OPS ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST II - 37932046

Requisition No: 828256 

Agency: Environmental Protection

Working Title: OPS ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST II - 37932046

 Pay Plan: Temp

Position Number: 37932046 

Salary:  $21.00/hour 

Posting Closing Date: 05/23/2024 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST II: 37932046

State of Florida

Department of Environmental Protection

Office of Resilience and Coastal Protection

Southeast Region

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 Marine Debris and Outreach Specialist supports the Florida Keys Aquatic Preserves Manager by coordinating the implementation of the EPA Grant “Keep Lignumvitae Lovely: A Holistic Marine Debris Program in Lignumvitae Key Aquatic Preserve”. This project has a short-term goal of removing marine debris from all submerged and coastal areas of the Aquatic Preserve, and a long-term goal of preventing additional marine debris inputs using conservation psychology principles, outreach and education, and engagement with the communities and user groups of the preserve. 

The Difference You Will Make:

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.

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:

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*).  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.

Pay:  $21/hour

Your Specific Responsibilities:

Among other tasks, the responsibilities of this position include:

• Participation in the planning, coordination, and implementation of all aspects of “Keep Lignumvitae Lovely” to protect or enhance the resources of Lignumvitae Key Aquatic Preserve.
• Developing and conducting user-group research (including surveys, workshops, and other tools) to determine the best outreach methodology that will result in the desired behavioral changes.
• Developing and carrying out outreach and education plans to the variety of user groups in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and Aquatic Preserves, including residents, tourists, anglers, and businesses. Activities may include staffing outreach booths at events, facilitating workshops with the public and business owners, interacting with the public at access points, giving talks at classes, and with approval from the DEP press office producing and distributing outreach materials.
• Participating in the planning, coordination, and implementation of marine debris removal via SCUBA, snorkel, and land-based efforts, including leading volunteer groups in marine debris clean-ups and removal of derelict stone crab and spiny lobster.
• Developing and maintaining databases for benthic recovery, marine debris, and social science metric data, including participating in data analysis and preparing annual reports. Assessing the success of the project through self-reported behavioral changes in preserve users, and changes in marine debris abundance over the life of the project.
• Collecting GIS field data using GPS equipment to generate maps and aid in the creation of reports
• Assisting with monitoring coastal and benthic habitats such as seagrass, mangrove, and hardbottom ecosystems.
• Snorkeling or SCUBA diving as required to conduct scientific research, monitoring, and removal 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.
• Representing RCP 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.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

These are entry-level knowledge, skills, and abilities that are essential to be successful in the position.

• Knowledge of scientific communication principals
• Knowledge and experience in planning and implementing public outreach
• 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 fieldwork, often from small boats or in the water in less than optimal conditions
• Ability to plan, coordinate, and execute projects, often in collaboration with other agencies or volunteers
• 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)
• Ability to lift a minimum of 50lbs

Minimum Qualifications:

Applicants must possess A Bachelor of Science degree in one of the marine environmental or biological sciences from an accredited college or university; and one year of verifiable related experience; or any combination of post-secondary education or verifiable related experience, as described above, for a total of five years. Applicants must also possess a valid Class E Florida driver license, SCUBA certification from a nationally recognized agency with experience in scientific diving. Local travel throughout Southeast Florida and occasional long-distance travel is required. Prior to approval, applicants must meet the diving and/or snorkeling validation requirements in the DEP Underwater Operations Manual. This position is medically monitored.

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 environmental, biological, or social sciences, or in education with a science focus; proficiency with ArcGIS Pro; experience working with the public in the Florida Keys; Previous marine debris removal experience; Previous seagrass monitoring experience; Spanish speaker; Experience handling small boats and trailers; Budget management experience; Knowledge of the Florida Key’s marine ecosystems, flora and fauna.

BACKGROUND SCREENING REQUIREMENT:

This position is a Position of Trust. Any applicant being considered for employment must successfully complete a Level 2 State and National criminal history check as a condition of employment before beginning employment, and also be screened in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 435, F.S.  No applicant may begin employment until the background screening results are received, reviewed for any disqualifying offenses, and approved by the Agency.  

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.