Position Overview and Responsibilities
The OPS Environmental Specialist III (37950209) is in the Division of Environmental Assessment Water Quality Monitoring Program. The position serves as data manager of physical, chemical, and biological data pertaining to surface and groundwater quality collected for the division’s Statewide Status and Trend Water Quality Monitoring Networks. The division is tasked with protecting, maintaining, and improving the quality of Florida’s springs, rivers, lakes, estuaries, and coastal waters. The position will assist with the division’s expectations by loading environmental data into, and maintaining data within, an Oracle® database.
The incumbent will be responsible for loading field‑generated data from ESRI® Survey123 cloud services, and analytical data generated from the department’s laboratory, into the database, and then merging these datasets for water‑quality sampling events. The merged data are then made available to the data generators for their review via an in‑house computer application accessing the database. Once the data are thoroughly reviewed and any necessary corrections are made, the data are deemed acceptable for public release and are loaded into the division’s Watershed Information Network database for departmental and public use.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of computer programming fundamentals, including SQL.
Skill in creating computer algorithms to manage environmental data.
Ability to solve problems and make decisions.
Ability to deal with the public in a courteous and respectful manner.
Ability to determine work priorities and ensure proper completion of work assignments.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
Ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing.
Ability to be adaptable, flexible, resourceful, and to maintain a positive attitude.
Ability to work effectively and constructively as part of a team.
Minimum Qualifications
At least six years of verifiable related experience in engineering, engineering sciences, chemistry, environmental science, natural sciences, biological sciences, physical sciences, environmental policy, computer science, or public health. Post‑secondary degrees from an accredited college or university with a major in one of the listed fields 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.
Preferred Qualifications
Knowledge of chemical, physical, biological or hydrological information related to environmental water quality.
Knowledge of relational database management systems.
Skill in programming with SQL.
Ability to use MS Office® products effectively.
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.
Where You Will Work
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 and is a highly desirable location for both those seeking their first job or those ready to enter the next exciting chapter in their career.
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), Flexible Spending Accounts, and more. For a complete list of benefits, visit www.mybenefits.myflorida.com.
Special Notes
DEP is committed to successfully recruiting and onboarding talented and skilled individuals into its 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 the position and can perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation. Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation must contact the DEP Human Resources Office at (850) 245‑2511.
Equal Opportunity Employer
The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace. The State 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.
