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 III position (37950181) is a technical support position in the Division of Environmental Assessment and Restoration’s Water Quality Restoration Program (WQRP) in Tallahassee. This position will provide support to Program staff in the development and implementation of watershed restoration management plans; working with program staff to assess information and prepare watershed reports; recommending additional data collection; analyzing and interpreting data to determine aquatic ecosystem health. Providing support with organizing meetings, preparing agendas, background papers, maps, tables, presentation materials and other documents and materials, and coordinating with BMAP development contractors to provide support in developing and implementing BMAPs.
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.
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.
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 more benefits information, visit www.mybenefits.myflorida.com.
Your Specific Responsibilities:
This position is to support activities associated with implementing the state’s Total Maximum Daily Load/Watershed Management Program. This program relies on partnerships and close coordination with managers and technical staff of the Program; Division; Department; Water Management Districts; local, state, regional and federal agencies; the public, and the regulated community.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Knowledge of principles of surface and groundwater hydrology.
- Knowledge of the terminology, principles, and analytical techniques of the physical or natural sciences.
- Knowledge of applied statistical methods for water quality assessments.
- Skill in using ESRI GIS software, MS-Office, and various modeling tools.
- Ability to evaluate, analyze and interpret scientific or technical data.
- Ability to understand and apply applicable laws, rules, policies and procedures relating to land and water resource management program activities.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
- Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
- Ability to solve problems and effectively make decisions.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Ability to work well under pressure.
- Ability to prepare technical reports.
- Ability to successfully complete training for Florida Certified Contract Manager designation.
- Ability to travel outside of Tallahassee.
- Ability to maintain a valid driver’s license.
Required or Preferred Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in engineering, engineering sciences, chemistry, environmental science, natural sciences, biological sciences, physical sciences, environmental policy, public health, or computer science from an accredited university or college and 2 years of relevant verifiable experience; or any combination of post-secondary education or verifiable relevant experience, as described above, for a total of 6 years.
Other Job Related Requirements for this position:
- Florida Certified Contract Manager (FCCM) designation or ability to obtain within one year of completing the on-the-job requirements for eligibility to take the FCCM training.
- Travel, at times for long distance. Valid Driver’s License.
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.
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).
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.
