OPS ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANT - 37950015

OPS Environmental Consultant

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 Environmental Consultant, 37950015, is in the Division of Environmental Assessment and Water Quality Evaluation and TMDL Program, Watershed Assessment Section in Tallahassee and will be responsible for the implementation of Chapter 62-303, Florida Administrative Code (Impaired Waters Rule) by developing assessment lists for the South and Southeast Florida basins, working in coordination with basin team members and local stakeholders. The position includes local field sampling of surface waters to obtain data necessary to support water quality assessments. The role of this position is important to the agency’s mission to protect, restore, and maintain the health of Florida’s waters. 

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 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:  $27.17 Hourly

Your Specific Responsibilities:

Demonstrates the capability of understanding and applying the rules which include but are not limited to the State Surface Water Quality Standards (62-302, F.A.C.) and Identification of Impaired Surface Waters (62-303, F.A.C.) and use them properly and efficiently in the water quality assessments and listing process. The employee should be knowledgeable and proficient with the IWR Access database, ArcGIS pro, and statistical and worksheet programs (e.g., EXCEL). 

Assists in evaluating and interpreting assessment data and developing documentation for reasonable assurance plans (RAPs) or alternative plans to support the assessment listing process, including the review or preparation of assessment category 4b (Reasonable Assurance Plans), 4c (Natural Condition) reports, 4d (Study List), and 4e (On-going Restoration Activities) reports.  Provides technical support to other sections within the division in the development of TMDLs. This may include participation on basin teams, working groups or other collaborative activities associated with the development or implementation of TMDLs. Attends public meetings with basin stakeholders to present assessment results, obtain additional data or relevant information, and address concerns or questions. 

Assists in conducting assessments of waterbody health through the application of the Impaired Waters Rule (IWR) resulting in the creation or revision of assessment lists using results from the IWR database. In conducting the assessments, works closely with other basin team members, including data providers and other interested parties, to assure that all available assessment information is obtained, is accurate, and is used in the assessment. 

Develops documentation and information needed to evaluate the section’s watershed management approach, including identifying revisions to applicable rules, developing presentation materials for a variety of audiences such as internal distribution and the public, and scheduling needs for implementing a new assessment cycle.    

Performs other duties in association with water quality and/or watershed assessments as needed, including participating in sampling and monitoring activities to obtain data necessary to conduct water quality assessments. 

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

• Knowledge of biological, chemical, and physical processes as they relate to surface water quality.
• Knowledge of water quality data collection principles and procedures.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to work independently with minimum supervision, and as part of a team.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Knowledge and skill in the use of computers and software programs utilized for word processing, database management, statistical, and spreadsheet application, specifically MS Excel and Access.
• Ability to participate in intensive field work conditions.
• Ability to deal with the public in a tactful and courteous manner.
• Ability to use ArcGIS Pro and other GIS tools.
• Ability to maintain a valid driver’s license. 

Required or Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelors 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 3 years of relevant experience; OR Masters in listed areas and 1 year of relevant experience; OR PhD in listed areas; OR 7 years of relevant experience.
• Travel.

   Other Job Related Requirements for this position:

• Valid Driver’s License.

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Experience with, and/or knowledge of the challenges unique to working with large datasets.
• Knowledge of advanced data handling techniques and database management software tools.
• Ability to use ESRI GIS, Web Mapping Applications, MS Office, and statistical software effectively.
• Skilled in the collection of bioassessment data.

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@dep.state.fl.us 

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.

Nearest Major Market: Tallahassee