OPS ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST I - 37979188

Requisition No: 872793 

Agency: Environmental Protection

Working Title: OPS ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST I - 37979188

 Pay Plan: Temp

Position Number: 37979188 

Salary:  agency to update 

Posting Closing Date: 04/09/2026 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

OPS Environmental Specialist I, Position #37979188

State of Florida

Department of Environmental Protection

This position is located in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL

Position Overview and Responsibilities:

The Environmental Specialist I is charged with addressing the biological and ecological science needs of the GTMNERR and is responsible for implementing research activities within the reserve along with other members of the research program. Research priorities include long-term research efforts focusing on estuarine flora and fauna. Duties include

• implementing field sampling and data management protocols, including monitoring oysters, coastal wetlands, and plankton;
• coordinating with and training volunteers to ensure proper adherence to protocols;
• data processing including compiling and entering raw data, conducting QA/QC, and creating data visualization products;
• contributing to scientific presentations, technical reports, and peer-reviewed publications;
• assisting with water quality sampling and other stewardship and educational activities;
• facilitating research led by visiting investigators within the reserve;
• providing routine care and maintenance for the GTMNERR laboratory and field equipment;
• purchasing supplies according to state processes and tracking expenditures; and
• regularly reporting research activities for grant deliverables.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

• Applicant must possess experience in some, or preferably all, of the following
  • knowledge of estuarine ecology;
  • knowledge of native flora and fauna of Florida (southeastern US) estuarine and coastal ecosystems;
  • knowledge of scientific principles and field techniques involved with sampling physical and biological parameters in terrestrial and aquatic coastal and estuarine environments using common field sampling gears (e.g., GPS units, water quality meters);
  • experience trailering, driving, and working from boats;
  • experience working in the field in all types of weather, while also lifting heavy equipment (50 lbs).
• Ability to get along with others and work as part of a team is critical.
• Must be able to work on some weekends or after hours if necessary.

Minimum Qualifications:

• At least four years of verifiable related experience in biological sciences or a related field. Post-secondary degrees 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 is 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.

Pay:

$20.50/ hour; 24 hours/ week

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 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.

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.