Requisition No: 287621
Agency: Environmental Protection
Working Title: DEP-ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST I - 37020851-Div of Env Asmnt & Restoration
Position Number: 37020851
Salary:  $2,582.39 per month (base)
Posting Closing Date: 01/20/2021
Division of Environmental Assessment and Restoration
Water Quality Assessment Program
Southwest District Regional Operation Center
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Environmental Specialist I
Position Number 37020851
The Water Quality Assessment Program is accepting applications for a full-time, Environmental Specialist II position based in Temple Terrace, Florida.
Summary of Duties:
Performs biological assessment and water quality sampling in freshwater, estuarine and marine ecosystems for the Water Quality Assessment 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 FDEP training and some bioassessment certifications are required to conduct water quality data collection and specialized floral and faunal biological assessments, including the Stream Condition Index, Biorecon, Lake Vegetation Index, Rapid Periphyton Survey, Linear Vegetation Survey, and Stream and Lake Habitat Assessments. Assists with the implementation of water quality monitoring plans and logistical coordination with the regional manager. Performs logistical planning in coordination with other personnel for field sampling events using GIS, internet, mapping programs, databases and other available sources. Performs field reconnaissance as needed prior to sampling events.
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, foam, etc. These activities should be coordinated through the regional manager and prior approval should be acquired. 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. Assists in the training of newer personnel.
Performs data accuracy reviews on all data collected. Enters and/or uploads biological, physical and chemical data into various data storage and retrieval systems. Assists with data analysis and the production of scientific reports to evaluate and interpret biological, chemical and physical data for surface water environments. Assists with the research and organization of local information pertinent to reports and collates that information into the reports as instructed by supervisor or other DEAR management.
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. Performs other duties as required and as necessary. Boat and trailer certification safety training is required.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (Essential) :
• 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 small powerboats.
• Ability to use 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 minimal supervision and as part of a team.
• Ability to be adaptable, flexible, resourceful and to maintain a positive outlook.
• Knowledge of terminology, principals and analytical techniques of the physical and natural sciences.
• Knowledge of the terminology, principles and sampling techniques for measuring surface water quality.
• Ability to perform field biology and water quality sampling techniques, including wading, snorkeling, and traversing difficult wetland 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 DEP proprietary software; SBIO, LIMS and the Report Tracker.
• Ability to complete complicated or repetitive tasks accurately and efficiently as well as carry 40-pounds while walking ten minutes (100yards) over uneven terrain.
• Ability to become Habitat Assessment (HA), Stream Condition Index (SCI), Lake Vegetation Index (LVI), Rapid Periphyton Survey (RPS), and Linear Vegetation Survey (LVS) certified.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (Preferred) :
• Knowledge of freshwater, estuarine, and marine macroinvertebrates and plants.
• Knowledge of Florida Statutes and Florida Administrative Code Rules relating to the environmental program area.
• Knowledge of the terminology, principles and sampling techniques for measuring ground water quality.
• Ability to operate 4x4 vehicles in off road situations.
Position Requirements:
• Travel
• Valid Driver’s License.
• Must have prior approval and meet the snorkeling Validation requirements in the DEP Underwater Operations Manual.
• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Environmental Science or other natural science; or an Associates of Arts (AA) or an Associate of Science (AS) degree and 2 years’ experience in the environmental field
Position location: 13051 North Telecom Parkway, Temple Terrace, Florida 33637
Persons interested in applying for this position must submit a completed State of Florida Employment Application through the People First System .
For questions concerning this position, please contact:
Kalina Warren, Environmental Administrator
407-897-4177
Kalina.Warren@FloridaDEP.gov
The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer, and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace.
Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center (1-866-663-4735). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.
The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act.
VETERANS’ PREFERENCE. Pursuant to Chapter 295, Florida Statutes, candidates eligible for Veterans’ Preference will receive preference in employment for Career Service vacancies and are encouraged to apply.  Candidates claiming Veterans’ Preference must attach supporting documentation with each submission that includes character of service (for example, DD Form 214 Member Copy #4) along with any other documentation as required by Rule 55A-7, Florida Administrative Code.  Veterans’ Preference documentation requirements are available by clicking here .  All documentation is due by the close of the vacancy announcement.