Environmental Specialist Ii

Position Overview and Responsibilities

In carrying out the duties of this position, the incumbent is expected at all times to be aware of and abide by the Department’s Standard of conduct, as well as any and all departmental and/or work unit rules, directives, policies, procedures and/or general orders applicable to performing the duties of this position.

This intermediate level professional and scientific position serves to assist the DEP quality assurance (QA) coordinator with the implementation of the Department’s QA Management Plan, the DEP QA Policy and the QA rule (Chapter 62-160, F.A.C.) for the water, waste and natural resources programs. Duties include conducting training on the DEP Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for sampling, assisting with field and laboratory audits, and conducting field sampling.

This position also assists in the review of State water quality standards, as required by the Clean Water Act, providing information to stakeholders about the applicable water quality standards and classifications, and reviewing requests for standards changes and other technical water quality-related information.

Assist the QA Coordinator with compilation of the annual QA report to the Secretary, including meeting with agency QA Officers and provide QA support, as needed, for audits and QA-related reviews.

Assist with field and laboratory performance and records audits. Conduct environmental field sampling for a wide array of highly sophisticated physical, chemical, and biological parameters, according to DEP SOPs, following DEP protocols and QA procedures on an as needed basis. Serve as a trainer in training classes about DEP SOPs, QA principles, and data review.

Provide technical expertise in support of the refinement of existing or development of new surface water quality standards under Chapter 62-302, F.A.C., including designated uses, surface water classifications, criteria, and the antidegradation policy. Write, edit, and review technical reports in support of the water quality standard changes. Provide technical input on rule development and implementation.

Provide scientific review, statistical evaluation, and interpretation of biological and chemical environmental data and of environmental reports in support of Section, Program, and Division projects, and makes recommendations to assist DEP programs.

Review and provide comments on petitions or requests for site specific water quality standards changes, including site specific alternative criteria, TMDLs, Level II WQBELs, reclassification, and Outstanding Florida Waters designation.

Perform other duties as required.

• Knowledge of biological, chemical, and physical processes as they relate to water quality and the aquatic environment.
• Knowledge of Quality Assurance (QA) principles, including field, laboratory, and data validation activities.
• Knowledge of statistical concepts and procedures commonly used in the environmental field.
• Ability to understand, interpret, and explain State and Federal Water Quality Regulations.
• Knowledge of water quality data collection principles and procedures.
• Knowledge and skill in the use of computers and software programs utilized for word processing, presentations, statistical and spreadsheet applications.
• Ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing.
• Ability to deal with the public in a tactful and courteous manner.
• Ability to work independently with minimum supervision.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.

• At least 5 years of verifiable related experience in environmental science. Post‑secondary degrees from an accredited college or university with a major in engineering, engineering sciences, environmental science, natural sciences, biological sciences, physical sciences, environmental policy, public health, or computer science from an accredited university or college 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.

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