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Requisition No: 880383 

Agency: Environmental Protection

Working Title: OPS ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST I - 37932015

 Pay Plan: Temp

Position Number: 37932015 

Salary:  agency to update 

Posting Closing Date: 08/10/2026 

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OPS Environmental Specialist I

State of Florida

Department of Environmental Protection

This position is located in Port St. Joe, FL

Position Overview and Responsibilities:

The OPS Environmental Specialist I serves as the GIS / Plant Resource Restoration Specialist for the St. Joseph State Buffer Preserve part of the Office of Resilience and Coastal Protection. The primary duties include addressing large scale map projects which include the conservation, preservation and restoration of upland and wetland natural communities. Responsible for, assist with and/or actively participates in the planning, coordinating, and implementing of activities such as GIS and field duties within resource management, maintenance, administration, protection and enhancing public appreciation. Performs other duties as required and assigned.

This diverse position oversees three focus points:

1. Restoration and planning

1. ArcGIS map creations and database management

1. 1. Native and Non-native plant management

1. Natural Resource Management
   1. Imperiled species management

1. Water quality and well monitoring

1. Prescribed burning

1. Preparation and completion
2. Wildfire suppression

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of the terminology and principles of the physical or natural resources.

• Knowledge of the operation of field and monitoring equipment.

• Ability to generate professional ArcGIS maps.

• Ability to update, maintain and develop maps and spatial databases for projects

• Work and communicate effectively with the staff, volunteers, public and representatives of other agencies in a tactful and courteous manner both verbally and in writing.

• Work independently and efficiently while conducting land management activities and being self-motivated on work initiatives; at times this may involve extended hours in the field in sometimes adverse weather conditions.

• Ability to work various hours and weekends to assist with prescribed fires and festivals, which will go over the eight-hour scheduled day.

• Ability to be adaptable, flexible, and resourceful and to maintain a positive outlook.

• Ability to lift and carry 50 pounds while walking over uneven terrain.

• Ability to successfully meet position-specific DRP Burn Standards for Prescribed Fire.

Minimum Qualifications:  

At least 1 year of verifiable related experience in ArcGIS. Post-secondary degrees from an accredited college or university with a major in ArcGIS may be used as an alternative for the required 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.

Candidates for this position must take the moderate pack test which requires the applicant to complete a two mile walk while carrying 25 pounds in under 30 minutes or if providing proof of a prior moderate pack test, complete a one mile walk in under 16 minutes while carrying no weight. Successful completion of annual pack test per DRP Burn Standard. Candidates must be able to perform this task within 30 days of accepting the position. 

Valid Driver License is required

Position of Special Trust Requirement:

This position is designated as a Position of Special Trust in accordance with DEP Directive 422, Positions of Special Trust or Responsibility. Successful completion of background screening will be required for this position.

Pay:

The approved pay rate for this position is $19.50 per hour for 40 working hours per week. 

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:

The position will reside at the St. Joseph Bay State Buffer Preserve, located in Port St. Joe, Florida, within Gulf County. The surrounding area is rural and dominated by a working waterfront. Port St. Joe is a small community reliant on tourism and the fishing industry. Our offices are positioned directly on the coast of the St. Joseph Bay. Less than 5% of a working day is required to travel to locations within the county to perform mission critical duties.

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.