Environmental Specialist

Environmental Specialist I -

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), Office of Resilience and Coastal Protection, is seeking a motivated Environmental Specialist I to join the Big Bend Seagrasses Aquatic Preserve team. This position plays an important role in protecting and managing one of Florida's most ecologically significant coastal ecosystems through water quality monitoring, community engagement, marine debris projects, and habitat monitoring.

This position is primarily responsible for conducting field, lab, and office activities associated with the continuous water quality monitoring program utilizing YSI multiparameter datasondes throughout the one million acres of Big Bend Seagrasses Aquatic Preserve and St. Martins Marsh Aquatic Preserve. The successful candidate will collect, process, analyze, and manage environmental data that supports resource management decisions and long-term ecological monitoring.

Additional responsibilities include assisting with habitat monitoring, marine debris removal efforts, and other conservation initiatives as needed. This position is field oriented and requires working outdoors in varying weather conditions, operating trucks and vessels, and working in marine environments.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of estuarine, coastal, and marine ecology.
• Knowledge of standard field sampling techniques used to collect physical, chemical, and biological data.
• Experience using Microsoft Excel or other programming languages to manage and analyze large datasets and automate workflows.
• Ability to follow laboratory safety procedures and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Experience in collecting, organizing, managing, and interpreting environmental datasets.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and written.
• Ability to communicate technical information effectively through written reports, presentations, and public outreach.
• Ability to work collaboratively with agency staff, partner organizations, and the public.
• Experience providing educational presentations and engaging diverse audiences.
• Ability to work collaboratively with others to achieve a singular goal.
• Ability to learn and identify individual species of seagrasses, macroalgae, sponges, corals, and other common flora and fauna of Florida's estuaries.
• Ability to snorkel and assess submerged habitats with a mask, snorkel, and fins in varying environmental conditions.
• Ability to use a compound microscope for identification of microorganisms.
• Ability to bend, squat, lift and carry up to 50 lb., and climb in and out of trucks and vessels.
• Ability to withstand extreme hot and cold weather, long field days, and biting insects.
• Ability to spend extended time with coworkers in vehicles to travel to field sites.
• Ability to complete a recognized Florida Boating Safety Course within the first 90 days of employment.
• Ability to assist with other projects as needed.

Minimum Qualifications:

• At least six years of verifiable related experience in water quality monitoring, aquatic resource management, environmental monitoring, marine science, environmental education, or a closely related field.
• Post-secondary degrees from an accredited college or university with a major in biological sciences, marine sciences, aquatic sciences, environmental sciences, ecology, natural resource management, or a closely related field 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.

Position of Special Trust Requirement:
This position is designated as a Position of Special Trust in accordance with DEP Directive 422, Positions of Special Trust or Responsibility. Successful completion of background screening will be required for this position.

Applicable Job-Specific License or

Certifications:

Current Open Water SCUBA certification (or higher) from a nationally or internationally recognized diving organization.

Pay:
Salary of $44,260.08 (40 hours per week).

Our Organization and Mission:
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is the…