OPS ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST II - 37960045

Requisition No: 865386 

Agency: Environmental Protection

Working Title: OPS ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST II - 37960045

Position Number: 37960045 

Salary:  25.60 per hour 

Posting Closing Date: 12/02/2025 

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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 Environmental Specialist II (37960045), is in the Division of Environmental Assessment and Restoration’s Biology Program, Molecular Biology Section in Tallahassee and will be responsible for preparing and analyzing environmental samples using qPCR, uploading data, performing calibrations and QC, and training staff. This position provides the department and other resource agencies with the highest quality laboratory services available. This intermediate level environmental position will:

• Prepare extracts and analyze samples using qPCR.

• Review data and upload results to the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) to ensure accurate reporting of laboratory results.

• Evaluate the acceptability of routine analyses, perform QC, and take appropriate action in response to critical values or unusual or unexpected results, and documents action taken.
• Calibrate equipment at required frequency per Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

• Write and review SOPs.

• Instruct and train coworkers in the proper performance of molecular biology procedures.

• Perform other work as required by supervisor.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of general microbiology and molecular biology.
• Knowledge of biological and laboratory QA/QC principals and methods.
• Skill in the use of scientific laboratory equipment such as balance, autoclave, centrifuge, micropipette, vortexer etc.
• Skill in collecting, recording, and reviewing scientific data.
• Skill in determining workload priorities and ensuring proper completion of work assignments.
• Skill in the use of computers, including Microsoft Office software and internet resources.
• Ability to perform qPCR methods and review qPCR data per SOPs. 
• Ability to use QC measures per SOPs to evaluate accuracy, precision and efficiency of qPCR methods and ensure high quality data.
• Ability to calibrate equipment per SOPs.
• Ability to create and review Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for molecular analysis.  
• Ability to instruct and train coworkers and new employees in the proper performance of routine molecular biology procedures.
• Ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to maintain a valid State of Florida Driver License and travel.

Minimum Qualifications:

• At least 5 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:

• Bachelor’s degree 
• Experience with DNA extraction methods.
• Experience with running PCR/qPCR analyses.

Pay:

$25.60/hr

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 – 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.

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.