft operation and trailering

DEP is committed to successfully recruiting and onboarding talented and skilled individuals into its workforce. We recognize the extensive training, experience, and transferrable skills that veterans and individuals with disabilities bring to the workforce. Veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to contact our recruiter for guidance and answers to questions through the following email addresses:
HR_VeteransPreference@dep.state.fl.us 
HR_ER@dep.state.fl.us