OPS ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST II - 37932046

Requisition No: 853350 

Agency: Environmental Protection

Working Title: OPS ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST II - 37932046

 Pay Plan: Temp

Position Number: 37932046 

Salary:  $22.00/hour 

Posting Closing Date: 06/02/2025 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

OPS Environmental Specialist II – Marine Debris and Education Specialist

State of Florida

Department of Environmental Protection

Office of Resilience and Coastal Protection

Florida Keys Aquatic Preserves

This position is located in Marathon, FL

Position Overview and Responsibilities:

This position within the Office of Resilience and Coastal Protection (ORCP) 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” and the ongoing efforts to minimize the negative impacts to the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary from marine debris. These projects have the short-term goals of removing marine debris from all submerged and coastal areas of the Aquatic Preserves and tracking seagrass recovery post-removal. The long-term goal is to use data collected to create a standardized operating procedure for facilitating seagrass recovery post-disturbance. Among other tasks, the responsibilities of this position include:

• Participation in the planning, coordination, and implementation of all aspects of “Keep Lignumvitae Lovely” and other grants to protect or enhance the resources of Lignumvitae Key Aquatic Preserve.
• Conducting outreach activities, which 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, preparing reports, 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 (with appropriate approvals) removal of derelict stone crab and spiny lobster traps via SCUBA.
• Developing and maintaining databases for benthic recovery and marine debris, including participating in data analysis and preparing annual reports. Assessing the success of the project through monitoring changes in benthic cover and analyzing associated data.
• Conducting administrative activities associated with the completion of grant-funded projects, including the tracking of allocated funds, purchasing of needed materials, and maintaining records and databases. Preparing summary reports of grant activities according to grant award guidelines.
• 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, restoration, and removal activities. Work with the regional 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 ORCP 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:

• Knowledge of seagrass, mangrove, and hardbottom ecosystems and general ecological principles/processes
• Knowledge of terminology, principles and analytical techniques, and data collection and analysis procedures for the natural sciences
• Skill in the use of Microsoft Office programs and ArcGIS
• 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 communicate clearly verbally and in writing, including producing reports
• Ability to obtain and maintain the following licenses and/or certifications: small boat operation certification (may be obtained on job), and DEP qualification to operate kayaks (may be obtained on job)
• Ability to lift a minimum of 50 lbs.
• Knowledge, skills and abilities preferred for the position: Previous marine debris removal experience; Previous seagrass and/or hardbottom monitoring experience; Skilled at outreach and environmental education; Spanish speaker; Familiarity with Florida Keys ecosystems and communities; experience in scientific and/or professional diving.

Minimum Qualifications:

• At least 5 years of verifiable related experience in marine environmental or biological sciences. Post-secondary degrees from an accredited college or university with a major in 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.

• Valid Driver License
• Additional screening questions may be required.

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:

• Open Water scuba certification from a nationally recognized agency. AOW, Rescue and Nitrox scuba certifications, or the ability to obtain these within 1 year, are preferred.
• Must be a certified scuba diver who can provide documentation of at least 15 logged dives. Must have prior approval and meet the diving and/or snorkeling validation requirements in the DEP Underwater Operations Manual. This position is medically monitored.

Preferred Qualifications:

A master’s degree in one of the marine environmental or biological sciences. Advanced Open Water and Nitrox scuba certifications.

Pay:

$22.00/hour

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.

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.