Major Functions

The County of Volusia's Environmental Management Division is seeking an experienced and highly motivated Environmental Specialist III – Working Title: Water Quality Specialist. This position is located in Deland, Florida, and is responsible for managing the water quality field sampling program including supervising three field staff responsible for routine and special event water sampling, inspections, and environmental monitoring. Supervisory duties include training, adherence to safety standards, data accuracy, maintaining timely sampling schedules, and compliance with regulatory requirements.

In addition, the Water Quality Specialist will serve as the county’s water quality regulatory subject matter expert, maintaining historic and comprehensive knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local regulations governing water quality standards, laboratory certification, sampling protocols, and reporting requirements. This position provides direct oversight of the bacteriological testing laboratory, ensuring compliance with state and federal laboratory certification standards, QA/QC protocols, and reporting requirements.

Illustrative Duties

(Note: These are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position.)

Manages the water quality sampling program and supervises staff responsible for routine and event-based sampling, inspections, and environmental monitoring. Ensures proper training, safety compliance, accurate data collection, timely sampling, and adherence to regulatory requirements.
Coordinates with other departments for compliance with applicable state and federal regulations, including Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs), Basin Management Action Plans (BMAPs), and other regulatory frameworks.
Supports the development and implementation of water quality improvement strategies.
Uploads field and laboratory data into our AQUARIUS Samples program and the state water quality database.
Analyzes complex water quality datasets to identify trends, sources of impairment, and areas of concern.
Prepares technical reports, summaries, and presentations for internal leadership, regulatory agencies, and the public.
Utilizes data to inform policy decisions, program improvements, and resource allocation.
Assists in developing and managing program budgets, including laboratory operations, equipment, and staffing needs.
Tracks expenditures and ensure efficient use of resources.
Leads and supports public outreach and education efforts related to water quality.
Communicates technical information clearly to diverse audiences, including stakeholders, community groups, and elected officials.
Manages daily operations of the bacteriological laboratory, including analysis of E. coli and Enterococci.
Ensures adherence to quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) protocols and laboratory accreditation standards.
Maintains compliance with state and federal laboratory regulations and reporting requirements.
Serves as a liaison to the county Public Works department and other departments to coordinate water quality initiatives and infrastructure-related efforts.
Collaborates on projects involving stormwater, wastewater, and environmental restoration.
Represents the organization at public meetings, workshops, and events.
May be assigned to other county locations based upon operational needs.
Attends work on a regular and consistent basis.
Must adhere to Federal, State, County and Local ordinances.
Responds to emergency situations.
Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements

Eight (8) years of experience in environmental management with a concentration in water quality sampling and data analysis, resource conservation, or hydrology.

Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Environmental Science, Geology, Hydrology, Chemistry, Environmental Engineering or related field and four (4) years of experience in environmental management with a concentration in water quality sampling and data analysis, resource conservation, or hydrology.

A comparable amount of education, training, or experience may be substituted for the minimum requirements.

Must possess a valid Florida driver’s license at the time of hire and maintain thereafter.

The preferred candidate, having met the minimum requirements, will have at least four (4) years of experience in in-situ waterbody sampling, including preparing sampling bottle kits, completing electronic field reports, calibrating and maintaining water quality monitoring equipment, boat operation, and trailering. The preferred candidate will also possess a strong understanding of statewide water quality issues and regulatory frameworks, including Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs), Basin Management Action Plan (BMAPs), and the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES). Additionally, experience with bacteriological sampling, including E. coli and Enterococci analysis, is highly desirable, and experience with grant writing and securing funding for environmental or water quality programs is highly desirable.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Knowledge of the principles and practices of environmental science.
Knowledge of County, State and Federal environmental codes, ordinances, and rules.
Knowledge of issues and impacts on water quality, including nonpoint source pollution.
Strong knowledge of TMDLs, BMAPs, and applicable state and federal water quality regulations.
Strong leadership, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills.
Demonstrate strong water quality data analysis skills.
Proficiency in data analysis, interpretation, and reporting.
Familiarity with laboratory QA/QC procedures and accreditation standards.
Ability to interpret complex data sets, identify trends, and translate findings into actionable insights to support regulatory compliance and water resource management decisions.
Ability to operate equipment used for the sampling of water, and field-testing equipment used for sample analysis.
Ability to manage multiple priorities, budgets, and projects effectively.
Ability to safely operate and trailer motorized vessels in fresh and salt waterways.
Ability to perform complex chemical and biological laboratory work.
Ability to identify and classify biological specimens.
Ability to operate equipment used for the sampling of water, and field-testing equipment used for sample analysis.
Ability to take accurate readings, to keep routine records, and prepare schedules and reports.
Ability to check equipment and to detect flaws or defects in operations, and noncompliance issues.
Ability to work effectively, collaborate, and engage other County, municipal, and State agencies and the general public.
Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely, orally and in writing to groups and individuals.
Ability to respond to emergency situations.
Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
Ability to work under stressful conditions.
Ability to interact effectively with others.

ADA REQUIREMENTS:

Mental Demands: Ability to read and comprehend technical and professional journals and manuals, reports, blueprints, legal documents. Ability to write clearly and concisely memos, letters, reports. Ability to speak publicly and extemporaneously on technical subjects. Ability to perform basic mathematical functions. Ability to analyze data and develop conclusions.

Physical Demands: Ability to see, hear, talk, feel, kneel, reach, balance and climb. Ability to lift, carry, push and/or pull 10 pounds for the water quality activity. Visual acuity (peripheral vision, depth perception) is necessary to operate a motorized vehicle and other assigned equipment. Ability to traverse uneven and/or wet ground.

Environmental Demands: Both inside and outside work. Exposure to inclement weather including humidity, heat, rain, cold, lightning, dust, mildew, wind, noise and sun. Exposure to insects, toxic plants, snakes, saltwater, salt air, mud, dust, odors, and toxic fumes.

Volusia County is a drug free workplace and an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to a diverse workforce. Veterans' preference in accordance with federal, state, local laws.

County of Volusia

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Environmental Specialist III - Water Quality Specialist - Environmental Management