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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 create strong community partnerships, safeguard Florida’s natural resources and enhance its ecosystem.
The Work You Will Do:
The OPS Environmental Specialist I, Position Number 37940179, is in the Division of Environmental Assessment and Restoration’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.
The Difference You Will Make:
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.
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 Capitol 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:
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).
- Participation in the Florida Deferred Compensation Plan (457b).
- State of Florida 401(a) FICA Alternative Plan (tax deferred Retirement Savings Plan).
- Flexible Spending Accounts.
For a more benefits information, visit www.mybenefits.myflorida.com.
Your Specific Responsibilities:
Receives, preserves, and prepares algal samples for taxonomic identification; settles and prepares slide mounts of algal samples.
Performs algal taxonomic identification on phytoplankton and periphyton samples. Assists other taxonomists in correct, accurate identification of algal taxa. Participates in laboratory and taxonomic identification quality control (QC) procedures.
Enters, verifies, collates, and analyzes data using the Statewide Biological Database (SBIO), Laboratory Integrated Management System (LIMS), and other appropriate computer software.
Participates in implementing and operating new equipment or methodologies.
Participates in laboratory glassware cleaning. Ensures laboratory cleanliness. Participates in general laboratory maintenance tasks. Maintains adequate laboratory supplies.
Participates in cross training activities as required.
Perform other duties as assigned.
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.
- Ability to work at counter-height surfaces and at a sink to wash laboratory glassware and sample containers.
- Ability to maintain a valid driver’s license and travel.
Required or Preferred Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree 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; OR 2 years of relevant experience; OR enrolled as junior or senior for relevant degree at an accredited university or college and 1 year of relevant experience.
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.
