OPS ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST II - 37940157

Requisition No: 857562 

Agency: Environmental Protection

Working Title: OPS ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST II - 37940157

 Pay Plan: Temp

Position Number: 37940157 

Salary:  22.28 - 27.85 hourly 

Posting Closing Date: 09/02/2025 

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OPS Environmental Specialist II

State of Florida

Department of Environmental Protection

This position is located in Tallahassee, FL

Position Overview and Responsibilities:

The OPS Environmental Specialist II, position number 37940157, is in the Division of Environmental Assessment and Restoration’s Water Quality Standards Program (WQSP), Aquatic Ecology and Quality Assurance Section (AEQAS) in Tallahassee, Florida and will be responsible for providing quality assurance support throughout DEP. This position will assist section staff with conducting field and laboratory audits, performing data analysis and data usability assessments, providing DEP SOP and related QA training, conducting environmental field sampling, and review, interpretation and reporting of environmental data.

The duties of this position involve specialized professional environmental work performing data quality assessment, data interpretation, and related quality assessment activities. This position requires a technical background in the environmental and chemical sciences with specific focus on Quality Assurance (QA) protocols of environmental measurement systems, as well as well-developed communication skills.

Consults with programs throughout the Department on issues concerning the appropriateness and quality of scientific information generated for environmental decision-making. Includes interaction with Department program managers and QA officers on issues related to their QA activities and data quality assessments. Assists in annual compilation of Department QA activities and goals.

Participates in field and lab audits. Assists in the preparation and/or review of DEP SOPs and other documents for field and laboratory procedures. Participates in the organization and delivery of QA training activities, including but not limited to, DEP Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) training. Assists in the preparation of training materials, including training videos for DEP and non-DEP audiences. Gives presentations to technical and non-technical audiences.

Conducts environmental field sampling as needed, using a wide array of highly sophisticated water chemistry, sediment, and bioassessment methods for a variety of projects including, but not limited to, water quality standards development, use attainability analysis, biological assessment development, and site specific alternative criteria analysis following standard DEP protocols and QA procedures.

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

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of Quality Assurance (QA) principles, including field, laboratory, and data validation activities.
• Knowledge of environmental field sampling techniques, terminology, principles, and methodologies.
• Ability to collect water quality and biological samples while in harsh environments while following strict QA procedures.
• Knowledge of computer software programs including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint.
• Ability to provide scientific review, evaluation, and interpretation of chemical and biological data.
• Ability to write and edit environmental assessment reports.
• Ability to give presentations to a variety of audiences.
• Ability to work in teams and communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to organize workloads, work independently, and solve problems.
• Ability to travel, including long days and overnight travel.
• Ability to drive and maintain a valid driver’s license.

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 5 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 travel, including long days and overnight travel.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of the DEP SOPs, Chapter 62-160, F.A.C., and NELAC standards.
• Ability to conduct field and laboratory audits.
• Experience in evaluating, analyzing, and interpreting scientific or technical data.
• Ability to provide attention to detail and complete tasks efficiently.

Pay:

The hiring salary range for the position is $22.28 – $27.85, hourly.

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:

The work location of this position is in Tallahassee (Leon County), Florida. 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.

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.