OPS ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST I - 37971291

Requisition No: 873734 

Agency: Environmental Protection

Working Title: OPS ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST I - 37971291

 Pay Plan: Temp

Position Number: 37971291 

Salary:  $15.00-$22.00 

Posting Closing Date: 04/24/2026 

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#37971291 OPS Environmental Specialist I (Seasonal)

State of Florida

Department of Environmental Protection

This position is located in Key Largo, Florida

Position Overview and Responsibilities:

An exciting opportunity exists for an OPS Invasive/Non-native Plant and Wildlife Technician to work at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park and Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park.  Although based out of the Key Largo State Parks, the technician will travel to other state parks in the in Florida Keys to assist in job related tasks. We are seeking a motivated applicant that is willing and able to work outdoors in a variety of conditions, which are often very hot, humid, and buggy. The applicant must be able to work productively alone with remote supervision as well as a member of a team.  The applicant must be able to interact professionally with the public and partners providing accurate information concerning wildlife, area conditions, rules and regulations. Participates in FPS District 5 and Florida Key Invasive Exotic Task Force workdays.

Duties and Responsibilities

Compliance with the processing requirements of Chapter 215.422, F.S. is mandatory.  Persistent failure to comply with this section by any agency of the state shall constitute good cause for discharge of employees duly found responsible, or predominantly responsible, for failure to comply.

OUTSIDE FIELD WORK NON-NATIVE PLANT REMOVAL

Monitoring and removal of invasive, non-native animal and plants species. Special focus will be on the control of cats and Burmese python, as well as other non-native reptile species. Identification and removal of exotic plants which will include removal by hand and the use of herbicides.

MAINTENANCE

Clean and maintain equipment used in field daily.

OFFICE WORK

Work may require some survey and assessment work.

Performs related work as required.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• the Florida Keys’ invasive exotic animal and plant species
• various techniques for removal or treatment of exotic plant species

SKILL IN:

• applying herbicide to invasive plants
• conducting wildlife surveys
• basic use of GPS and GIS
• basic use of personal computers

ABILITY TO:

• follow verbal and written instructions
• establish and maintain effective working relationships with others
• maintain a valid driver’s license and a clean driving record
• plan and organize work assignments
• frequently push, pull and/or carry more than 40 pounds
• work a 40-hour work week with variable schedule, with irregular start/end times
• work independently

Minimum Qualifications:

• 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:

$15.00 - $22.00 hourly

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:

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park

Mile Marker 102.5 Overseas Highway

Key Largo, Florida 33037

#37971291 OPS Environmental Specialist I (non-resident)

Key Largo’s John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is one of a kind, offering an amazing glimpse into the underwater world.

Renowned for being the country’s first undersea park, John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park encompasses an impressive 70 nautical square miles. While many visitors view the park’s colorful coral reefs and teeming marine life on a glass-bottom boat tour, one can get an even closer look by scuba diving or snorkeling.

Canoeing and kayaking through the park's waters are popular activities; fishing is permitted in designated areas.

Visitors can also enjoy walking on short trails through tropical hammocks, picnicking or swimming at the beach. The visitor center features several large saltwater aquariums filled with sea creatures, and nature videos are shown in its theater. Full-facility and youth/group campsites are available.

Dive in to explore Florida’s Coral Reef at the park.

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*).  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  Corebridge Financial);

• Flexible Spending Accounts;

For 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.

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.

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.