ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST I - 37010108

Requisition No: 840727 

Agency: Environmental Protection

Working Title: ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST I - 37010108

 Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number: 37010108 

Salary:  $3,519.17 Monthly 

Posting Closing Date: 11/18/2024 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

Environmental Specialist I

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 Environmental Specialist I, 37010108, is in the Division of Environmental Assessment and Restoration’s Chemistry Program, Nutrients section, in Tallahassee and will be responsible for the analysis of environmental samples for nutrients, inorganic anions, and other related compounds. This work is 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 - 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:

$3,519.17 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 incumbent of this position is an Environmental Specialist which acts as an analyst for chemistry functions within the Nutrients Workgroup of the Chemistry Program to access the hazards and pollutants that adversely affect the environment, property, and health of the population. The duties of this position entail technical work involved with the preparation and analysis of the environmental samples for inorganic components as they relate to the protection of the environment. Medical Monitoring is required.

Conducts and performs the preparation and analysis of environmental samples for their environmental impact in accordance with the accepted laboratory standard operating procedures (SOP’s) with little supervision. Assists with the maintenance of SOP’s. Prepares laboratory reagents and standards necessary to complete sample preparation and analysis. Maintains proper and complete records pertaining to all sample/standard preparation and analysis performed on a daily basis. Performs and documents instrument maintenance, troubleshooting and repair. Assists senior level chemists with the development of new analytical procedures for inorganic compounds.

Performs calculations and data entry functions for analytical results. Calculates and documents the results of quality control (QC) data. Prepares and reports results within established laboratory time schedules and in compliance with the laboratory’s QA plan. Adheres to the laboratory quality assurance (QA) plan and follows all accepted QA/QC standard operating procedures.

Ensures an adequate reserve of supplies is available by monitoring inventory and ordering as needed. Cleans and maintains work area, glassware and equipment. Completes all assigned laboratory tasks within established time schedules. Utilizes appropriate safety procedures and equipment at all times. Stores, processes and/or disposes of chemical wastes in accordance with the laboratory’s protocols. Assists in training of new personnel. Attends scheduled meetings punctually. Provides analytical support in other work areas as requested by the lead chemist.

Performs other related duties as directed.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of the terminology, principles and techniques of chemical research, analysis, or testing.

Knowledge of the procedures, techniques and equipment used in laboratory testing and analysis.

Skill in the use of laboratory equipment and materials.

Skill in performing laboratory tests, or analyses, or preparations.

Ability to perform all calculations and assessments necessary to report data in compliance with all applicable rules.

Ability to understand and follow technical instructions relating to laboratory testing and analysis.

Ability to work independently.

Ability to perform laboratory tests and analyses.

Ability to perform basic arithmetical calculations.

Ability to maintain and troubleshoot analytical instrumentation.

Ability to utilize problem solving techniques.

Ability to keep accurate and complete records.

Ability to plan and organize daily workload.

Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.

Ability to understand and apply applicable rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.

Ability to stand for long periods of time, perform repetitive movements, and lift and carry up to 30 lbs weight for short distances.

Knowledge of the basic concepts and principles of the physical or natural sciences.

Required Qualifications:

A bachelor’s degree in engineering, engineering sciences, environmental science, natural sciences, biological sciences, physical sciences, environmental policy, public health, or computer science from an accredited university or college; or any combination of post-secondary education or verifiable related experience, as described above, for a total of four years.

A Medical Monitored position.

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.