OPS ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST I - 37940179

Requisition No: 883347 

Agency: Environmental Protection

Working Title: OPS ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST I - 37940179

 Pay Plan: Temp

Position Number: 37940179 

Salary:  $23.38 per hour 

Posting Closing Date: 09/23/2026 

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Environmental Specialist I

State of Florida

Department of Environmental Protection

This position is located in Tallahassee, FL

Position Overview and Responsibilities:

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.

The OPS Environmental Specialist I, Position Number 37940179, is in DEAR’s Laboratory Biology Program, Taxonomy Group, in Tallahassee. DEP leads state efforts to respond to blue-green algae blooms in Florida's waters. This position will be responsible for preparing and analyzing environmental samples for identification of dominant algal taxa to the lowest practical taxonomic level, providing analytical support to senior taxonomists in implementing and operating new equipment or methodologies and troubleshooting assistance to new technicians. This work is integral to Division and Department goals by providing them with the highest quality laboratory services and data available.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of basic concepts, and techniques for aquatic biology, ecology, and environmental sciences.
• Skill in using a compound, inverted and dissecting microscope for analytical purposes.
• Skill in the use of computers, including Microsoft Office software, internet resources, or other computer programs.
• Skill in collecting, recording, and interpreting scientific and technical data.
• Skills in determining workload priorities and ensuring proper completion of work assignments
• Ability to sit and use a microscope daily.
• Ability to complete repetitive tasks accurately and efficiently.
• Ability to understand and follow technical instructions related to sample collection, testing and analysis, including Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and quality assurance and quality control procedures.
• Ability to use laboratory personal protective equipment and work with acids, acetone, formalin, ethanol, and other chemicals.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions.
• Ability to think and work independently, and to work well in a group.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to be adaptable, flexible, and resourceful in response to laboratory workload shifts.

Minimum Qualifications: 

• At least four years of verifiable related experience in biological sciences, environmental science, natural sciences, or physical sciences. Post-secondary degrees from an accredited college or university with a major in biological, environmental, natural, or physical sciences 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

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of the terminology, principles and analytical techniques used to accurately identify algae to the lowest practical taxonomic level.

Pay:

$23.38/hour

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 benefits package for eligible OPS employees includes:

• Participation in state group insurance (must meet eligibility requirements*).  
• State of Florida 401(a) FICA Alternative Plan (tax deferred Retirement Savings Plan, for more information, please visit Corebridge Financial).
• Flexible Spending Accounts;
• And more!

For a complete list of benefits, 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.

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.

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.