ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST I - 37011327

Requisition No: 840752 

Agency: Environmental Protection

Working Title: ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST I - 37011327

 Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number: 37011327 

Salary:  $3,519.17 Monthly 

Posting Closing Date: 11/19/2024 

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 advance Florida’s position as a world leader in protecting natural resources while growing the state’s economy. 

The Work You Will Do:

The Environmental Specialist I (37011327), is in the Division of Environmental Assessment and Restoration’s Chemistry/Metals Program Section in Tallahassee and will be responsible for analyzing environmental samples for trace metals and other related compounds or contaminants of interest to agency programs. Refilling this position is critical to satisfying ongoing demands for analyses necessary to support water quality impairment decisions and to providing support for other customers, both within and outside the Department of Environmental Protection, such as Operational Emergency Response, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the Water Management Districts, and the Department of Health well water program.

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.

This position involves entry level professional environmental laboratory and technical work related to the preparation and analysis of environmental samples for metals in support of the department’s programs and contractual agreements. This position requires Medical Monitoring. Overtime may be required in emergency situations.

Prioritizes and manages backlogs for assigned preparations and analyses. Performs these preparations and analyses in accordance with the laboratory Quality Manual, standard operating procedures, and safety guidelines. Demonstrates sufficient skill, timeliness, and efficiency to meet laboratory commitments for quality control targets, holding times, required dates, and all other laboratory commitments as defined by the supervisor.

Trains laboratory technicians in laboratory methods and procedures. Conducts troubleshooting and implements solutions to methodological problems in a timely manner. Facilitates problem solving through leadership, communication, and cooperation with others. Maintains all aspects of analytical quality control, including documentation to meet the objectives of the laboratory quality assurance goals as defined by the supervisor.

Conducts routine maintenance and equipment evaluation including maintenance documentation. Ensures laboratory equipment in the area of responsibility is maintained in good working condition. Maintains necessary supplies, equipment, and reagents required to meet anticipated laboratory commitments. Organizes inventories and/or prepares paperwork so purchase requisitions can be submitted in a timely manner to ensure sufficient supplies are available to perform assigned tasks.

Participates in the development and validation of new and revised methods, and in the drafting, revision, and maintenance of laboratory standard operating procedures (SOP’s) in areas of responsibility. Engages in self-training exercises to keep abreast of technologies utilized by the laboratory, including applicable computer technologies.

Performs other related duties as required.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

1. Knowledge of the terminology, principles and analytical techniques of the physical or natural sciences.
2. Knowledge of data collection and analysis principles and procedures.
3. Ability to collect, evaluate, analyze and interpret scientific or technical data.
4. Ability to prepare technical reports.
5. Ability to use personal computers.
6. Ability to understand and apply applicable rules, regulations, policies and procedures relating to environmental programs.
7. Ability to work independently.
8. Ability to plan, organize and coordinate work assignments.
9. Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
10. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
11. Ability to utilize problem-solving techniques.
12. Ability to participate in the DEP Medical Monitoring Program.

Required or Preferred Qualifications:

Medical Monitoring. 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 post-secondary education or verifiable related experience, as described above, for a total of four years.

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.