ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST II - 37010231

Requisition No: 821146 

Agency: Environmental Protection

Working Title: ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST II - 37010231

 Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number: 37010231 

Salary:  $3,750 Monthly 

Posting Closing Date: 02/05/2024 

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Environmental Specialist II

 

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 (Position Number 37010231) is in the Division of Environmental Assessment and Restoration’s Water Quality Evaluation & TMDL Program, Watershed Assessment Section in Tallahassee. This position is responsible for the implementation of Chapter 62-303, Florida Administrative Code (Impaired Waters Rule) by developing assessment lists for the Northwest or Northeast DEP District basins, working in coordination with basin team members and local stakeholders. The positions can include local field sampling of surface waters to obtain data necessary to support water quality assessments. The role of the position is important to the agency’s mission to protect, restore, and maintain the health of Florida’s waters.

 

The Difference You Will Make: 

Water and natural resources are the foundation of Florida's communities, economy, and way of life. The Division of Environmental Assessment and Restoration (DEAR) is charged with protecting, maintaining, and improving the quality of Florida’s springs, rivers, lakes, estuaries, and coastal waters.  DEAR team members provide the department and other resource agencies with the highest quality laboratory services available; provide technical support to the department and the public regarding water quality analysis and data quality assurance (QA); manage water quality data repositories for data storage and use by the department, other agencies and the public; and work together to monitor and assess Florida’s surface water and groundwater quality, develop strategies to reduce pollution, and work closely with local stakeholders to implement comprehensive restoration strategies that improve the lives of all Floridians and preserve aquatic resources for generations to come.

 

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 work location of this position is in Tallahassee (Leon County), Florida. The city hosts the Capital of Florida and seat of state government. The city is home to numerous parks offering outdoor activities, league sports and natural trails for running, hiking and biking. Tallahassee is located just 22 miles from the Gulf of Mexico, which is home to some of the world's top beaches. Florida State University, Florida A&M University, Tallahassee Community College and several smaller colleges in the region offer a hub for academic research, athletics, art, music and other student activities. 

 

The Benefits of Working for the State of Florida:   

Working for the State of Florida is more than a paycheck. The State’s total compensation package for employees features a highly competitive set of employee benefits including:

• Annual and Sick Leave benefits;
• Nine paid holidays and one Personal Holiday each year;
• State Group Insurance coverage options, including health, life, dental, vision, and other supplemental insurance options;
• Retirement plan options, including employer contributions (For more information, please click www.myfrs.com);
• Flexible Spending Accounts;
• Tuition waivers;
• And more!

For a more complete list of benefits, visit www.mybenefits.myflorida.com

 

Pay: 

$3,750.00 Monthly

 

Your Specific Responsibilities:  

This intermediate environmental position will assist in conducting assessments of waterbody health through the application of the Impaired Waters Rule (IWR) resulting in the creation and revision of assessment lists using results from the IWR database.  In conducting the assessments, this position works closely with other section team members, as well as data providers and other interested parties to assure that all available assessment information is obtained and used in the assessment.

 

Using knowledge and understanding of applicable rules, including but not limited to, the State Surface Water Quality Standards (Chapter 62-302, F.A.C.) and Identification of Impaired Surface Waters (Chapter 62-303, F.A.C.) incumbent implements and reviews the water quality assessments and applicable listing process. Knowledge of and proficiency with the IWR database, ArcGIS, and statistical and worksheet programs (e.g. EXCEL) are needed to perform these duties.

 

Assists in developing documentation on the assessment process and results including the preparation of 4c (Natural Conditions) and 4d (Study List) supporting information, as well as review of 4b (Reasonable Assurance) and 4e (Restoration Activity) documents.  Participates and provides technical support to other programs and sections within the division in the development, evaluation, and attainment of TMDLs.  This may include participation on basin teams, BMAP working groups or other collaborative activities associated with the development or implementation of TMDLs.  Attends public meetings and technical working group meetings with basin stakeholders to present assessment results, obtain additional data or relevant information, and address concerns or questions.

 

Participates in sampling and monitoring activities to obtain data necessary to conduct water quality assessments and develop TMDLs. This includes training on safe boating and trailering, training on DEP field monitoring SOPs and QA requirements including the collection of water and bioassessment samples, designing, and conducting field reconnaissance and surveys, and evaluating collected data.

 

Performs other duties as assigned, including those in association with water quality and/or watershed assessments as needed, such as participating in rule making discussions, evaluating QA/QC requirements for assessment data, or participating in division workgroups.

 

 

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:  

• Knowledge of the terminology, principles, and analytical techniques of water quality analysis.
• Knowledge of water quality data collection principles and procedures.
• Knowledge and skill in the use of computers and software programs utilized for word processing, database management, statistical, and spreadsheet applications.
• Knowledge of water quality modeling techniques and mathematical and statistical procedures necessary to analyze data.
• Ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing.
• Ability to deal with the public in a tactful and courteous manner.
• Ability to work independently with minimum supervision.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to participate in intensive field work conditions.

 

Required or Preferred Qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s degree in engineering, engineering sciences, environmental science, natural sciences, biological sciences, physical sciences, environmental policy, public health, or computer science from an accredited university or college and one year of verifiable related experience; or any combination of post-secondary education or verifiable related experience, as described in this posting, for a total of five years.

 

Other Job Related Requirements for this position:

• Travel.
• Valid Driver’s License.

 

 

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_Recruitment@dep.state.fl.us

 

 

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.  Certain service members may be eligible to receive waivers for postsecondary educational requirements.  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. 

Salary : $3,750