ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST III (37021076) EVERGLADES RESTORATION-WATER QUALITY OFFICE OF WATER POLICY & ECOSYSTEMS RESTORATION
The selected candidate will join a multidisciplinary team that implements Department policy, programmatic, technical and regulatory responsibilities under several Everglades restoration efforts, including the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP), Everglades Forever Act (EFA), and the Northern Everglades and Estuaries Protection Program (NEEPP). This position provides technical support to Everglades planning, permitting and compliance activities by evaluating, interpreting, and reporting water quality data specific to the Everglades ecosystem. This position requires frequent participation in intra- and interagency teams and working groups and is also involved in the implementation of the Innovative Technology Grants that identify methods to prevent, combat, and clean-up harmful algal blooms. This position has no supervisory responsibilities. The incumbent will be required to work 40-hour work weeks, Monday through Friday, and be present for work between the core hours of 9AM – 3PM on site at your workstation, unless on travel.
This intermediate position assists in providing technical support for planning, permitting and compliance activities associated with the Everglades restoration and implementation of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan Regulation Act, Northern Everglades and Estuaries Protection Program, Everglades Forever Act, and Environmental Resource Permitting Program, and State Permitting Program. This technical support includes but is not limited to generating the salinity and water level daily reports used for South Florida system updates, reviewing permit applications, water quality monitoring plans, regulatory reports, and statistically analyzing and illustrating water quality and hydrological data for the greater Everglades ecosystem.
This position will assist in writing Chapter 3 of the annual South Florida Environmental Report. Other duties include participation in interagency meetings and working groups with Federal and State partners and local stakeholders, including the Restoration Coordination & Verification team (RECOVER) and Project Delivery Teams (PDT) for the Everglades restoration projects. The position will also provide technical support for OWPER on the Everglades Technical Oversight Committee.
Other responsibilities include supporting the program’s quality assurance (QA) system and conducting technical reviews of Innovative Technology Grant deliverables, including Quality Assurance Project Plans (QAPPs). Performs other duties as assigned.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of: statistical theory
Skill with: strong organizational skills and ability to plan and coordinate work assignments; strong time management skills; strong communication skills (verbal and written)
Ability to: analyze and interpret water quality and environmental data; use R and RStudio or similar statistical analysis software; synthesize data into reports and presentations that illustrate and communicate key findings, trends, and regional water quality and/or hydrological status; determine work priorities and ensure timely and accurate completion of tasks and assignments; establish and maintain effective working relationships with diverse groups of professionals; work independently and with others in a team setting with minimal supervision; understand and apply applicable rules, regulations, policies, and procedures; operate personal computers and appropriate software for word processing and data analysis
Minimum Qualifications
- Maintain a valid driver’s license.
- Travel overnight as required.
- At least 4 years of verifiable related experience. Post-secondary degrees 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
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university preferably in engineering, environmental science, or one of the natural sciences.
- Knowledge of environmental issues and laws, especially as they relate to water and ecosystem issues in Florida.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Excellent organization and time management skills.
- Proficient user of Microsoft Office programs, and data management.
- Detailed oriented.
- Practices a growth mindset.
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.
The Benefits of Working for the State of Florida
Working for the State of Florida is more than a paycheck. The State’s total compensation package for employees features a highly competitive set of employee benefits including:
- Annual and Sick Leave benefits;
- Nine paid holidays and one Personal Holiday each year;
- State Group Insurance coverage options, including health, life, dental, vision, and other supplemental insurance options;
- Retirement plan options, including employer contributions;
- Tuition waivers;
- Other benefits.
