ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST I - 37000692

Requisition No: 881678 

Agency: Environmental Protection

Working Title: ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST I - 37000692

 Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number: 37000692 

Salary:  $3083.33 month/$37,000.00 annual 

Posting Closing Date: 08/30/2026 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

Environmental Specialist I (37000692)

State of Florida

Department of Environmental Protection

This position is located in Sarasota, FL

PACK TEST POSITION

Position Overview and Responsibilities:

Myakka River State Park is looking for a self-motivated park service professional to fill an  Environmental Specialist I position.  This employee plans, implements, coordinates and participates in the day to day, and long range facets of resource management pertinent to the effective management of Myakka River State Park and other management assignments of this unit. The applicant must be able to work rotating shifts including evenings, weekends and holidays

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Compliance with the processing requirements of Chapter 215.422, F.S. is mandatory. Persistent failure to comply with this section by any agency of the state shall constitute good cause for discharge of employees duly found responsible, or predominantly responsible, for failure to comply.

RESOURCE MANAGEMENT – : Assesses natural resource management needs, coordinates and provides plans for achieving these needs based on biological assessments. Performs invasive  plant and animal removal and monitors feral hog removal by contractors and staff. Document actions and maintain accurate records. Participates in the execution of all facets of prescribed fire including preparation for prescribed burning, conduct prescribed fires up to burn boss level and documents actions taken during burns, and conduct biological post-burn monitoring and evaluations. Research historical aspects to further application of best management practices regarding resource management activities within the park. Performs field data collection and ecosystem research. Identifies Park restoration needs and assists in writing restoration plans, scope of work, and oversee project completion and evaluation. Coordinate equipment needs for fire line preparation to ensure that necessary work is being completed in a timely manner to meet resource management objectives. Oversee park herbicide inventory and coordinates in park herbicide training to new staff and volunteers.

VISITOR SERVICES Assists in assuring effective development and implementation of the park's interpretive programming, and developing park specific interpretive literature, interpretive programming, exhibits and displays related to resource management. Resolves and responds to visitor queries and assists in the training of park staff to ensure information afforded to the public is accurate and presented in a professional manner. Participates in programming related to resource management.

ADMINISTRATION: Coordinates the park's resource management volunteers  Actively engages with partnering agencies and stakeholders involved with park resource management. Maintains records of cultural and natural resource management activities. Compiles and submits quarterly and annual resource management reports. Applies for and oversees park AmeriCorps members. Seeks and applies for restoration funding to meet restoration needs as identified in the park management plan.

MAINTENANCE: Develops maintenance schedules and makes recommendations for the preventive and corrective maintenance needs of exhibits, displays and other interpretive facilities/equipment. Assists in maintenance of park resource management equipment including tractors and associated implements, herbicide sprayers, ATV's UTV's, and fire equipment to ensure that equipment Is operational at the time of need.

PROTECTION: Ensures Park rules are enforced pertaining to all natural and cultural resources.

Performs other related duties as required.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of: biological assessment and restoration techniques; plant identification; the principles and techniques of effective verbal and written communication; the principles of methods and techniques of instruction and publicity information program, methods of compiling, organizing and analyzing data; brochure construction/development.

Skill in: writing technical reports and detailed scope of work; prescribed fire at burn boss level; herbicide application and mixing; operating equipment designed for resource restoration; development of interpretive exhibits; producing maps utilizing GIS software, field data collection and record keeping utilizing GPS; writing detailed scopes of work; supervising contract labor for environmental field work including invasive plant control, mechanical treatment and restoration.

Ability to: to work flexible schedule including nights, weekends and holidays; participate in all aspects of resource management including prescribed burning, physical and chemical exotic plant removal; accurate recordkeeping; establish and maintain effective working relationships with others, analyze programs and proposed projects; prepare reports and records: research topics and write articles or prepare environmental education and other information for dissemination; plan and prepare educational, interpretive programs Passing of moderate pack test must be completed prior to employment, and then annually thereafter complete the light pack test

Minimum Qualifications:

• Valid Driver’s License
• Successful completion of annual moderate pack test.  Prior to being hired, applicant will be given a single opportunity to take and successfully complete a supervised moderate pack test at a date and location to be announced.  Pack test requires applicant to complete a two mile walk while carrying 25 pounds in under 30 minutes.

Pay:

$3,083.33  month/$37,000.00 annual

Our Organization and Mission: 

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is the state’s leading 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:

Myakka River State Park

13208 State Road 72

Sarasota, FL 34241

The Myakka River flows through 58 square miles of one of Florida’s oldest and largest parks consisting of over 37,000 acres.   Boating, fishing, canoeing, and kayaking are popular activities on the water while hikers and bicyclists explore miles of trails and backroads.  Myakka River State Park is located in mid-Sarasota County.  This urban setting is located close to gulf beaches. Aside from the recreational opportunities, many cultural sites are within close distances.

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.