About the role
Requisition No: 887256
Agency: Environmental Protection
Working Title: ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST II - 37020851
Pay Plan: Career Service
Position Number: 37020851
Salary: 4,031.68 monthly
Posting Closing Date: 11/16/2026
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ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST II
State of Florida
Department of Environmental Protection
ANTICIPATED VACANCY
This position is located in Temple Terrace, FL
Position Overview and Responsibilities:
The Environmental Specialist II, 37020851, is in the Division of Environmental Assessment and Restoration’s Water Quality Monitoring Program, Southwest Regional Operation Center, located in Temple Terrace and will be responsible for water quality sampling in freshwater and estuarine ecosystems as well as ground water wells, and performing biological assessments of streams and lakes. Duties for this position also include records management, calibration of field meters and maintenance of other field equipment. This position enables DEAR and Southwest ROC the capability to accomplish monitoring goals of Strategic Monitoring Plan, Status and Trend Monitoring Networks, as well as respond to public concerns related to water quality of surface waters.
This intermediate environmental position performs biological assessment and water quality sampling in freshwater, estuarine and marine ecosystems for the Water Quality Monitoring Program. Water quality sampling is conducted on both surface and groundwater. Biological assessments may include taxonomic analysis of freshwater, estuarine and marine flora, and fauna. Completion of DEP training and certifications are required to conduct water quality data collection and specialized floral and faunal biological assessments including the Stream Condition Index, Lake Vegetation Index, Rapid Periphyton Survey, Linear Vegetation Survey, and Stream and Lake Habitat Assessments. Assist with the implementation of water quality monitoring plans and performs logistical planning in coordination with other personnel for field sampling events using GIS, internet, mapping programs, databases, and other available sources. Performs office and field reconnaissance as needed prior to sampling events.
Performs data accuracy reviews on all data collected following QA/QC protocols. Enters and/or uploads biological, physical, and chemical data into various data storage and retrieval systems. Assists with data analysis, interpretation and reporting of biological, chemical, and physical data for surface and ground water environments.
Provides technical assistance to the local DEP District with sampling and other monitoring or bioassessment needs. Conducts complaint investigations as requested for non-point source or point source related water pollution violations, such as fish kills, algae blooms, reports of odor, foam. Responds in a timely manner to inquiries from the public, the media, and elected officials, according to established agency guidelines and procedures. Provides action item reply within required timeframes. Attends programmatic training as necessary. Assist in the training of new personnel as necessary.
Organizes and maintains equipment and other sampling gear. This includes organization of field projects, keeping inventory of coolers, kits and supplies needed for projects, cleaning of laboratory space, vehicles, and equipment. Performs maintenance or facilitates maintenance on sampling equipment.
Snorkeling may be required. Boater safety training is required.
Performs other duties as required and necessary.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
1. Ability to collect, evaluate, analyze, and interpret scientific or technical data
2. Ability to understand and interpret applicable rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
3. Skill in operating and trailering small powerboats.
4. Skill in floral and/or faunal biological assessments.
5. Skill with the use of personal computers.
6. Skilled in the preparation of technical reports.
7. Ability to determine work priorities and ensure proper completion of work assignments.
8. Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
9. Ability to deal with the public in a courteous and respectful manner.
10. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
11. Ability to work independently with general supervision and as part of a team.
12. Ability to be adaptable, flexible, resourceful and to maintain a positive outlook.
13. Knowledge of terminology, principles, and analytical techniques of the physical and natural sciences.
14. Knowledge of the terminology, principles, and sampling techniques for measuring surface and ground water quality.
15. Skilled in water sample collection techniques that include wading, snorkeling, and traversing difficult terrain.
16. Skilled in the operation and calibration of water quality field instruments.
17. Ability to maintain or complete training on functional use of ESRI GIS software, MS Office software, Word, Access, Excel, PowerPoint, and various data storage and retrieval systems including DEP proprietary software: SBIO, LIMS, and Report Tracker.
18. Ability to complete complicated or repetitive tasks accurately and efficiently as well as carry 40-pounds while walking ten minutes (100 yards) over uneven terrain.
Minimum Qualifications:
- At least five years of verifiable related experience in chemistry, environmental science, natural sciences, biological sciences, physical sciences, environmental policy, or public health. Post-secondary degrees from an accredited college or university with a major in chemistry, environmental science, natural sciences, biological sciences, physical sciences, environmental policy, or public health may be used as an alternative for the required five years of experience on a year-for-year basis.
- Valid Driver’s License
- Occasional overnight travel and frequent day travel, including travel for long distances.
- This position requires medical monitoring.
- Completion of the boater safety training is required within 9 months of hire, additional time needed for completion will be at the discretion of the deputy director.
- Snorkeling may be required and must meet DEP Underwater Operations Manual validation requirements.
Pay:
$4,031.68 / month
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. 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:
The work location of this position is in Temple Terrace (Hillsborough County), Florida. Temple Terrace is known for its landscape, Hillsborough River views, and majestic trees and is adjacent to the city of Tampa. Tampa is a major city on Florida’s Gulf Coast and is home to a variety of stage and performing arts venues and theaters. The city operates over 165 parks and beaches covering 2,286 acres within city limits; 42 more in surrounding suburbs covering 70,000 acres are maintained by Hillsborough County. Tampa is home to several attractions and theme parks, including Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, Adventure Island, ZooTampa at Lowry Park and the Florida Aquarium. University of South Florida, University of Tampa, and Hillsborough Community College located in the region offer a hub for academic research, art and other student activities.
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);
- Tuition waivers;
- Total Compensation Estimator Tool
- 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. We recognize the extensive training, experience, and transferable 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
An individual with a disability is qualified if he or she satisfies the skills, experience, and other job-related requirements for a position and can perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation. Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must contact the DEP Human Resources (HR) Office at (850) 245-2511. DEP requests applicants notify HR in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.
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 clicking here. All documentation is due by the close of the vacancy announcement.