About the role
Environmental Specialist - Water Quality Monitoring (Environmental Specialist 1 or 2)
Location: 22211 US Hwy 19 N, Clearwater, FL
Experienced in R coding? Passionate about protecting the environment? Enjoy a variety of field and office tasks?This may be the job for you!
Primary duties of this position include conducting environmental monitoring of the County’s streams, lakes, and coastal waters (including surface water quality, benthic, and seagrass monitoring); supporting the management and analysis of scientific data using R; and identifying microscopic freshwater and marine phytoplankton. This is a specialized professional and technical field and office position within the Water Quality Monitoring and Assessment Section of the Division of Environmental Management in the Department of Public Works.
Salary: Environmental Specialist 1 $22.45 ($46,696); Environmental Specialist 2 $25.62 ($53,289.60)
What Would You Do?
- Assist in managing water quality and environmental datasets using R; data entry, data manipulation, QA/QC, and statistical analysis.
- Identify microscopic freshwater and marine algae from lake and coastal water samples.
- Conduct routine surface water quality monitoring; assist with seasonal benthic collections and seagrass surveys.
- Calibrate and operate specialized monitoring equipment; prepare field equipment for use.
- Assist in interpretation of data, evaluating ecological and environmental impacts and assisting in development of reports in support of National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit requirements under the Clean Water Act.
- Perform other related work as assigned or required.
What Do You Need To Have?
Experience: Professional level experience in the assigned field of environmental management (biological science, ecology, natural resources).
Education: Major coursework in physical, natural, or biological sciences, environmental engineering, or related field.
Environmental Specialist 1
- At least 5 years of experience as described above.
- An Associate’s degree as described above, and at least 3 years of experience as described above.
- A Bachelor’s degree as described above, and at least 1 year of experience as described above.
- A Master’s degree or higher as described above.
- An equivalent combination of education, training, and/or experience.
Environmental Specialist 2
- At least 6 years of experience as described above.
- An Associate’s degree as described above, and at least 4 years of experience as described above.
- A Bachelor’s degree as described above, and at least 2 year of experience as described above.
- A Master’s degree or higher as described above.
- An equivalent combination of education, training, and/or experience.
Additional Requirements
- Possession and maintenance of a valid State of Florida Driver's License upon hire with eligibility based upon evaluation of a Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) driving report.
- Assignment to work a variety of work schedules including compulsory work periods in special, emergency, and/or disaster situations.
- Ability to swim.
Highly Desirable
- Advanced proficiency in R programming.
- Experience with statistical analysis.
- Experience with identification of microscopic marine and/or freshwater phytoplankton.
- Experience with surface water quality monitoring, related equipment, and lab practices.
- Working knowledge of ESRI Geographical Information Systems (GIS).
- Ability to drive and trailer boats, and USCG Safe Boat Operator Certification or equivalent.
- Scuba certification.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Proficiency with writing and editing R code.
- Ability to operate a microscope and perform freshwater and marine algae identification.
- Ability to enter and query data within databases, perform basic statistical analysis, and prepare environmental reports.
- Knowledge of freshwater and coastal marine ecology, mathematics, and natural, physical, and biological sciences.
- Knowledge of scientific field research techniques and ability to conduct and participate in collection of water quality monitoring data.
- Ability to formulate and present ideas and findings clearly and concisely in written, oral, and graphic form.
- Ability to handle difficult situations and public interactions with tact, patience, and courtesy.
- Ability to swim and snorkel.
- Ability to trailer and operate small watercraft.
- Knowledge of local, state, and federal environmental laws, rules, and regulations as related to surface waters.
Our benefits rank among the top in the area!
Looking for a strong retirement? We have you covered as members of the Florida Retirement System (FRS) with investment and pension options.
We have deferred compensation programs and wellness centers to name a few perks. Check out these and more!
Want To Learn More?
Please review the full classification description with the Physical/Mental Demands and Working Conditions at the below link.