DEP-ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST II (Biology) - 37020076 - Div of Env Asmnt & Restoration

Requisition No: 423261

Agency: Environmental Protection

Working Title: DEP-ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST II (Biology) - 37020076 - Div of Env Asmnt & Restoration

Position Number: 37020076

Salary: $3,038.97 monthly (at base for the position title)

Posting Closing Date: 07/27/2021

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:

This Environmental Specialist II (37020076) is in the Division of Environmental Assessment and Restoration Biology Program's Bench group in Tallahassee, Florida with primary responsibilities that include preparing and analyzing environmental samples for microbiological, chlorophyll and biological oxygen demand; providing leadership and analytical support and troubleshooting assistance to new analysts within the Biology Program. This work provides the department and other resource agencies with the highest quality laboratory services 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 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.

Some of the tasks DEAR team members get the opportunity to work on include:

• Developing Florida's surface water quality standards;
• Monitoring surface water and groundwater quality;
• Assessing rivers, lakes, estuaries, and springs to identify pollution problems;
• Working with stakeholders to implement programs that reduce pollutant loading into impaired waterbodies to achieve water quality restoration targets;
• Provide the department and other resource agencies with the highest quality laboratory services available;
• Manage water quality data repositories for data storage and use by the department, other agencies and the public;
• Provide technical support to the department and the public regarding appropriate methods for water quality analysis and data quality assurance (QA).

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:

The work location of this position is in Tallahassee (Leon County), Florida. The city hosts the Capital of Florida and seat of state government. The city is home to numerous parks offering outdoor activities, league sports and natural trails for running, hiking and biking. Tallahassee is located just 22 miles from the Gulf of Mexico, which is home to some of the world's top beaches. Florida State University, Florida A&M University, Tallahassee Community College and several smaller colleges in the region offer a hub for academic research, athletics, art, music 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);
• Flexible Spending Accounts;
• Tuition waivers;
• And more!

For a more complete list of benefits, visit www.mybenefits.myflorida.com.

Pay: $ 3,038.97 per month (hiring at the base of the position)

Your Specific Responsibilities:

The incumbent of this position prepares and analyzes samples for microbiological, chlorophyll and biological oxygen demand in accordance with the DEP Laboratory Quality Manual and Laboratory Safety Manual.

Uploads, verifies, and authorizes data for tests in the bench biology group including but not limited to chlorophyll, BOD and microbiology.

Reviews and maintains logbook bench sheets, quality control charts, maintenance books, and data files.

Prepares reagents, standards and media for sample analysis.

Performs instrument cleaning, maintenance, and calibration.

Reviews and maintains Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and quality assurance.

Cleans and organizes laboratory workspaces, glassware, and sample containers.

Performs other duties as required in addition to duties which may rotate based on laboratory workload.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of general biology and microbiology.

Knowledge of the terminology, principles and analytical techniques of the physical and natural sciences.

Skill in the use of computers including Microsoft Office software, internet resources, or other computer programs.

Skill in the use of scientific laboratory equipment.

Ability to participate in sampling for special studies.

Ability to use QC measures to evaluate accuracy, precision and efficiency of biological methods and ensure high quality data.

Ability to collect, record, and analyze scientific data relating to the biological sciences.

Ability to use laboratory personal protective equipment and work with acids, acetone, and other chemicals.

Ability to determine workload priorities and ensure proper completion of work assignments.

Ability to think and work independently and to work well in a group.

Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.

Ability to follow verbal and written instructions.

Ability to work at counter height for long stretches of time with periods of frequent movement about the laboratory.

Ability to work weekends holidays, and extra daily hours as needed.

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

Minimum Qualifications:

• Requires a minimum of a bachelor's degree in one of the natural, physical or environmental sciences from an accredited university or college. An official transcript or diploma is required of the selected candidate to confirm qualifications for this position.
• A Valid driver's license & travel.

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_ER@dep.state.fl.us

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. 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.