Environmental Specialist III
State of Florida
Department of Environmental Protection
ANTICIPATED VACANCY
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 Environmental Specialist III, 37011465, is in the Division of Environmental Assessment and Restoration’s Chemistry Program, Organic Section in Tallahassee and will be responsible for preparing and analyzing environmental samples for pesticides, chemical tracers, cyanotoxins, PFAS, and other related compounds or contaminants of interest to agency programs. This position is critical to satisfying ongoing demands for analyses necessary to support water quality impairment decisions and to providing support for other customers, both within and outside the Department of Environmental Protection, such as the Office of Emergency Response, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the Water Management Districts, and the Department of Health well water program.
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.
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: $3,759.60 monthly
Your Specific Responsibilities:
In this intermediate position the incumbent functions as a Senior Environmental Specialist within the HPLC Organic Group in the Chemistry Program. The duties of this position entail complex technical work involved with the analysis of environmental samples for the presence of priority organic pollutants and assisting in work coordination duties. The responsibilities of this position require a strong academic and technical background in analytical chemistry as well as skill in the operation and maintenance of sophisticated analytical instrumentation.
Prepares environmental samples for the analysis of pesticides and other organic pollutants according to accepted laboratory protocols. Quantitatively analyzes samples utilizing GC/MS and HPLC/MS techniques. Prepares laboratory reagents and standards necessary to complete sample preparation/analysis in accordance with standard operating procedures (SOPs). Maintains proper and complete records pertaining to all sample/standard preparations and analysis performed. Completes all assigned laboratory tasks in a timely fashion to achieve production deadlines. Assists supervisor in reviewing and planning day-to-day workload to manage production schedules.
Reviews and reports analytical results generated within the Organic group, in compliance with the laboratory’s Quality Assurance (QA) plan. Adheres to the QA plan and follows all accepted QA/QC standard operating procedures. Documents all analytical data and reports in accordance with established laboratory procedures. Assists the supervisor in reviewing analytical results generated by junior staff in the Work Group. In absence of the supervisor, manages daily workload, coordinates sample preparations, reviews data, and authorizes analytical results.
Troubleshoots analytical problems. Investigates and resolves analytical problems encountered in results, instrumental operations, sample collection, preparation and analytical procedures, with the guidance of the supervisor. Assists the supervisor in the implementation and/or modification of analytical methods and in the set-up of new instrumentation.
Completes and submits purchase order forms, as necessary, to maintain an adequate inventory of laboratory supplies for the Work Group. Ensures an adequate reserve of necessary reagents, chemicals, and glassware is available by monitoring inventory and ordering required supplies. Correctly follows purchase requisition procedures. Assists in cleaning and maintaining the Organic group’s responsible work areas, glassware, and equipment.
Exhibits cooperative, positive, and professional attitude when dealing with co-workers, superiors, and individuals outside of the Chemistry Program. Utilizes appropriate safety procedures and equipment at all times. Stores, processes, and/or disposes of chemical wastes in accordance with the laboratory’s protocols. Assists in training of new personnel. Attends scheduled meeting punctually. Performs other assigned tasks related to laboratory operations as needed and within projected time frame.
Performs other duties as required.
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 analyses.
- Knowledge of the methods of data collection.
- Skill in the use of scientific laboratory equipment.
- Ability to collect, record, and analyze scientific data relating to chemistry.
- Ability to conduct chemical research tests and analyses using scientific methods and techniques.
- Ability to perform quantitative analysis of scientific data.
- Ability to efficiently and accurately review analytical data to meet turnaround goals.
- Ability to determine work priorities, assigns work, and ensures proper completion of work assignments
- Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
- Ability to work independently.
- Ability to keep accurate research records.
- Ability to plan, organize and coordinate work assignments.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
- Ability to utilize problem-solving techniques.
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 and 2 years of relevant experience; OR Masters in listed areas and 1 year of relevant experience; OR PhD in listed areas; OR 5 years of relevant experience.
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