ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST II - 37020427

Requisition No: 857561 

Agency: Environmental Protection

Working Title: ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST II - 37020427

 Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number: 37020427 

Salary:  $3,945.84 

Posting Closing Date: 09/02/2025 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST II

State of Florida

Department of Environmental Protection

This position is located in Tallahassee, FL

Position Overview and 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:

• Knowledge of biological, chemical, and physical processes as they relate to water quality and the aquatic environment.
• Knowledge of Quality Assurance (QA) principles, including field, laboratory, and data validation activities.
• Knowledge of statistical concepts and procedures commonly used in the environmental field.
• Ability to understand, interpret, and explain State and Federal Water Quality Regulations
• Knowledge of water quality data collection principles and procedures.
• Knowledge and skill in the use of computers and software programs utilized for word processing, presentations, statistical and spread sheet applications.
• Ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing.
• Ability to deal with the public in a tactful and courteous manner.
• Ability to work independently with minimum supervision.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.

Minimum Qualifications:

• At least 5 years of verifiable related experience in environmental science. Post-secondary degrees from an accredited college or university with a major 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 may be used as an alternative for the required years of experience on a year-for-year basis. A credential evaluation report from an approved agency must be submitted along with all foreign degrees.
• Valid Driver’s License
• Occasional overnight travel

Pay:

$3,945.84 Monthly

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. 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 Capital City, lined with rolling hills, oak trees, and canopied roads combine 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);
• 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.

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.