Requisition No: 799581
Agency: Environmental Protection
Working Title: ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST III – 37020891
Position Number: 37020891
Salary: $3,759.60 monthly
Posting Closing Date: 04/26/2023
Environmental Specialist III
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 Environmental Specialist III, 37020891, is in the Division of Environmental Assessment and Restoration’s Chemistry Program, Nutrients section, in Tallahassee. The incumbent will be responsible for both performing analysis and assisting with coordinating, training, and support of junior chemists in the analysis of environmental samples for nutrients, inorganic anions, and other related compounds. The results of these analyses are critical for the assessment of water quality and restoration projects for the State of Florida.
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:
$3759.60 monthly
Your Specific 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 Standards 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.
The incumbent of this position prepares and analyses environmental samples for chemical characteristics and inorganic analytes in accordance with the DEP Laboratory Quality Manual and Laboratory Safety Manual. Provides leadership, analytical support and troubleshooting assistance to junior chemists and technicians within the nutrients work group.
Maintains certification and qualification to efficiently perform assigned tests to meet production turnaround times. Ensures instruments in area of responsibility are well maintained and in good working condition. Works collaboratively within the nutrients team to maintain all required documentation and meta data as required for the laboratory’s TNI accreditation.
Assists with the coordination of the efforts of junior chemists and technicians in the performance of inorganic analyses. Reviews analytical data for accuracy and completeness. Ensures analyses are performed in accordance with the applicable Standard Operating Procedures. Performs test level data authorization in a timely manner.
Assists with developing and prioritizing task assignments to ensure laboratory commitments and sample holding times are met. Ensures that appropriate logbooks and associated meta data are maintained as required to support all phases of analytical work.
Performs calculations and data entry functions for analytical results. Reports results within laboratory time schedules. Calculates and documents results of QC data. Investigates causes of anomalous results and implements or coordinates the implementation of corrective action.
Assists in the maintenance of standard operating procedures (SOP). Maintains calibration standards, quality control (QC) reference standards as well as reagents and supplies for inorganic analyses. Assists with the preparation of purchase requests for supplies and instrumentation.
Resolves or coordinates the resolution of technical problems. Assists in the development and implementation of new or modified analytical procedures, instrumentation, and analyses. Trains junior chemists and technicians in the preparation and analysis of environmental samples.
Performs other related duties as directed.
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.
- Knowledge of the methods of data collection.
- Skill in the use of scientific laboratory and field 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 plan, organize and coordinate work assignments.
- Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
- Ability to keep accurate research records.
- Ability to work independently.
- Ability to utilize problem-solving techniques.
- Ability to understand and apply applicable rules, regulations, policies and procedures relating to the science of chemistry.
- Ability to work after hours or on weekends as needed.
- Ability to travel and maintain a valid Driver’s License.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Requires a minimum of a B.S. in Chemistry, Biochemistry or one of the earth sciences and two years relevant professional experience. A Doctorate Degree in the natural sciences may substitute for experience.
- Driver’s license
- Travel.
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.
VETERANS’ PREFERENCE. Pursuant to Chapter 295, Florida Statutes, candidates eligible for Veterans’ Preference will receive preference in employment for Career Service vacancies and are encouraged to apply. Certain service members may be eligible to receive waivers for postsecondary educational requirements. Candidates claiming Veterans’ Preference must attach supporting documentation with each submission that includes character of service (for example, DD Form 214 Member Copy #4) along with any other documentation as required by Rule 55A-7, Florida Administrative Code. Veterans’ Preference documentation requirements are available by clicking here. All documentation is due by the close of the vacancy announcement.