Requisition No: 801585
Agency: Environmental Protection
Working Title: OPS ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST I – 37940269
Position Number: 37940269
Salary: $17.50 per hour
Posting Closing Date: 05/17/2023
OPS Environmental Specialist I
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:
The OPS Environmental Specialist I, position number 37940269, is in the Division of Environmental Assessment and Restoration’s Chemistry Program, Liquid Chromatography Section in Tallahassee and will be responsible for preparing and analyzing environmental samples for chemical characteristics and organic analytes; providing leadership and analytical support and troubleshooting assistance to technicians within the Chemistry 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 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.
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.
OPS/Seasonal/Part TimeBenefits of Working for the State of Florida:
Working for the State of Florida is more than a paycheck. The State’s benefits package for eligible OPS employees includes:
- Participation in state group insurance (must meet eligibility requirements*). For more details consult with People First at 877-562-7287 or go to: https://www.mybenefits.myflorida.com/health/eligibility_and_enrollment/ops_employees
- Participation in the Florida Deferred Compensation Plan (457b). For additional details and online enrollment visit MyFloridaDeferredComp.com
- State of Florida 401(a) FICA Alternative Plan (tax deferred Retirement Savings Plan). (For more information, please click Social Security Alternative Plan (aigrs.com) and read OPS Social Security Alternative Plan;
- Flexible Spending Accounts;
For a more benefits information, visit www.mybenefits.myflorida.com.
*Seasonal and part-time OPS employees (less than 30 hours average per week) refer to the links above for detailed eligibility requirements.
Pay: $17.50 per hour
Your Specific Responsibilities:
The position incumbent functions as an Environmental Specialist in the Organic Work Group of the Chemistry Section. The duties of this position entail advanced technical work involved with the preparation and analysis of environmental samples for the presence of organic pollutants and the development of GC/MS or LC/MSMS analysis procedures and Laboratory automation. Keywords: Environmental Testing Laboratory, Chemistry Laboratory Organic Analyst, Chemical Analysis, Analytical Testing.
Prepares and Analyzes environmental samples utilizing mainly GC/MS and LC/MSMS techniques. Prepares environmental samples and pesticide/other chemical standards in accordance with Organic Work Group’s conventional protocol. Maintains proper and complete records pertaining to all sample/standard preparation and analysis performed on a daily basis. Completes all assigned laboratory tasks in a timely fashion. Assists supervisor in reviewing and planning routine workload on the daily basis to meet turnaround commitments.
Prepares reports on the analytical results of responsible analyses. Documents all analytical reports and data in accordance with the Organic Work Group conventional protocol. Performs all necessary routine maintenance of the instrumentation under his responsible area.
Troubleshoots instrumental and analytical problems. Independently investigates and resolves analytical problems encountered in results, operation, preparation and analytical procedures. Reviews the analytical results generated in the Organic Work Group to ensure they are legally and scientifically sound. Assists in training of new personnel.
Helps the supervisor in developing and validating GC/MS and LC/MSMS analytical methods for Pesticides/Herbicides/other chemical analysis.
Completes and submits ordering forms as necessary to maintain an adequate inventory of reagents, standards and supplies for all assigned areas of responsibility. Ensures an adequate reserve of necessary laboratory supplies is readily available for daily assigned work by monitoring inventory and opportunely ordering needed supplies. Assists in cleaning and maintaining Organic Work Group’s responsible work areas, glassware and equipment.
Exhibits cooperative, positive and professional attitude when dealing with co-workers, superiors, and the public.
Utilizes appropriate safety procedures and equipment at all times. Stores, and/or disposes of chemical wastes in accordance with the laboratory’s protocols. Attends scheduled meetings punctually. Performs other related work as required and within projected time frame.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Knowledge of the terminology, principles and techniques of chemical research, analysis or testing.
- Knowledge of the procedures, techniques and equipment used in laboratory testing and analysis.
- Ability to collect, record, and analyze scientific data relating to chemistry.
- Skill in the use of scientific laboratory equipment and instrumentation.
- Ability to conduct chemical research, tests and analyses using scientific methods and techniques.
- Ability to plan, organize and coordinate work assignments.
- Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
- Ability to understand and apply applicable rules, regulations, policies and procedures relating to the science of chemistry.
- Knowledge of the principles and techniques of chromatography.
- Ability to work independently and utilize problem solving techniques.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree 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; OR 2 years of relevant experience; OR enrolled as junior or senior for relevant degree at an accredited universiy or college and 1 year of relevant experience.
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience preparing and analyzing environmental samples for organic analysis.
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_Recruitment@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.