OPS Environmental Specialist I - 37920070

Requisition No: 827131 

Agency: Environmental Protection

Working Title: OPS Environmental Specialist I - 37920070

 Pay Plan: Student/Gradte Assnt

Position Number: 37920070 

Salary:  $24.52 per hour 

Posting Closing Date: 05/02/2024 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

OPS Environmental Specialist I (2 positions)

State of Florida

Department of Environmental Protection

PENDING RECLASSIFICATION TO AN OPS ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST III

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. 

The Work You Will Do:

These two open OPS Environmental Specialist III positions focus on the work of geologists. They are full-time, three-year, Federal grant-funded positions in the Geologic Investigations Section of the Florida Geological Survey (FGS) in Tallahassee. The positions will support geologic mapping in the Florida Panhandle and compilation of statewide quartz sand critical mineral data for surficial and shallow 3D geologic mapping and geologic resource priorities at the FGS. Responsibilities include lithologic description of cores and cuttings samples, collecting and/or cataloguing historical and new geologic data, and use of the FGS’ Geologic Data Enterprise System (GEODES) database. The positions will work within a team of at least four personnel overseen by a Professional Geologist.

The Difference You Will Make:

Insert a brief description about how this position impacts the lives of Florida citizens, either directly or indirectly. Alternatively, include a brief description of how the role interfaces with the rest of the agency personnel or how/why the role is critical for the agency.

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:

Tallahassee - Tallahassee, Florida’s Capital City, lined with rolling hills, oak trees, and canopied roads combines 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:

OPS Benefits:

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/myhealth/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  Corebridge Financial;
• 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:

Hiring pay rate is $24.52 per hour.

Your Specific Responsibilities:

In carrying out the duties of this position, the incumbent is expected to be aware of and abide by the Department’s standards of conduct, as well as all departmental and/or work unit rules, directives, policies, procedures, and/or general orders applicable to performing the duties of this position.

Collects and/or catalogues historical and new geologic data. Produces geologic maps, cross sections, and geologic products that facilitate project completion in the Florida Panhandle and statewide. Conducts field investigations that may include core drilling, outcrop sampling, geophysical data collection/interpretation, and any other methods necessary to further the understanding of Florida's geologic history. Must be familiar with techniques for describing the lithology of Florida's geologic formations and will be required to learn the lithostratigraphic units recognized in Florida.

Duties may include verifying borehole data and surficial geologic sample data, conducting lithologic borehole descriptions of cuttings and cores from the FGS Sample Collections Facility, making formation picks based upon best geologic practices, and ensuring that geologic data are captured in the FGS Geologic Data Enterprise System (GEODES) database.

Must be willing and able to conduct geologic field work throughout the State of Florida and must be familiar with field sampling and field data collection techniques. Must be proficient with basic computer software including Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft Office products. Must be willing and able to learn database management. Must be willing to learn how to use Geographic Information System (GIS) software. Must be able to communicate efficiently with members of the public regarding various aspects of the geology of Florida.

Additional activities may include budget tracking and assisting with obtaining drilling site access permits and coordination with drilling staff, as needed. Other responsibilities and duties as required by the grant may be determined during completion of the work.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of terminology, principles, and techniques of geological research, analysis and description of geologic samples, interpretation of geological data, and data management.

Knowledge of the techniques used for describing lithology, paleontology, and mineralogy of rocks and sediments.

Knowledge of, or the ability to learn, the stratigraphy of Florida and how to identify geologic formations.

Knowledge and experience in geological field sampling, data collection, and geologic mapping.

Knowledge of and/or skills in geographic information systems for data management, mapping, and data analysis.

Skills in use of personal computers, scientific calculators, scientific reference sources and computer programs necessary to produce reports, geologic maps, cross-sections and other graphical representations of geologic data.

Skills in organizing work details and prioritizing workload.

Skills in analyzing and solving geologic problems.

Ability to collect, record, and analyze geologic data is a prerequisite, but there will be training in skills specific to FGS geologic data collection and management as well as lithologic descriptions to ensure consistent data quality.

Ability to plan and participate in geologic fieldwork.

Ability or willingness to learn to work on drill rigs as needed for geologic data collection.

Ability to travel and work more than 40 hours per week, as required.

Ability to produce quality written reports and scientific publications as the result of conducting geologic research and mapping.

Ability to learn the processes of project management including organization of duties and work assignments both individually and for the team, as needed.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Ability to communicate effectively and courteously both orally and in writing.

Ability to work independently with moderate supervision.

Ability to maintain assigned equipment.

Ability to properly handle and box core and cuttings samples.

Ability to lift core boxes and drilling materials weighing 50 pounds or more.

Ability to maintain a valid Class E Florida driver license.

Required Qualifications:

A bachelor's degree, preferably in geology or a closely related natural science, from an accredited college or university, may be expected graduation not later than August 2024; or any combination of post-secondary education or verifiable related experience, as described in this posting, for a total of four years.

Other Job-Related Requirements for this position:

Class E Florida Driver License, Travel

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.