ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST II

Environmental Specialist II - 37020728

This position is located in Tallahassee, FL.

Position Overview and Responsibilities:

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.

The Environmental Specialist II, 37020728, is in DEAR's Laboratory Biology Program, Taxonomy Group. This position's main responsibility is to identify freshwater benthic macroinvertebrates in environmental samples to the lowest practical taxonomical level. To provide the highest quality data, this includes keeping current on accepted taxonomic names and environmental information, assisting in the maintenance of a photographic and specimen reference collection, and participating in laboratory and taxonomic identification quality control (QC) procedures. This position is also responsible for processing, enumerating, and preparing slide mounts for the identification of organisms in freshwater samples using dissecting and compound microscopes; and assisting other Biology staff in correct, accurate identification of taxa and interpretation of environmental parameters. This position will use the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) to track samples and to enter results for reporting, and will use the Statewide Biological Database (SBIO) to enter taxonomic data, including identifications and counts. This position will participate in field sampling and cross-training activities as required.

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 principals 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, orally 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. Ability to maintain a valid driver's license and travel.

Minimum Qualifications:

At least 5 years of verifiable related experience in biological sciences, environmental science, natural sciences, or physical sciences. Post-secondary degrees from an accredited college or university with a major in biological, environmental, natural, or physical sciences 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. Valid Driver's License.

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:

Tallahassee, Florida's Capital City, lined with rolling hills, oak trees, and canopied roads combine 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 ); Tuition waivers; Total Compensation Estimator Tool And more! For a complete list of benefits, visit

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: View email address on click.appcast.io View email address on click.appcast.io 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 View phone number on click.appcast.io. 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 View phone number on click.appcast.io). 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.