ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST II - 37020427

Requisition No: 848617 

Agency: Environmental Protection

Working Title: ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST II - 37020427

 Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number: 37020427 

Salary:  3,862.50 Monthly 

Posting Closing Date: 03/24/2025 

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Environmental Specialist II

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 II 37020427 is in the Division of Environmental Assessment and Restoration’s Water Quality Standards Program in Tallahassee. This intermediate level professional and scientific position assists with the implementation of the Department’s Quality Management Plan, the DEP Quality Assurance (QA) Policy and the QA rule (Chapter 62-160, F.A.C.) for the water, waste and natural resources programs. Duties include conducting training on the DEP Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for sampling, assisting with field and laboratory audits, and conducting field sampling.  This position also assists in the review of State water quality standards, as required by the Clean Water Act, providing information to stakeholders about the applicable water quality standards and classifications, and reviewing requests for standards changes and other technical water quality-related information.

The Difference You Will Make:

Water and natural resources are the foundation of Florida's communities, economy, and wayof 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:

The work location of this position is in Tallahassee (Leon County), Florida. The city hosts the Capital of Florida and seat of state government. The city is home to numerous parks offering outdoor activities, league sports and natural trails for running, hiking and biking. Tallahassee is located just 22 miles from the Gulf of Mexico, which is home to some of the world's top beaches. Florida State University, Florida A&M University, Tallahassee Community College and several smaller colleges in the region offer a hub for academic research, athletics, art, music and other student activities.

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:

$3,862.50 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 Standard 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 intermediate level professional and scientific position serves to assist the DEP quality assurance (QA) coordinator with the implementation of the Department’s QA Management Plan, the DEP QA Policy and the QA rule (Chapter 62-160, F.A.C.) for the water, waste and natural resources programs. Duties include conducting training on the DEP Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for sampling, assisting with field and laboratory audits, and conducting field sampling.  This position also assists in the review of State water quality standards, as required by the Clean Water Act, providing information to stakeholders about the applicable water quality standards and classifications, and reviewing requests for standards changes and other technical water quality-related information.

Assist the QA Coordinator with compilation of the annual QA report to the Secretary, including meeting with agency QA Officers. and provide QA support, as needed, for audits and QA-related reviews.

Assists with field and laboratory performance and records audits. Conduct environmental field sampling for a wide array of highly sophisticated physical, chemical, and biological parameters, according to DEP SOPs, following DEP protocols and QA procedures on an as needed basis. Serve as a trainer in training classes about DEP SOPs, QA principles, and data review.

Provide technical expertise in support of the refinement of existing or development of new surface water quality standards under Chapter 62-302, F.A.C., including designated uses, surface water classifications, criteria, and the antidegradation policy. Write, edit, and review technical reports in support of the water quality standard changes. Provide technical input on rule development and implementation.

Provide scientific review, statistical evaluation, and interpretation of biological and chemical environmental data and of environmental reports in support of Section, Program, and Division projects, and makes recommendations to assist DEP programs.

Review and provide comments on petitions or requests for site specific water quality standards changes, including site specific alternative criteria, TMDLs, Level II WQBELs, reclassification, and Outstanding Florida Waters designation.

Perform other duties as required.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

1. Knowledge of biological, chemical, and physical processes as they relate to water quality and the aquatic environment.

2. Knowledge of Quality Assurance (QA) principles, including field, laboratory, and data validation activities.

3. Knowledge of statistical concepts and procedures commonly used in the environmental field.

4. Ability to understand, interpret, and explain State and Federal Water Quality Regulations

5. Knowledge of water quality data collection principles and procedures.

6. Knowledge and skill in the use of computers and software programs utilized for word processing, presentations, statistical and spread sheet applications.

7. Ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing.

8. Ability to deal with the public in a tactful and courteous manner.

9. Ability to work independently with minimum supervision.

10. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.

Required Qualifications:

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 and 1 year of related verifiable experience; or any combination of post-secondary education or verifiable related experience, as described above, for a total of 5 years.

Other Job Related Requirements for this position: 

Valid driver’s license. Occasional overnight 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.