OPS CHEMIST SPECIALIST - 37940208

Requisition No: 831361 

Agency: Environmental Protection

Working Title: OPS CHEMIST SPECIALIST - 37940208

 Pay Plan: Temp

Position Number: 37940208 

Salary:  $25.00 to $31.25 hourly 

Posting Closing Date: 06/28/2024 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

OPS 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 OPS Chemist Specialist, 37940208, is in the Division of Environmental Assessment and Restoration’s Chemistry Program, Nutrients section, in Tallahassee. The incumbent functions as a senior analyst and work coordinator, as needed, within the Nutrients group. The responsibilities include analysis, review, method development, troubleshooting, and authorizing analytical data 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:  

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. 

OPS/Seasonal/Part Time Benefits of Working for the State of Florida:  

Working for the State of Florida is more than a paycheck. The State’s benefits package for eligible OPS employees includes:

• Participation in state group insurance (must meet eligibility requirements*).  For more details consult with People First at 877-562-7287 or go to:  https://www.mybenefits.myflorida.com/health/eligibility_and_enrollment/ops_employees
• Participation in the Florida Deferred Compensation Plan (457b).  For additional details and online enrollment visit MyFloridaDeferredComp.com
• State of Florida 401(a) FICA Alternative Plan (tax deferred Retirement Savings Plan). (For more information, please click  Social Security Alternative Plan (aigrs.com) and read OPS Social Security Alternative Plan;
• Flexible Spending Accounts;

For a more benefits information, visit www.mybenefits.myflorida.com.

*Seasonal and part-time OPS employees (less than 30 hours average per week) refer to the links above for detailed eligibility requirements.

Pay: 

$25.00 - $31.25 hourly

Your Specific Responsibilities:  

While executing 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 within the Nutrients group in the Chemistry program.

The incumbent coordinates and supports the efforts of chemists and technicians to ensure laboratory priorities are met regarding sample holding times, reporting commitments, and quality assurance objectives.  Verifies that analytical methodologies and raw data generated are scientifically and legally defensible and that analyses are performed in accordance with the DEP Laboratory’s Quality Manual and Laboratory Safety Manual. This includes performing group internal audits on a regular schedule in coordination with the Environmental Administrator.  Reviews and authorizes data reported by analysts. 

Prepares and analyzes samples within established laboratory time schedules following all relevant rules and regulations. Investigates causes of anomalous results and coordinates the implementation of 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. 

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

Assists in the evaluation and validation of new and existing analytical techniques, methods, and instrumentation.  Demonstrates proficiency and leadership skills in training team members as well as in analytical problem-solving and troubleshooting instrument performance issues.  Guides or participates in laboratory improvement projects. Assists in the review of Standard Operating Procedures (SOP's).  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 program activities as required.

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 environmental laboratory testing and analysis.
• Knowledge of the methods of data collection.
• Skill in the use of scientific laboratory equipment.
• Skill in reviewing data and technical information.
• Skill in determining work priorities, work coordination, and ensuring proper completion of work assignments.
• Skill in effective communication, both verbally and in writing.
• Skill in utilizing problem-solving techniques.
• 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 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 understand and apply applicable rules, regulations, policies, and procedures relating to the science of chemistry.

Required or Preferred 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 Three years of verifiable related experience; or Any combination of post-secondary education or verifiable related experience, as described above, for a total of seven years.
• Some weekend and holiday work.
• Travel

Other Job Related Requirements for this position:

• Valid Driver’s License.

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.