ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST I- 37011143

Requisition No: 854845 

Agency: Environmental Protection

Working Title: ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST I- 37011143

 Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number: 37011143 

Salary:  $3,519.17- $3,813.33/month (commensurate with experience) 

Posting Closing Date: 06/25/2025 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

[ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST I- 37011143]

State of Florida

Department of Environmental Protection

This position is located in Jacksonville, FL

Position Overview and Responsibilities:

The Environmental Specialist I, 37011143, is in the Division of Environmental Assessment and Restoration’s Water Quality Monitoring Program, Northeast Regional Operation Center in Jacksonville and will be responsible for water quality sampling in freshwater and estuarine ecosystems, as well as groundwater wells and preforming biological assessments of streams and lakes. Duties for this position include record management, calibration of field meters and maintenance of field equipment.

This position enables DEAR/NE ROC the capability to accomplish monitoring goals of Strategic Monitoring Plan, Status and Trend Monitoring Networks, as well as respond to public concerns related to water quality of surface waters.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to collect, evaluate, analyze, and interpret scientific or technical data.
• Ability to understand and interpret applicable rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Skill in operating and trailering small powerboats.
• Skill with the use of personal computers.
• Ability to prepare technical reports.
• Ability to determine work priorities and ensure proper completion of work assignments.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Ability to deal with the public in a courteous and respectful manner.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and as part of a team.
• Ability to be adaptable, flexible, resourceful and to maintain a positive outlook.
• Knowledge of terminology, principles, and analytical techniques of the physical and natural sciences.
• Knowledge of the terminology, principles, and sampling techniques for measuring surface and ground

water quality.

• Skilled in water quality sample collection techniques that include wading, snorkeling, and traversing

difficult terrain.

• Ability to travel, including long field days and occasional overnight travel.
• Knowledge of water quality field instruments.
• Ability to maintain or complete training on functional use of ESRI GIS software, MS Office software,

Word, Access, Excel, PowerPoint, and various data storage and retrieval systems.

• Ability to complete complicated or repetitive tasks accurately and efficiently as well as carry 40-pounds

while walking ten minutes (100 yards) over uneven terrain.

• Ability to become Habitat Assessment (HA), Stream Condition Index (SCI), Lake Vegetation Index (LVI),

Rapid Periphyton Survey (RPS), and Linear Vegetation Survey (LVS) certified.

Minimum Qualifications: 

• At least 4 years of verifiable related experience in environmental science, natural sciences, biological sciences, or physical sciences. Post-secondary degrees from an accredited college or university with a major in chemistry, environmental science, natural sciences, biological sciences, or physical sciences 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.

Other job requirements

• Valid Driver’s License.
• Occasional travel.

Pay:

$3,519.17- $3,813.33/month (commensurate with experience)

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 work location of this position is in Jacksonville (Duval County), Florida.  This city is centered on the banks of the St. Johns River, about 25 miles south of the Georgia state line.   Jacksonville is adjacent to the Atlantic coast and has 1,100 miles of shoreline.  It is home to the largest urban park system in the nation, with 80,000 acres of parks, including 7 State Parks, 2 National Parks, a National Preserve, 400 City Parks and Gardens and an Arboretum with focus on protecting, teaching, research, collection, public education, and recreation.  University of North Florida, Jacksonville University, and Edward Waters College are a few of the colleges located in the region which offer a hub for academic research, art, 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).
• Tuition waivers.
• Total Compensation Estimator Tool
• And more!

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

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.

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.