OPS ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST II - 37932001

Requisition No: 861732 

Agency: Environmental Protection

Working Title: OPS ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST II - 37932001

 Pay Plan: Temp

Position Number: 37932001 

Salary:  $22.00-25.00/hour 

Posting Closing Date: 10/13/2025 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST II: 37932001

State of Florida

Department of Environmental Protection

Office of Resilience and Coastal Protection - Southeast Region

This position is located in Marathon, FL

The Ecosystem Assessment Specialist (ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST II) is responsible for managing the environmental monitoring programs, including water quality, seagrass, and hardbottom, within the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary (FKNMS) that are co-managed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Specifically, this position will focus on the activities within Lignumvitae Key and Coupon Bight Aquatic Preserves.

This position supports two environmental programs that impact the lives of Florida citizens, either directly or indirectly. You will help a team of scientists working in the Florida Keys Aquatic Preserves and the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary to protect our valuable and precious marine resources. There are also many opportunities to interact with the rest of the agency personnel in Miami, Tallahassee, and other regions throughout the state of Florida.

Position Overview and Responsibilities:

Among other tasks, the responsibilities of this position include:

• Participation in the planning, coordination and implementation of resource management and research projects within FKNMS and Aquatic Preserves to protect or enhance the resources, better understand their function, and/or advance the science necessary to better respond to the coral disease outbreak or other management priorities. Cooperates with or assists other researchers to maximize the research accomplished.
• Developing and maintaining an inventory of the resources within the Aquatic Preserves and their condition through field collection of samples, monitoring, analyzing and sharing of data with other researchers and managers, and review of technical literature and databases.
• Participation in developing and/or reviewing resource management projects, goals and objectives at the central office, department, regional and statewide levels, including updating the aquatic preserve management plans, and annual priority plans, as necessary.
• Overseeing and conducting educational programs to better acquaint the general public and resource users with the natural resources and resource protection needs of FKNMS and the Aquatic Preserves. Activities may include giving talks at classes, staffing outreach booths at events, conducting interpretative field trips, producing and distributing outreach materials, and encouraging volunteer efforts to assist with resource management needs.
• Representing DEP at various meetings including making presentations, as needed, to ensure that the public and other agencies are aware of site-specific issues and management objectives.
• Snorkels or SCUBA dives as required to conduct scientific research, monitoring, management and restoration activities. Work with the DEP UDSO to ensure appropriate training, approval of snorkel/dive plans, maintenance of dive records, and compliance with the DEP Underwater Operations Manual, and all relevant regulations of the DEP.
• Operating and maintaining vehicles, vessels, field equipment and personal computers as required to accomplish these tasks.
• Managing administrative tasks including tracking allocated funds, purchasing needed materials, data entry and management, and providing reports required by the central office, department, or granting agency. Ensures that office records and files are properly maintained.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of south Florida's seagrass, mangrove, and coral reef ecosystems and general ecological principles/processes
• Knowledge of terminology, principles and analytical techniques, and data collection and analysis procedures for the natural sciences
• Knowledge and experience in planning and implementing research and resource management projects
• Skill in the use of computers and software programs utilized for word processing, spread sheet application, and document design, including MS Office programs, and familiarity with ArcGIS
• Skill in snorkeling and SCUBA diving
• Ability to conduct sampling and other accurate field activities, often from small boats or in the water in less than optimal conditions
• Ability to plan, prioritize, coordinate and execute multiple projects, often in collaboration with other agencies, contractors, or volunteers
• Ability to understand and apply applicable environmental rules, regulations, policies, and procedures relating to environmental programs
• Ability to develop long-range management plans
• Ability to plan, organize, and coordinate work assignments
• Ability to deal with the public, coworkers, and supervisors in a tactful and courteous manner
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
• Ability to communicate clearly and articulately both verbally and in writing
• Ability to obtain and maintain the following licenses and/or certifications: small boat operation certification (may be obtained on job), DEP certification to operate kayaks (may be obtained on job). Depending on specific projects, additional training and certifications may be necessary
• Ability to lift a minimum of 50 lbs.

Minimum Qualifications:

• At least five (5) years of verifiable related experience in one of the marine environmental or biological sciences. Post-secondary degrees from an accredited college or university with a major in one of the marine environmental or biological 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.
• Applicants must also possess a valid Driver License. Local travel is required and sometimes long distance travel. SCUBA certification from a nationally recognized agency with experience in scientific diving. Prior to approval, applicants must meet the diving and/or snorkeling validation requirements in the DEP Underwater Operations Manual. This position is medically monitored.

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.

Applicable Job-Specific License or Certifications:

SCUBA certification from a nationally recognized agency with experience in scientific diving and at least 15  documented scuba dives.

Preferred Qualifications:

These qualifications are helpful and may lead to a higher level of success in the position: a graduate level degree in one of the marine environmental or biological sciences; proficiency with ArcGIS Pro; proficiency with R; experience working in the marine ecosystems of the Florida Keys; experience running seagrass and/or hardbottom monitoring programs; scientific publications; experience handling small boats and trailers; budget management experience.

Pay:

$22.00 - $25.00 per hour, 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:

This position will work throughout the Florida Keys (Monroe County) and is based in Marathon. Marathon is known for some of the best boating activities, amazing fishing, beautiful beaches, warm weather and other great outdoor activities. The popular Key West is only an hour drive from Marathon. However, paradise does come at a cost. The cost of living in the Keys, especially as it relates to housing, is the highest in Florida with limited options.

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*).  
• State of Florida 401(a) FICA Alternative Plan (tax deferred Retirement Savings Plan, for more information, please visit Corebridge Financial).
• Flexible Spending Accounts;
• And more!

For a complete list of benefits, 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.

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.