OPS ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST II - 37979009

Requisition No: 832370 

Agency: Environmental Protection

Working Title: OPS ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST II - 37979009

 Pay Plan: Temp

Position Number: 37979009 

Salary:  $20/hour 

Posting Closing Date: 09/27/2024 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

Reef Injury Prevention and Response Specialist (OPS Environmental Specialist II)

State of Florida

Department of Environmental Protection

Office of Resilience and Coastal 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:

This position is a core member of the Office of Resilience and Coastal Protection’s (ORCP) Coral Reef Conservation Program (CRCP) and will provide technical, planning, procedural and budget recommendations to the Reef Injury Prevention and Response (RIPR) Coordinator. The primary purpose of this RIPR Specialist position is to:

• assist in the management of coral reef and hard bottom injury incidents in southeast Florida
• continue to maintain or establish partnerships with targeted local stakeholder industries
• Implement RIPR Program Educational Outreach Campaign & Anchor Damage Prevention
• Mooring Buoy Support
• Coral Reef Stabilization and Rehabilitation Project Coordination
• Support field operations by assisting with the operation and maintenance of DEP vessels, vehicles, sampling, photographic, and scuba equipment, as assigned
• Among other projects

The Difference You Will Make:

As part of the CRCP Team, you would further our goals of:

• Protecting and enhancing the ecological integrity of Florida’s Coral Reef.

• Restoring areas to their natural condition.

• Encouraging sustainable use and foster active stewardship by engaging local communities in the protection of aquatic preserves.

• Improving management effectiveness through a process based on sound science, consistent evaluation and continual reassessment.

How You Will Grow:

DEP encourages its employees 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:

Miami is a vibrant city in the Southeast corner of the state of Florida, situated directly on Biscayne Bay and close to beautiful white sand beaches. It is considered a major business center while also known for its museums and cultural offerings as well as its many restaurants and nightlife. It is a sports enthusiast haven as many outdoor activities are enjoyed by people in the area. Also, with no state income tax, Florida is a great place to work regardless of where you find yourself on the career ladder. The ORCP Southeast Region covers 5 counties (Martin, Palm Beach, Broward, Miami-Dade, and Monroe). The DEP’s office in Miami is called the Biscayne Bay Environmental Center and is located in the middle of the Biscayne Bay Aquatic Preserve within the Pelican Harbor Park and Marina in Miami-Dade County.

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: $20.00 per hour.

Your Specific Responsibilities:

In carrying out the duties of this position, the incumbent is expected at all times to be aware of and abide by the Department’s Standards of Conduct, as well as any and all departmental and/or work unit rules, directives, policies, procedures, and/or general orders applicable to performing the duties of this position. 

With guidance from the DEP Southeast Regional Administrator and DEP Coral Reef Conservation Program (CRCP) Manager, and the Reef Injury Prevention and Response (RIPR) Coordinator, supports the planning and implementation the RIPR Program, and RIPR-related local action strategy projects as identified in the CRCP Strategic Plan, as needed. Reports to the Reef Injury Prevention and Response (RIPR) Coordinator.

Utilizing knowledge of environmental policies, procedures and practices, may develop and manage grants, contracts, oversee contractors, and associated progress reporting and financial tracking for all assigned projects. May prepare proposals, budgets, and contracts for assigned projects. Maintains program and project files and records. Analyzes data, develops and maintains databases, prepares progress and financial reports, and facilitates annual review (and revision, if needed) of assigned core programs and projects. Organizes, facilitates, and participates in CRCP & SEFCRI-related workshops and meetings. Ensures meeting minutes are recorded for all assigned program/project meetings and prepares meeting summaries. Assists with CRCP and SEFCRI programmatic and strategic planning. Assists with the implementation of other SEFCRI projects and CRCP activities, as directed.

Understands federal laws, state laws and policies, American Academy of Underwater Sciences (AAUS) and DEP standards governing commercial, scientific and recreational SCUBA diving practices, certifications and operations and ensures diving activities are conducted in compliance with current laws and policies. Suspends diving operations considered to be unsafe or unwise. Communicates with UDSO to address concerns and resolve any questions related to diving operations. Safely operates and maintains DEP vessels, vehicles, sampling, photographic, and scuba equipment, as assigned. Provides assistance to the DEP Miami Unit Diving Safety Officer (UDSO), as directed.

Task 1 (20%) – With the guidance of the Reef Injury Prevention and Response (RIPR) Coordinator, respond to and assist in the management of coral reef and hard bottom injury incidents in southeast Florida. Support the RIPR goals and objectives of the CRCP 2020-2025 Strategic Plan. Assist the RIPR Coordinator and RIPR Technician with the following tasks:

• Assist with logistical coordination and provide technical assistance to support the documentation and assessment of reef resource injury incidents. Maintain complete files for all aspects of the project including scopes of work, permits and deliverables. Assist with injury response protocols and GIS mapping products for each incident. Conduct at least one dive at damage incidents to assess reef injuries and/or monitor/conduct triage and restoration, as needed. Participate in annual CSI for Coral Reefs training and protocol review. Participate in resource trustee meetings and site visits, as directed. Assist with RIPR-related general/administrative office work, as requested. Investigate, develop, and implement improvements of offshore marine events to reduce anchoring incidents on coral reef resources.

Task 2 (15%) – With the guidance of the RIPR Coordinator, continue to maintain or establish partnerships with targeted local stakeholder industries:

• Coordinate outreach and partnership efforts with the US Coast Guard Auxiliary, NOAA FKMNS Response Team, local dive shops, and other stakeholders. Increase collaboration with local stakeholder industries and partner agencies, with the primary goal of reducing anchor impacts to coral reefs. Coordinate and facilitate meetings/ workshops/ presentations between multiple industries relating to Florida’s Coral Reef Protection Act (CRPA) and stakeholder education. Maintain electronic files of all resources, information compiled, and reports generated.

Task 3 (5%) – In coordination with the Reef Resilience Coordinator and Associate Coordinator, implement the Marine Debris Reporting and Removal program including coordination of marine incident response to reports of marine debris, vessel groundings, anchor damage, and other incidents, as needed:

• Implement incident response protocols, as necessary, for reports of marine debris, vessel groundings, anchor damage, and other incidents. Coordinate targeted outreach to commercial and recreational vessel owners as necessary. Specific tasks include verifying vessel ownership, maintaining vessel information in the RIPR access database and sending outreach material to vessel owners. Assist the coordination and execution of the Annual Southeast Florida Reef Cleanup throughout the 4-county region in SE Florida.  

Task 4 (15%) – RIPR Program Educational Outreach Campaign & Anchor Damage Prevention:

• Maintain inventory, distribution, and ordering of RIPR printed materials: Mooring Buoy Brochure and Southeast Florida Coral Reef Locator Map Instruction Card. Update outreach and educational materials as needed. Increase outreach with local stakeholders, with the primary goal of reducing anchor impacts to coral reefs. Duties may include creating presentations or other tailored educational materials and presenting to various user groups. Assist in the creation and implementation of a PSA campaign in southeast Florida, with a target focus on anchor damage prevention during marine events. Work with CRCP’s Awareness and Appreciation Coordinator to support Florida’s Coral Reef Protection Act (CRPA) by creating and implementing an educational campaign to spread awareness about the Act. Promote CRPA via social media and explore other outreach avenues.

Task 5 (5%) – Mooring Buoy Support:

• Continue the NOAA co-operative agreement project RIPR 3: Mooring Buoy Support. Place supplies orders, manage delivery, check deliverables, and ensure invoice is paid in a timely manner. Oversee the progress of the MICCI 30 LAS (OFR S-2) project, with associated stakeholder working group. Plan and facilitate meetings to discuss and improve local county mooring buoy programs.

Task 6 (5%) – Coral Reef Stabilization and Rehabilitation Project Coordination:

• Maintain complete files for all aspects of the Coral Reef Stabilization and Rehabilitation Project and associated monitoring. Keep up to date on all annual monitoring tasks (mosaic and in situ). Submit permit required reports for coral transplantation as stipulated in the permits (Years 2, 3, 5, 7, and 10). Assist in planning of biological restoration and potential implementation.

Task 7 (10%) – Help analyze data, develop and update databases, prepare progress and financial reports, and facilitate annual review and revisions, where necessary, of the RIPR LAS. Support RIPR Program and CRCP Office with general/administrative office work, as needed:

• Maintain electronic files of all resources, information compiled, and reports generated. Record and file all paper and computer data, reports and relevant information. Ensure electronic files are backed up according to DEP policies. Assist in writing how to documents, standard operating procedures, project scopes and purchase requisitions, requesting invoices, and approving deliverables. Assist with filing, handling purchasing card transactions, mailings, entering data, as assigned. Assist in maintaining the Water Quality Assurance Trust Fund Budget Tracker. Attend DEP/FCO/CRCP meetings and functions, as appropriate or directed.

Task 8 (10%) – Assist the RIPR Program and work collaboratively to exchange information with CRCP staff, Southeast Florida Coral Reef Initiative (SEFCRI) Team members, and all interested stakeholders. Where appropriate, represent the DEP Coral Reef Conservation Program and SEFCRI Team:

• Schedule and attend workshops/meetings, as appropriate. Prepare meeting agendas and summaries or record minutes for workshops/meetings, as needed. Support stakeholder activities related to SEFCRI and the RIPR Program, as needed. Participate in monthly CRCP staff meetings and quarterly BBEC staff meetings. Contribute to the DEP Quarterly Measures Report and NOAA Progress Reports. Attend external meetings and functions related to the SEFCRI, RIPR, and coral reef issues in southeast Florida. Travel locally and throughout southeast Florida and occasional long-distance travel as needed to attend meetings, conferences and trainings. Maintain and establish new partnerships with a variety of stakeholder groups including resource users, NGO’s, educational institutions, and government agencies.

Task 9 (10%) – Support field operations by assisting with the operation and maintenance of DEP vessels, vehicles, sampling, photographic, and scuba equipment, as assigned:

• Maintain DEP Diver qualification as defined by the DEP’s Underwater Operations Manual, including current medical approval for diving in accordance with DEP medical examination standard requirements. Assist with day-to-day gear maintenance and purchasing of needed supplies. Assist with the maintenance of scuba equipment, the dive shed, and service of scuba tanks. Submit equipment maintenance logs as requested. Assist with annual benthic and fish survey field work, as needed. SCUBA dive, snorkel, act as a diver standby, or boat captain as needed to support DEP field operations.

Task 10 (5%)- Support emergency operations at the DEP Field office and other duties as assigned:

• May aid in the event of an emergency at the DEP field offices, including pre-storm preparation, post-storm clean-up and replacement of stored goods to ready field office for operation after a storm; or other services assigned.

Knowledge, skills and abilities, including utilization of equipment, required for the position:

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of coral reef ecosystems and familiarity with Southeast Florida reef habitat and fish
Skill with scientific diving, working dives or underwater data collection

Skill with scientific report writing and technical review

Skill with math and analysis
Skill with organization, writing and editing (both technical and colloquial)
Skill with public speaking and meeting facilitation
Skill with PC computers, Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Skill in small boat handling and trailering, or the ability to acquire these skills
Ability to understand and apply applicable rules, regulations, policies, and procedures relating to environmental programs
Ability to prepare technical reports
Ability to be flexible, multitask, and meet tight deadlines
Ability to work in a team setting and independently
Ability to work independently and complete tasks with attention to detail under minimal supervision
Ability to determine work priorities, ensure proper completion of work assignments
Ability to communicate courteously and effectively with a diverse range of people
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others
Ability to lift a minimum of 35 lbs.

KSAs preferred:
Knowledge of and experience with Habitat Equivalency Analysis
Knowledge of and experience with ArcGIS and Microsoft Access
Knowledge of ecological and resource management terminology, principles, and methods with emphasis on coral reef ecosystems

Licensure/registration/certification requirements:  Advanced Open Water and Nitrox scuba diver certification from a nationally recognized agency. Rescue certifications, or the ability to obtain this within 1 year, is preferred.

Working hours: (A) Daily from 9am to 5pm (B) Total hours in workweek 40 (C) Explain any variation in work (split shift, rotation, etc.) Weekend and evening work may be required to support outreach activities.

Minimum Qualifications: 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. A master’s degree in one of the marine environmental or biological sciences is preferred. Regular local travel throughout Southeast Florida and occasional long-distance travel. Valid Driver License. Must be a certified scuba diver who can provide documentation of at least 50 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.

This position is designated as a Position of Special Trust in accordance with DEP-422 (Positions of Special Trust or Responsibility). 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 individuals with disabilities bring to the workforce. 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

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.