Job Information
MyFlorida ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST II - 37010375 in TALLAHASSEE, Florida
ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST II - 37010375
Date: May 8, 2024
Location:
TALLAHASSEE, FL, US, 32301 TALLAHASSEE, FL, US, 32302 TALLAHASSEE, FL, US, 32305 TALLAHASSEE, FL, US, 32311 TALLAHASSEE, FL, US, 32317 TALLAHASSEE, FL, US, 32303 TALLAHASSEE, FL, US, 32312 TALLAHASSEE, FL, US, 32316 TALLAHASSEE, FL, US, 32304 TALLAHASSEE, FL, US, 32310 TALLAHASSEE, FL, US, 32309 TALLAHASSEE, FL, US, 32308 TALLAHASSEE, FL, US, 32399
The State Personnel System is an E-Verify employer. For more information click on our E-Verify Website (http://www.dms.myflorida.com/workforce_operations/human_resource_management/for_job_applicants/e_verify) .
Requisition No: 828914
Agency: Environmental Protection
Working Title: ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST II - 37010375
Pay Plan: Career Service
Position Number: 37010375
Salary: $3,750.00 per month
Posting Closing Date: 05/22/2024
Total Compensation Estimator Tool (https://compcalculator.myflorida.com/)
Environmental Specialist II
State of Florida
Department of Environmental Protection
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 Environmental Specialist II, 37010375, is in the Division of Environmental Assessment and Restoration’s Laboratory Biology Program, Taxonomy Group, in Tallahassee. This position will be responsible for identifying the macroinvertebrates in environmental samples to the lowest practical taxonomic level. This position will also participate in field sampling, report writing, and report reviews. 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, 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 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 (For more information, please click www.myfrs.com );
Flexible Spending Accounts;
Tuition waivers;
And more!
For a more complete list of benefits, visit www.mybenefits.myflorida.com .
Pay:
$3,750.00 per month
Your Specific Responsibilities:
In carrying out the duties of this position, the incumbent is expected at all times to be aware of and abide by the Department’s Standards of Conduct, as well as any and all departmental and/or work unit rules, directives, policies, procedures, and/or general orders applicable to performing the duties of this position as it relates to the environmental impact on the State of Florida.
Receives, preserves, and prepares macroinvertebrate samples for taxonomic identification. Processes, enumerates, prepares slide mounts, and identifies organisms in freshwater benthic macroinvertebrate samples, using dissecting and compound microscopes. Assists other Biology staff in correct, accurate identification of taxa and interpretation of environmental parameters. Participates in laboratory and taxonomic identification quality control (QC) procedures.
Sets up, enters, verifies, collates, and statistically analyzes environmental data using Statewide Biological Data base (SBIO), Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), and other appropriate computer software. Prepares and drafts bioassessment reports that require the analytical interpretation of biological and chemical data and the creation of data tables and graphs.
Maintains and develops macroinvertebrate taxonomic keys for internal use and organization and maintenance of photographic and specimen reference collections and keeps current on new references as they become available.
Participates in field sampling and cross training activities as required.
Maintains laboratory equipment (e.g. microscopes, cameras). Purchases necessary supplies for the laboratory.
Participates in laboratory glassware cleaning; participates in general laboratory maintenance tasks.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Knowledge of the terminology, principles and analytical techniques for aquatic biology and ecology, environmental sciences, and similar, related disciplines.
Knowledge of the terminology, principles and analytical techniques used to accurately identify macroinvertebrates to the lowest practical taxonomic level.
Knowledge of biological and laboratory QA/QC principles and methods.
Skill in using a compound, inverted compound, and dissecting microscope for analytical purposes.
Skill in the use of computers, including Microsoft Office software, internet resources, or other computer programs.
Skill using Statewide Biological Database (SBIO) and DEP Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).
Skill in collecting, recording, and interpreting scientific and technical data.
Skills in determining workload priorities and ensuring proper completion of work assignments.
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 communicate effectively, verbally and in writing.
Ability to follow verbal and written instructions.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
Ability to think and work independently, and to work well in a group.
Ability to be adaptable, flexible, and resourceful in response to laboratory workload shifts.
Ability to complete repetitive tasks accurately and efficiently.
Ability to work at counter heights for long stretches of time.
Ability to sit and use a microscope for long periods of time.
Ability to use laboratory personal protective equipment and work with acids, acetone, formalin, ethanol, and other chemicals.
Ability to perform water quality field sampling and use field equipment.
Required or Preferred Qualifications:
A bachelor's degree in natural, biological, physical, or environmental sciences from an accredited college or university; or any combination of post-secondary education or verifiable related experience, as described above, for a total of four years.
Other Job Related Requirements for this position:
A valid Driver’s License and travel are required for this position.
Preferred Qualifications:
Two years of experience identifying organisms using a compound or inverted microscope.
Experience writing and reviewing technical reports.
Experience collecting water quality samples following standard operating procedures.
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.
VETERANS’ PREFERENCE. Pursuant to Chapter 295, Florida Statutes, candidates eligible for Veterans’ Preference will receive preference in employment for Career Service vacancies and are encouraged to apply. Certain service members may be eligible to receive waivers for postsecondary educational requirements. Candidates claiming Veterans’ Preference must attach supporting documentation with each submission that includes character of service (for example, DD Form 214 Member Copy #4) along with any other documentation as required by Rule 55A-7, Florida Administrative Code. Veterans’ Preference documentation requirements are available by clickinghere (http://www.dms.myflorida.com/content/download/97612/566545) . All documentation is due by the close of the vacancy announcement.
Nearest Major Market:Tallahassee