ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST III - 37010825

Requisition No: 871807 

Agency: Environmental Protection

Working Title: ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST III - 37010825

 Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number: 37010825 

Salary:  $4,902.80 monthly 

Posting Closing Date: 03/17/2026 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

Environmental Specialist III
State of Florida
Department of Environmental Protection
This position is located in Fort Pierce, FL

Position Overview and Responsibilities:
The Environmental Specialist III, 37010825, is in the Division of Environmental Assessment and Restoration’s Water Quality Monitoring Program, Southeast Regional Operation Center in Fort Pierce. Duties for this position include performing monitoring of surface and ground waters, field measurements, data management and biological assessment of freshwater streams, lakes, and estuarine ecosystems. Biological assessments may include taxonomic analysis of freshwater and estuarine flora and fauna. This position assists the team lead with sampling coordination and fills in on meetings and provides updates in the absence of the team lead.

This intermediate environmental position performs biological assessment and water quality sampling in freshwater, estuarine and marine ecosystems for the Water Quality Monitoring Program.  Water quality sampling is conducted on both surface and groundwater.  Biological assessments may include taxonomic analysis of freshwater, estuarine and marine flora, and fauna.  Completion of DEP training and pass status of audits are required to conduct water quality data collection and specialized floral and faunal biological assessments.  Performs logistical planning in coordination with other personnel for field sampling events using GIS, internet, mapping programs, databases, and other available sources.  Performs office and field reconnaissance as needed prior to sampling events.
 
Performs data accuracy reviews on all data collected following QA/QC protocols.  Enters and/or uploads biological, physical, and chemical data into various data storage and retrieval systems.  Assists with reporting of biological, chemical, and physical data for surface water environments. 
 
Provides technical assistance to the local DEP District with sampling and other monitoring or bioassessment needs.  Conducts complaint investigations as requested for non-point source or point source related water pollution violations, such as fish kills, algae blooms, reports of odor, foam.  Responds in a timely manner to inquiries from the public, the media, and elected officials, according to established agency guidelines and procedures.  Provides action item reply within required time frames.  Attends programmatic training as necessary.  Assist in the training of new personnel as necessary.
 
Organizes and maintains equipment and other sampling gear. This includes organization of field projects, keeping inventory of coolers, kits and supplies needed for projects, cleaning of laboratory space, vehicles, and equipment.  Performs maintenance or facilitates maintenance on sampling equipment.
 
Snorkeling may be required. Participation in Boater safety training is required.
 
Performs other duties as required and as necessary.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
•    Ability to collect, evaluate, analyze, and interpret scientific or technical data.
•    Ability to understand and interpret applicable rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.  
•    Skill in operating and trailering small powerboats.  
•    Skill with the use of personal computers.  
•    Skilled in the preparation of technical reports.    
•    Ability to determine work priorities and ensure proper completion of work assignments.  
•    Skilled in effective communication both verbally and in writing.  
•    Ability to deal with the public in a courteous and respectful manner.  
•    Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.  
•    Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and as part of a team.  
•    Ability to be adaptable, flexible, resourceful and to maintain a positive outlook.  
•    Knowledge of terminology, principles, and analytical techniques of the physical and natural sciences.  
•    Skilled with the terminology, principles, and sampling techniques for measuring surface and ground water quality. 
•    Skilled in water quality sample collection techniques that include wading, snorkeling, and traversing difficult terrain.
•    Knowledge of water quality field instruments.   
•    Ability to maintain or complete training on functional use of ESRI GIS software, MS Office software, Word, Access, Excel, PowerPoint, and various data storage and retrieval systems. 
•    Ability to complete complicated or repetitive tasks accurately and efficiently as well as carry 40-pounds while walking ten minutes (100yards) over uneven terrain. 
•    Skill in floral and/or faunal biological assessments.

Minimum Qualifications: 
•    At least six years of verifiable related experience in engineering, engineering sciences, chemistry, environmental science, natural sciences, biological sciences, physical sciences, environmental policy, computer science, or public health. Post-secondary degrees from an accredited college or university with a major in engineering, engineering sciences, chemistry, environmental science, natural sciences, biological sciences, physical sciences, environmental policy, computer science, or public health may be used as an alternative for the required six years of experience on a year-for-year basis.

Other job requirements:
•    Valid Driver’s License
•    Frequent day travel and occasional overnight travel
•    This is a medically monitored position 

Pay:
$4,902.80 monthly 

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:
The work location of this position is in Fort Pierce (St. Lucie County), Florida. The city is on the southeast coast of Florida. It is a diverse community with miles of unspoiled shoreline. It offers fascinating research centers and museums, excellent community services, a wealth of cultural and recreational attractions and educational and research facilities, such as the Smithsonian Marine Station and Manatee Observation and Center. Florida Atlantic University and Indian River State College located in the region offer a hub for academic research, art and other student activities.

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.