OPS ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST II - 37979012

Requisition No: 857355 

Agency: Environmental Protection

Working Title: OPS ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST II - 37979012

 Pay Plan: Temp

Position Number: 37979012 

Salary:  $18.00 per hour 

Posting Closing Date: 08/11/2025 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

OPS Environmental Specialist II

Position #37979012

Anticipated Vacancy

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 best qualified candidate for the Environmental Specialist II will possess the knowledge, skills, and experience required for the successful daily operations of the Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve.  Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve is a shallow-water estuary which contains a diverse array of natural communities. 

The Environmental Specialist II is a core member of the Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve and includes office and field duties necessary to coordinate and conduct estuary resource management activities, watershed coordination activities, education and outreach and all other program activities related to resource protection and management of the aquatic preserve. This position will be located at Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve, FL at Fort Myers DEP District office in Lee County. 

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 Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve office is located in Lee County in Fort Myers, Florida.

The Benefits of Working for the State of Florida:

This full-time Other Personal Services (OPS) Environmental Specialist II position offers health insurance benefits.

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*).  For more details consult with People First at 877-562-7287 or:   https://www.mybenefits.myflorida.com/health/eligibility_and_enrollment/ops_employees
• Participation in the Florida Deferred Compensation Plan (457b).  For additional details and online enrollment visit MyFloridaDeferredComp.com

• State of Florida 401(a) FICA Alternative Plan (tax deferred Retirement Savings Plan).  (For more information, please click Social Security Alternative Plan (aigrs.com) and read OPS Social Security Alternative Plan;

• Flexible Spending Accounts;

For a more benefits information, 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.

Pay:

$18.00 per hour – 40 hours/week

Your Specific Responsibilities:

Assist with the continuous water quality monitoring program which involves calibration, deployment, record keeping, data management and analyzation, maintenance of instruments and probes, and the initiation of new and maintenance of existing water quality stations. Coordinate and execute the EBAP tributary water quality monitoring program. Prepare technical presentations and present at scientific and professional forums. Assist with collection of monthly water quality sampling for the FWC HAB/RTOMP program and the Charlotte Harbor Estuaries Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Network (CHEVWQMN). Assist with other resource management activities, including colonial wading bird rookery monitoring, seagrass monitoring, oyster monitoring, marine debris clean-up, and resource site inspections for permit applications.  Assist with educational and outreach efforts and provide presentations.

Assist with data-entry and analyses, generating reports, quality assurance activities, and working with partner agencies.  Complete projects as identified in the EBAP management plan. Perform other duties and trainings as assigned.

Assist with purchasing, grant needs, and reports and prepare necessary paperwork (timesheet, float plans, etc.). Oversee, coordinate and conduct vehicle, vessel, and facility maintenance and repair, and maintain proper documentation.

Provide assistance in the event of an emergency including pre-storm preparation, post-storm clean-up and other assignments as requested. 

Must be able to successfully meet DEP watercraft and trailering requirements within three months of employment. May volunteer to dive.  If a DEP diver, incumbent will participate in the DEP Medical Monitoring Program for DEP divers.

Demonstrate support of Department leadership through actions and words when representing the Department. Provide, receive, and act upon both internal and external feedback in a positive manner and respectfully offer constructive counsel to peers, subordinates, and managers.

Complete work assignments enthusiastically, with diligence and care.  Maintain active and productive participation in meetings and discussions. Identify solutions to problems and provide them along with any innovations to management without creating conflict. Amplify and contribute to the Department strategic goals and values. Arrive to work on-time, appropriately groomed and attired for the workplace, keep a set work schedule, and maintain focus on assigned tasks regardless of outside issues. Positively embrace change, productively and proactively communicate concerns to management, and take personal responsibility for promoting and ensuring organizational success.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

1. Knowledge of flora and fauna of Florida's submerged resources, water quality parameters
2. Must be comfortable working in the field (including in the water) for extended periods of time and in potentially adverse conditions
3. Must be an adept snorkeler
4. Must understand and practice safe boating operation
5. Have working knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook, Power Point, Access, Publisher, Adobe and GIS
6. Ability to collect, analyze and interpret scientific or technical data and prepare technical reports
7. Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing
8. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others
9. Ability to work in a team or independently
10. Ability to conduct and complete work assignments without close supervision
11. Ability to communicate with the public in a courteous manner
12. Knowledge of basic vehicle/vessel maintenance
13. Ability to travel infrequently for required training or meetings  

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree with a major in natural science from an accredited college or university

Driver’s License

Preferred Qualifications:

Skill in trailering and operating small boats

Required Documentation: 

Applicants must include the following to be considered. 

1. Unofficial College Transcripts

2. Resume

3. Cover Letter

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_ER@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.