Environmental Specialist ; Water Quality Monitoring

Environmental Specialist 2 (Water Quality Monitoring)

Location: 22211 US Hwy 19 N, Clearwater, FL

Schedule: Monday to Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

If you are passionate about protecting the environment and 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); identifying microscopic freshwater and marine phytoplankton; and managing and analyzing scientific data. 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.

• Identify microscopic freshwater and marine algae from lake and coastal water samples.
• Assist in managing water quality and environmental datasets using R; data entry, data manipulation, QA/QC, and statistical analysis.
• 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.

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.

• 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 years of experience as described above.
• A Master’s degree or higher as described above.
• An equivalent combination of education, training, and/or experience.

• 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 mandatory work periods in special, emergency, and/or disaster situations.
• Ability to swim.

• Experience with identification of microscopic marine and/or freshwater phytoplankton.
• Experience with statistical analysis; R programming skills.
• 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.

• Ability to operate a microscope and perform freshwater and marine algae identification.
• Ability to write and edit R code.
• 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.

When you join Pinellas County, you’re not just taking on a job—you’re investing in your future. We believe in supporting our employees with exceptional benefits that help you thrive both professionally and personally. Here's why our benefits stand out as some of the best in the area:

• Comprehensive Benefits Package:
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