Environmental Science Training Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

Requisition No: 881769 

Agency: Environmental Protection

Working Title: ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST II - 37020740

 Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number: 37020740 

Salary:  3,945.84 per month 

Posting Closing Date: 08/27/2026 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST II

State of Florida

Department of Environmental Protection

This position is located in Tallahassee, FL

Position Overview and Responsibilities:

This intermediate technical environmental position will assist in conducting assessments of waterbody health through the application of the Impaired Waters Rule (IWR) resulting in the creation and revision of assessment lists using results from the IWR database.  In conducting the assessments, this position works closely with other section team members, as well as data providers and other interested parties to assure that all available assessment information is obtained and used in the assessment.

Using knowledge and understanding of applicable rules, including but not limited to, the department's Surface Water Quality Standards (Chapter 62-302, Florida Administrative Code) and Identification of Impaired Surface Waters (Chapter 62-303, F.A.C.), the incumbent implements and reviews the water quality assessments and applicable listing process. Knowledge of and proficiency with the IWR database, ArcGIS, and statistical and worksheet programs (e.g. EXCEL) are needed to perform these duties.

Assists in developing documentation on the assessment process and results including the preparation of 4c (Natural Conditions) and 4d (Study List) supporting information, as well as review of 4b (Reasonable Assurance Plans) and 4e (Restoration Activity) documents.  Participates and provides technical support to other programs and sections within the division in the development, evaluation, and attainment of TMDLs.  This may include participation on basin teams, BMAP working groups or other collaborative activities associated with the development or implementation of TMDLs.  Attends public meetings and technical working group meetings with basin stakeholders to present assessment results, obtain additional data or relevant information, and address concerns or questions.

Participates in sampling and monitoring activities to obtain data necessary to conduct water quality assessments and develop TMDLs. This includes training on safe boating and trailering, training on DEP field monitoring SOPs and QA requirements including the collection of water and bioassessment samples, designing, and conducting field reconnaissance and surveys, and evaluating collected data.

Performs other duties, including those in association with water quality and/or watershed assessments as needed, such as participating in rule making discussions, evaluating QA/QC requirements for assessment data, or participating in division workgroups.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of: the terminology, principles, and analytical techniques of water quality analysis; water quality data collection principles and procedures; water quality modeling techniques and mathematical and statistical procedures necessary to analyze data.
• Skill in: the use of computers and software programs utilized for word processing, database management, statistical, and spreadsheet applications; collecting, evaluating, analyzing, and interpreting scientific or technical data.
• Ability to: communicate effectively, verbally and in writing; deal with the public in a tactful and courteous manner; work as a part of a team and independently with minimal supervision; establish and maintain effective working relationships with others; participate in intensive field work conditions; understand and apply applicable rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.

Minimum Qualifications: 

• At least five years of verifiable related experience in engineering, engineering sciences, chemistry, environmental science, natural sciences, biological sciences, physical sciences, environmental policy, computer science, or public health. Post-secondary degrees from an accredited college or university with a major in engineering, engineering sciences, chemistry, environmental science, natural sciences, biological sciences, physical sciences, environmental policy, computer science, or public health may be used as an alternative for the required five 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 License.
• Occasional overnight travel.

Pay:

$3,945.84 per month.

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, 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.

There are several state parks in or near Tallahassee (Alfred B. Maclay Gardens, Letchworth-Love Mounds Archaeological, Lake Jackson Mounds Archaeological, Lake Talquin, Ney Landrum, Natural Bridge Battlefield Historic, and Edward Ball Wakulla Springs), please see the  Florida State Park website for more information, floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails. Tallahassee's closet beach is 25 miles away (Wakulla Beach) and St. George Island is about 1.5 hours away from the city.

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);
• Tuition waivers;
• Total Compensation Estimator Tool
• And more!

For a complete list of benefits, visit www.mybenefits.myflorida.com

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.

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.