OPS ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST I - 37979050

Requisition No: 881316 

Agency: Environmental Protection

Working Title: OPS ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST I - 37979050

 Pay Plan: Temp

Position Number: 37979050 

Salary:  AGENCY TO UPDATE 

Posting Closing Date: 08/27/2026 

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OPS Environmental Specialist I

State of Florida

Department of Environmental Protection

This position is located in Eastpoint, FL

Position Overview and Responsibilities:

This position serves as the Outreach and Communications Coordinator (OCC) at the Reserve. The candidate for this position should possess the knowledge and skills to communicate and share the stories of the Apalachicola watershed’s waters, wildlife, and research. The coordinator will assist in building connections with the community and visitors to inspire appreciation, stewardship, and commitment to protect and conserve the Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve  (ANERR) for future generations to enjoy. This is hands-on, creative role supporting the promotion of programs at ANERR. The OCC will assist in promoting the work of the Reserve and the many programs and events occurring at the Apalachicola Nature Center. Strong writing and communication skills, attention to detail and organizational skills are necessary in this role.

• Responsibilities include assisting in the develop of an annual communications plan/strategies and executing plans accordingly; updating media, organizing and maintaining partner and volunteer contact lists; sorting and maintaining press clippings; attending ORCP Communications meetings and representing the Reserve and the Northwest AP region; public relations; review and approve speaking requests and presentations for central office; providing links of events to website; developing marketing and communication materials to promote ANERR and its programs; producing newsletter, radio, and other video content to share; enhance the YouTube channel; coordinate website updates; serve as the Reserve’s liaison with the Friends of the Reserve to share meaningful stories and track volunteer hours in the nature center; work with Training & Engagement staff on disseminating information about training programs; manages volunteer hours spreadsheet for the Reserve and submits forms; and compiling monthly events to send to partners and local media.

• In addition, the OCC will interact with all ANERR departments to gather information to create social media posts and stories for a weekly report; take photos and videos of field activities and events and assist in outreach events. This position will coordinate with ANERR staff and regional preserves staff to write reports for ORCP Communications Office and will serve as the lead on all communication and outreach efforts between the two offices.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Proficiency in MS Office, experience in design software such as Adobe Creative Suite or Canva, and comfortable creating social media reels and posts.

Minimum Qualifications:

• At least 4 years of verifiable related experience in marketing, communications, or a related field.  Post-secondary degrees 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.

• Valid Driver’s License

Position of Special Trust Requirement:

This position is designated as a Position of Special Trust in accordance with DEP Directive 422, Positions of Special Trust or Responsibility. Successful completion of background screening will be required for this position.

Pay:

The approved pay rate for this position is $21.00 per hour for forty hours per week. (part-time may also be considered)

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 advance Florida’s position as a world leader in protecting natural resources while growing the state’s economy. 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 Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve, located in Eastpoint, Florida, is in Franklin County. Franklin County is a rural area dominated by a working waterfront across the bay from Apalachicola and St. George Island.  Eastpoint is small area reliant on tourism and the fishing industry.

The Reserve is located directly on the coast of the St. George Sound and the Apalachicola Bay. Due to the location of the Reserve in the heart of Franklin County, less than 5% of a working day is required to travel to locations within the county to perform mission critical duties.

There is no state income tax for residents of Florida.

The Benefits of Working for the State of Florida:

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*).  
• State of Florida 401(a) FICA Alternative Plan (tax deferred Retirement Savings Plan, for more information, please visit Corebridge Financial).
• Flexible Spending Accounts;
• And more!

For a complete list of benefits, 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.

Special Notes:

DEP is committed to successfully recruiting and onboarding talented and skilled individuals into its workforce. We recognize the extensive training, experience, and transferable 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@FloridaDEP.gov

An individual with a disability is qualified if he or she satisfies the skills, experience, and other job-related requirements for a position and can perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation. Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must contact the DEP Human Resources (HR) Office at (850) 245-2511. DEP requests applicants notify HR in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.

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.