OPS ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST II - 37979047

Requisition No: 857769 

Agency: Environmental Protection

Working Title: OPS ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST II - 37979047

 Pay Plan: Temp

Position Number: 37979047 

Salary:  Agency to Update 

Posting Closing Date: 08/25/2025 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

OPS Environmental Specialist II

Position #37979047

Anticipated Vacancy

State of Florida

Department of Environmental 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:

The mission of the Charlotte Harbor Aquatic Preserves (CHAP) is to provide a basis for informed stewardship of estuaries in Southwest Florida through research and education. The best qualified candidate for the OPS Environmental Specialist II position will possess the knowledge, skills, and experience required for the successful daily operations of CHAP.

The Difference You Will Make:

The Environmental Specialist is a core member of CHAP, consisting of five aquatic preserves in Sarasota, Charlotte and Lee counties.

How You Will Grow:

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 Charlotte Harbor Aquatic Preserves office is currently located in Punta Gorda, Florida.

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 information please visit: https://www.mybenefits.myflorida.com/myhealth/eligibility_and_enrollment/ops_employees

• State of Florida 401(a) FICA Alternative Plan (tax deferred Retirement Savings Plan).  For more information, please visit Corebridge Financial  

• Flexible Spending Accounts

For more benefits information, 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.

Pay:

$17.00 per hour - 40 hours per week.

Your Specific Responsibilities:

Assist with CHAP’s colonial wading bird rookery monitoring program as an observer.

Assist with CHAP’s various resource management activities, including water quality sampling, submerged archaeological monitoring, seagrass monitoring, and ERP resource site inspections. Assist with educational and outreach events and presentations.

Assist with data entry and analyses, generating reports, Quality Assurance activities, coordinating volunteers, and working with partner agencies.

Complete projects as identified in the CHAP management plan. Prepare technical presentations and presents at scientific and professional forums.

Assist with purchasing, grant needs, and reports and prepare necessary paperwork (timesheet, float plans, etc.). Assist with and conduct vehicle, vessel, and facility maintenance and repair, and maintain proper documentation.

Provide assistance in the event of an emergency including pre-storm preparation, post-storm clean-up and other assignments as requested. 

Must be able to successfully meet DEP watercraft and trailering requirements within six months of employment. 

May volunteer to dive through the DEP certification process. If a DEP diver, incumbent will participate in the DEP Medical Monitoring Program for DEP divers.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of Florida’s estuarine environment and the flora and fauna including wading and diving birds and Florida's submerged resources. Knowledge of water quality and natural resource monitoring techniques and safe boating operation. Ability to collect, analyze and interpret scientific or technical data; communicate effectively verbally and in writing; working knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook, Power Point, Access, Publisher, Adobe and GIS; establish and maintain effective working relationships with others; understand and apply rules, regulations, and procedures; communicate with the public in a courteous manner; organizational skills; travel; and maintain a valid driver's license.  Must have prior approval and meet the diving and/or snorkeling validation requirements in accordance with the DEP Underwater Operations Manual.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree with a major in natural science from an accredited college or university
Florida Driver’s License

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience in water quality monitoring and wading and diving bird identification

Small watercraft operation and trailering

Experience in Avian monitoring and data entry 

Required Documentation: 

Applicants must include the following along with their application to be considered. 

1. Resume

2. Cover Letter

DEP is committed to successfully recruiting and onboarding talented and skilled individuals into its workforce. We recognize the extensive training, experience, and transferrable 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_ER@dep.state.fl.us

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.