OPS ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST II - 37940281

Requisition No: 852663 

Agency: Environmental Protection

Working Title: OPS ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST II - 37940281

 Pay Plan: Temp

Position Number: 37940281 

Salary:  $23.79 Hourly 

Posting Closing Date: 05/21/2025 

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OPS Environmental Specialist II

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 II, 37940281, is in the Division of Environmental Assessment and Restoration’s Water Quality Assessment Program, Northeast Regional Operation Center in Jacksonville will be responsible for performing biological assessments and surface water quality monitoring in freshwater, estuarine, and marine ecosystems, data entry, and data accuracy reviews on all data collected. This position supports DEP’s mission by collecting accurate data that is used to protect and restore the quality of the state’s surface waters.

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 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.

OPS/Seasonal/Part Time 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*).  For more details consult with People First at 877-562-7287 or go to:  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: 

$23.79 Hourly

Your Specific Responsibilities:  

Performs biological assessment and surface water quality sampling in freshwater, estuarine and marine ecosystems for the Water Quality Assessment Program. Biological assessments may include taxonomic analysis of freshwater, estuarine and marine flora. Participation in DEP training and testing programs are required to conduct water quality data collection and specialized floral and faunal biological assessments, including the Stream Condition Index, Lake 3 Vegetation Index, Rapid Periphyton Survey, Linear Vegetation Survey, and Stream Habitat Assessments. Performs logistical planning in coordination with other personnel for field sampling events using GIS and other mapping applications, internet, databases, and other available sources. Performs office and field reconnaissance as needed prior to sampling events.

Performs data accuracy reviews on all data collected following QA/QC protocols. Enters and/or uploads biological, physical, and chemical data into various data storage and retrieval systems. Assists with data analysis and reporting of biological, chemical, and physical data for surface water environments.

Provides technical assistance to the local DEP District with sampling and other monitoring or bio assessment 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, etc. 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 time frames. Attends program training as necessary. Assists in the training of newer personnel.

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.

Performs other duties as required and as necessary. Snorkeling may be required. Participation in Boater safety

training is required.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of the terminology, principles, and sampling techniques for measuring surface water quality.
• Skilled in the collection, evaluation, and interpretation of scientific or technical data.
• Skilled in the use of personal computers, including Microsoft Applications (such as Excel, Word, PowerPoint), databases, and ESRI GIS software.
• Skilled in the operation and trailering of small powerboats.
• Skilled in the maintenance, calibration, and utilization of multi-parameter water quality monitoring instruments.
• Skilled in surface water quality monitoring.
• Skilled at technical writing.
• Skilled in communicating effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to understand and interpret applicable rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Ability to determine work priorities and ensure proper completion of work assignments.
• Ability to interact with the public in a courteous and respectful manner.
• Ability to work independently and maintain an effective working relationship with anyone with different skill sets, personalities, work styles, or motivation level.
• Ability to be adaptable, flexible, resourceful and to maintain a positive outlook.
• Ability to drive long distances and travel overnight.
• Ability to carry 40-pounds while walking ten minutes (100 yards) over difficult terrain or wading in water under harsh conditions.
• Ability to drive 4X4 vehicles in off road situations.
• Ability to swim.
• Ability to become certified in DEP bio assessment methods (FS7000, FT3000, LVI1000, SCI1000), Habitat Assessment (FT3100), Stream Condition.
• Index (SCI1000), Lake Vegetation Index (LVI1100), Rapid Periphyton Survey (FS7230), and Linear
• Vegetation Survey (FS7320).

Required or Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelors degree in engineering, engineering sciences, environmental science, natural sciences, biological sciences, physical sciences, environmental policy, public health, or computer science from an accredited university or college and one year of verifiable related experience; or any combination of post-secondary education or verifiable related experience, as described in this posting, for a total of five years.

Other Job Related Requirements for this position: 

• Valid Driver’s License.
• Travel.

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@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.