Entry Level Computer Science Environmental Jobs in Tallahassee, FL

Requisition No: 882200 

Agency: Environmental Protection

Working Title: OPS ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST I - 37950257

 Pay Plan: Temp

Position Number: 37950257 

Salary:  $20.28 - 22.00 hourly commensurate with experience 

Posting Closing Date: 09/03/2026 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

OPS Environmental Specialist I

State of Florida

Department of Environmental Protection

This position is located in Tallahassee, FL

Position Overview and Responsibilities:

This OPS Environmental Specialist I position is a technical and professional Geographic Information System (GIS) editor and analyst position in the GIS Section of the Watershed Services Program (WSP) in the Division of Environmental Assessment and Restoration (DEAR). Primary responsibilities of this position are editing the geometry and attributes of the Florida Hydrography Dataset (FHD) per established DEAR guidelines and providing other GIS support for DEAR and DEP as needed. The position requires knowledge of GIS data analysis and management concepts and software to facilitate editing, developing, managing and evaluating data. Specific responsibilities include:

• Editing the FHD per DEAR guidelines. When necessary, inspecting, converting, and editing existing geospatial data to assure compliance with FHD, department or program GIS quality control standards
• Applying existing analytical methods and following accepted cartographic conventions and data management procedures to produce maps or map products

• Creating, collecting inspecting, converting, analyzing, and editing geospatial data from a wide variety of sources both internal and external to the department to assure compliance with department or program GIS quality control standards
• Performing data creation and data integration; applying existing analytical methods to support program, division and department needs.
• Supporting the development of spatial analysis for the program's projects; producing paper maps, on-line maps, or images; distributing coverages as needed.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

1. Knowledge of the terminology, principles, and analytic techniques relevant to GIS
2. Knowledge of Geographic data collection and analysis principles and procedures.
3. Ability to evaluate, analyze and interpret scientific and geospatial data.
4. Knowledge of and ability to proficiently use ESRI's ArcGIS software, including ArcGIS Pro and ArcGIS online applications, to edit the geometry and attributes of geospatial features.
5. Ability to edit the FHD.
6. Ability to understand and apply applicable rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
7. Ability to deal with the public and coworkers in a tactful and courteous manner.
8. Knowledge of and ability to proficiently use Microsoft Excel and Word.
9. Ability to work independently and as member of a team.
10. Experience completing GIS projects with acceptable outcomes.
11. Ability to organize and document project methodologies and to edit metadata.
12. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
13. Ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing.
14. Performing other duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications:

Valid Driver's License. Occasional overnight travel. At least four years of verifiable, related experience in one or more of the following fields: engineering, engineering sciences, chemistry, environmental science, natural sciences, biological sciences, physical sciences, environmental policy, computer science, or public health. A post-secondary degree in any of these fields from an accredited college or university may substitute for experience on a year-for-year basis. Applicants with foreign degrees must submit a credential evaluation report from an approved agency.

Pay:

$20.28 to $22.00/hour, commensurate with experience.

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 advance Florida's position as a world leader in protecting natural resources while growing the state's economy. 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:

Tallahassee - Tallahassee, Florida's Capital City, lined with rolling hills, oak trees, and canopied roads combine old world charm with a modern pace of life. Home to two major universities as well as state government, Tallahassee is a mid-sized city in the heart of Florida's Big Bend. Tallahassee is a highly desirable location for both those seeking their first job or those ready to enter the next exciting chapter in their career.

The Benefits 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*).  
• State of Florida 401(a) FICA Alternative Plan (tax deferred Retirement Savings Plan, for more information, please visit Corebridge Financial).
• Flexible Spending Accounts;
• And more!

For a complete list of benefits, 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.

Special Notes:

 DEP is committed to successfully recruiting and onboarding talented and skilled individuals into its workforce. We recognize the extensive training, experience, and transferable 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@FloridaDEP.gov

An individual with a disability is qualified if he or she satisfies the skills, experience, and other job-related requirements for a position and can perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation. Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must contact the DEP Human Resources (HR) Office at (850) 245-2511. DEP requests applicants notify HR in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.

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.