CHEMIST SPECIALIST - 37000030

Requisition No: 848222 

Agency: Environmental Protection

Working Title: CHEMIST SPECIALIST - 37000030

 Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number: 37000030 

Salary:  $4,463.33 Monthly 

Posting Closing Date: 03/19/2025 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

Chemist Specialist

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 Chemist Specialist positions, 37000030 and 37020089, are in the Division of Environmental Assessment and Restoration’s Chemistry Program, Nutrients section, in Tallahassee. The incumbents will be responsible for performing analysis, reviewing and authorizing test results, assisting with coordinating, training, and support of junior chemists in the analysis of environmental samples for nutrients, inorganic anions, and other related compounds. The results of these analyses are critical for the assessment of water quality and restoration projects for the State of Florida.

The Difference You Will Make:

Water and natural resources are the foundation of Florida's communities, economy, and way of life. The Division of Environmental Assessment and Restoration (DEAR) is charged with protecting, maintaining, and improving the quality of Florida’s springs, rivers, lakes, estuaries, and coastal waters. DEAR team members provide the department and other resource agencies with the highest quality laboratory services available; provide technical support to the department and the public regarding water quality analysis and data quality assurance (QA); manage water quality data repositories for data storage and use by the department, other agencies and the public; and work together to monitor and assess Florida’s surface water and groundwater quality, develop strategies to reduce pollution, and work closely with local stakeholders to implement comprehensive restoration strategies that improve the lives of all Floridians and preserve aquatic resources for generations to come.

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:

Tallahassee Florida’s Capitol City, lined with rolling hills, oak trees, and canopied roads combines old world charm with a modern pace of life. Home to two major universities as well as state government, Tallahassee is a mid-sized city in the heart of Florida’s Big Bend. Tallahassee is a highly desirable location for both those seeking their first job or those ready to enter the next exciting chapter in their career.

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);
• Flexible Spending Accounts;
• Tuition waivers;
• And more!

For a more complete list of benefits, visit www.mybenefits.myflorida.com.

Pay:

$4,463.33 Monthly

Your Specific Responsibilities:

In carrying out the duties of this position, the incumbent is expected at all times to be aware of and abide by the Department’s Standards of Conduct, as well as any and all departmental and/or work unit rules, directives, policies, procedures, and/or general orders applicable to performing the duties of this position.

The duties of this position involve advanced analytical and technical work. It includes coordinating the efforts of professionals analyzing environmental samples.

Assists the supervisor in coordinating the efforts of chemists and technicians to ensure laboratory priorities are met regarding sample holding times, reporting commitments and quality assurance and quality control objectives. Verifies analytical methodologies and raw data generated within the Nutrients Group are scientifically and legally defensible and that analyses are performed in accordance with the DEP Central Laboratory Quality Manual, Laboratory Safety Manual and all other applicable rules and regulations.  Reviews and verifies analytical reports for accuracy and completeness. Prepares and analyzes samples within established laboratory time schedules. Investigates causes of anomalous results and implements corrective action.  Ensures that appropriate logbooks and meta data are maintained to support all phases of analytical work. Provides analytical support in other work areas as requested and performs other related duties.

Evaluates and validates new and existing analytical techniques, methods and instrumentation.  Demonstrates proficiency and leadership skills in training staff.  Ensures that Standard Operating Procedures (SOP's) are maintained for each method in a timely manner.  Engages in self training exercises to keep abreast of technologies utilized by the laboratory, including computer technologies.  Provides technical support to Department programs.  Testifies as an expert witness on Section activities as required.

Reviews the inventory of supplies, reagents and equipment necessary to meet commitments for analytical services within the Nutrients and General Chemistry Group.  Submits requests for purchases in a timely manner.  Ensures all equipment in the area of responsibility is maintained in good working condition.

Performs other related duties as directed.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of the terminology, principles and techniques of chemical research, analysis and testing.
• Knowledge of the procedures, techniques and equipment used in laboratory testing and analysis.
• Knowledge of the methods of data collection.
• Skill in the use of scientific laboratory equipment.
• Ability to collect, record, and analyze scientific data relating to chemistry.
• Ability to conduct chemical research tests and analyses using scientific methods and techniques.
• Ability to perform quantitative analysis of scientific data.
• Ability to determine work priorities, assign work, and ensure proper completion of work assignments.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to work effectively as a team member.
• Ability to keep accurate research records.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to utilize problem-solving techniques.
• Ability to understand and apply applicable rules, regulations, policies and procedures relating to the science of chemistry.
• Ability to work a daily schedule from 9 am to 6 pm within a 40-hour workweek.
• Ability to work after hours or on weekends if requested by the supervisor.
• Ability to stand for long periods of time, perform repetitive movements, and lift and carry up to 30 lbs. of weight for short distances

Required Qualifications:

Other job-related requirements for this position: Bachelors degree in chemistry, environmental science, natural sciences, biological sciences, or physical sciences from an accredited university or college and 3 years of relevant verifiable experience; or any combination of post-secondary education or verifiable relevant experience, as described above, for a total of 7 years.

Other Job Related Requirements for this position: 

Valid driver license and occasional travel.

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_Recruitment@FloridaDEP.gov

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.

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.