OPS ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST I - 37979050

Requisition No: 859001 

Agency: Environmental Protection

Working Title: OPS ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST I - 37979050

 Pay Plan: Temp

Position Number: 37979050 

Salary:  $17.00 to 19.00/hr 

Posting Closing Date: 09/29/2025 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

OPS Environmental Specialist I

State of Florida

Department of Environmental Protection

This position is located in Eastpoint, FL

Position Overview and Responsibilities:

The Environmental Specialist I works as a Training and Engagement Specialist within the Department of Environmental Protection’s Office of Resilience and Coastal Protection located in the NW Region at the Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve in Eastpoint, Florida.  The Training and Engagement Specialist will collaborate with the Training and Engagement Coordinator to design and deliver workshops, field classes, and outreach campaigns that engage community leaders, professionals, and residents to increase stewardship and a deeper understanding of the connected ecosystems in the Apalachicola Bay watershed.

The successful applicant will provide communities with the knowledge, skills and resources needed to promote healthy ecosystems, support resilient communities, and restore vital ecosystems. The Training and Engagement Specialist will work with local stakeholders to identify needs and develop solutions to resolve issues, help coordinate and manage Reserve communications and outreach collecting and distributing stories, make website updates, create quarterly newsletters, prepare stories about the Reserve to increase its visibility and the public’s understanding of the reserve’s mission and its programs, and disseminate information about Reserve programs to the media and public through social media. The position will also coordinate with Florida Coastal Office Communications office; act as liaison to the office compiling and submitting weekly success reports, attending regular Communications meetings, and submitting presentations for approvals.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• A strong foundational understanding of ecological principles, ecosystems, biodiversity, and other environmental issues
• Proficient in the use of personal computers and Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), email, or other relevant software
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely with colleagues, students, and stakeholders both verbally and in writing
• Works effectively with others to achieve common goals
• Ability to plan, organize, prioritize, and coordinate work assignments
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others

• Ability to maintain a valid driver’s license
• Ability to deal with the public in a tactful and courteous manner
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
• Ability to lift and carry equipment up to 50 lb.
• Ability to work occasional evenings and/or weekends for special events  
• Self-motivated, with excellent communication skills and a positive, collaborative approach
• Ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders and adapt to varying audiences
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Knowledge of marine biology especially in Northwest Florida
• Experience with community outreach and familiar with managing social media platforms  

Minimum Qualifications:

At least 3 years of verifiable related experience in environmental education. Post-secondary degrees from an accredited college or university with a major in Environmental Science, Marine Science, Oceanography, or a related field 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:

$17.00 to 19.00/hr

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.

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.