ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST II - 37020774

Requisition No: 881493 

Agency: Environmental Protection

Working Title: ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST II - 37020774

 Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number: 37020774 

Salary:  $52,251.12 

Posting Closing Date: 08/16/2026 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST II, Position # 37020774

State of Florida

Department of Environmental Protection
INTERNAL AGENCY ONLY

This position is located in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL

Position Overview and Responsibilities:

The Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve (GTMNERR) is seeking a full-time Environmental Specialist II (ESII) to support the mission of the GTMNERR as defined in its current Management Plan of achieving the conservation of natural biodiversity and cultural resources by using the results of research and monitoring to guide science-based stewardship and education strategies. This position will serve as the GTMNERR volunteer coordinator. Utilizing the knowledge of natural, cultural, and environmental concepts, this position will:

• Develop, organize, and manage GTMNERR’s volunteer recruitment, training, and recognition programs to expand the ability of the Reserve to accomplish its mission using volunteers. This includes scheduling of volunteer training opportunities, coordination of Reserve staff involvement with volunteers, planning publicity for opportunities at the Reserve, arranging volunteer work schedules and recommending policies and rules to govern GTMNERR’s volunteer program; and development of continuing education programs and training for the volunteers.
• Organize and maintain records related to GTMNERR volunteer program. These duties include constructing and maintaining a filing system in hard copy and a computer database of current volunteers and appropriate information and preparing monthly, quarterly, and annual reports of volunteer time and activities for grants and other reporting purposes. These records will include a record of orientation, safety training, maintenance of daily volunteer time logs and position descriptions for volunteers, as well as appropriate release forms regarding emergency information and liability waivers.
• Serve as a liaison to the Friends of the GTM Reserve. Provide coordination between the CSO and the volunteers.
• Provide visitor services at GTMNERR Environmental Education Center. These duties include assisting front desk staff, answering visitor inquiries, helping with audio visual programs and interactive exhibits, and interpreting natural and cultural history for visitors. This position will coordinate facility reservations for agency partners. This position will also use these interactions to make visitors aware of volunteer opportunities available at the Reserve, when appropriate.
• Assist with special events, projects, and new programs, as well as administration duties as assigned.
• Work closely with the GTMNERR staff to integrate the volunteers with the overall GTMNERR Education, Research, Stewardship, and Resource Management programs. These activities may include volunteer recognition events, volunteer recruitment at public event booths, and assisting with operations, staffing and attending special events.
• Performs other related work as required.
• Working hours: Daily from 7:30 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.; Total hours in workweek is 40; ability to work Monday thru Friday, weekends, weeknights, and holidays.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of environmental concepts; ability to communicate effectively with staff and co-workers and to deal with the public in a tactful and courteous manner; ability and skills in public speaking; ability to work independently; plans, organizes, and coordinates work assignments; ability to effectively communicate to a variety of audiences, both verbally and in writing; establishes and maintains effective working relationships with others; utilizes problem solving techniques and effectively coordinates the work activities of others; knowledge of personal computers and proficient with desktop computer software; engage and inspire volunteers of all ages;  efficiently plan, organize and coordinate volunteer programs and other work assignments; work irregular hours including weekends and evenings.

Minimum Qualifications:

• At least 4 years of verifiable related experience in volunteer management, coastal or estuarine field research, monitoring, or resource management. Post-secondary degrees from an accredited college or university with a major in estuarine ecology, biology, or environmental biology 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'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.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with volunteer management software such as Volgistics, Tandem, etc.
• Direct experience working within a NERRS reserve.

Pay:

$52,251.12/ year

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:

Ponte Vedra Beach –GTMNERR protects over 75,000 acres in St. Johns and Flagler counties on the northeast coast of Florida. It is one of the fastest-growing regions in the state. These protected areas provide habitat for a variety of fish and wildlife. This position is based at the GTMNERR Visitor Center at 505 Guana River Road, Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida 32082.

The Benefits of Working for the State of Florida:

Working for the State of Florida is more than a paycheck. The State’s total compensation package for employees features a highly competitive set of employee benefits including:

• Annual and Sick Leave benefits;
• Nine paid holidays and one Personal Holiday each year;
• State Group Insurance coverage options, including health, life, dental, vision, and other supplemental insurance options;
• Retirement plan options, including employer contributions (For more information, please click www.myfrs.com);
• Tuition waivers;
• Total Compensation Estimator Tool
• 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.

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.

VETERANS’ PREFERENCE.  Pursuant to Chapter 295, Florida Statutes, candidates eligible for Veterans’ Preference will receive preference in employment for Career Service vacancies and are encouraged to apply.  Certain service members may be eligible to receive waivers for postsecondary educational requirements.  Candidates claiming Veterans’ Preference must attach supporting documentation with each submission that includes character of service (for example, DD Form 214 Member Copy #4) along with any other documentation as required by Rule 55A-7, Florida Administrative Code.  Veterans’ Preference documentation requirements are available by clicking here.  All documentation is due by the close of the vacancy announcement.