ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST III - 37020074

Requisition No: 848646 

Agency: Environmental Protection

Working Title: ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST III - 37020074

 Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number: 37020074 

Salary:  $4,635.00 monthly 

Posting Closing Date: 03/26/2025 

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Environmental Specialist III

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 III, 37020074, is in the Division of Environmental Assessment and Restoration’s Water Quality Monitoring Program, South Regional Operation Center in Fort Myers. Duties for this position include performing monitoring of surface and ground waters, field measurements, data management and biological assessment of freshwater streams, lakes, and estuarine ecosystems. Biological assessments may include taxonomic analysis of freshwater and estuarine flora and fauna. This position assists the team lead with sampling coordination and fills in on meetings and provides updates in the absence of the team lead.

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 Fort Myers (Lee County, Florida). The city, located in Southwestern Florida on the banks of the Caloosahatchee River, is known for its nature and historical estates and serves as a gateway to a stretch of islands known for their white-sand beaches and outdoor recreational opportunities. Florida Gulf Coat University and several smaller colleges located in the region offer a hub for academic research, art and other student activities.

The Benefits of Working for the State of Florida:

FTE Benefits Language:

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: $4,635.00 monthly

Your Specific Responsibilities:

This intermediate environmental position performs environmental 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 DEP 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.

Performs data accuracy reviews on all data collected.  Enters and/or uploads biological, physical, and chemical data into various data storage and retrieval systems. Analyses data and procedures on scientific reports to evaluate and interpret biological, chemical, and physical data for surface water environments.  Will research and coordinate accumulation of local information pertinent to reports and collates that information into the reports as instructed by supervisor or other DEAR management.

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.  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 as necessary.

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.

Other duties may include assistance with stakeholder involvement in Watershed Management activities such as public meetings and developing Basin Management Action Plans.  Boat and trailer certification safety training is required. Snorkels as needed.

Performs other duties as required and as necessary.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

(1)        Ability to collect, evaluate, analyze, and interpret scientific or technical data.

(2)        Ability to understand and interpret applicable rules, regulations, policies, and procedures. 

(3)        Skill in operating small powerboats and trailering. 

(4)        Knowledge of freshwater, estuarine, and marine macroinvertebrates, and plants. 

(5)        Ability to use personal computers. 

(6)        Ability to prepare technical reports. 

(7)        Knowledge of Florida Statutes and Florida Administrative Code Rules relating to the environmental program area. 

(8)        Ability to determine work priorities and ensure proper completion of work assignments. 

(9)        Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing. 

(10)      Ability to deal with the public in a courteous and respectful manner. 

(11)      Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others. 

(12)      Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and as part of a team. 

(13)      Ability to be adaptable, flexible, resourceful and to maintain a positive outlook. 

(14)      Knowledge of terminology, principals, and analytical techniques of the physical and natural sciences. 

(15)      Knowledge of the terminology, principles, and sampling techniques for measuring surface and ground water quality

(16)      Ability to perform field biology and water quality sampling techniques, including wading, snorkeling, and traversing difficult wetland terrain.

(17)      Skilled in the operation and calibration of water quality field instruments. 

(19)      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.

(20) Ability to complete complicated or repetitive tasks accurately and efficiently as well as carry 40 pounds while walking over uneven terrain.

Required Qualifications:

A bachelor’s degree in engineering, engineering sciences, chemistry, environmental science, natural sciences, biological science, physical science, environmental policy, public health, or computer science from an accredited university or college and 2 years of relevant verifiable experience; or any combination of post-secondary education or verifiable related experience, as described above, for a total of 6 years. 

Other Job Related Requirements for this position: 

• Valid Driver’s License
• Frequent day travel and occasional overnight travel
• This is a medically monitored position.
• Completion of the boater safety training is required within 9 months of hire, additional time needed for completion will be at the discretion of the deputy director. 

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@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.  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.