OPS ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST I - 37940109 Date: Jun 14, 2024 Location: TALLAHASSEE, FL, US, 32301 TALLAHASSEE, FL, US, 32311 TALLAHASSEE, FL, US, 32303 TALLAHASSEE, FL, US, 32302 TALLAHASSEE, FL, US, 32308 TALLAHASSEE, FL, US, 32304 TALLAHASSEE, FL, US, 32316 TALLAHASSEE, FL, US, 32312 TALLAHASSEE, FL, US, 32317 TALLAHASSEE, FL, US, 32305 TALLAHASSEE, FL, US, 32310 TALLAHASSEE, FL, US, 32399 TALLAHASSEE, FL, US, 32309 The State Personnel System is an E-Verify employer. For more information click on our E-Verify Website (http://www.dms.myflorida.com/workforceoperations/humanresourcemanagement/forjobapplicants/everify) .Requisition No: 831360 Agency: Environmental ProtectionWorking Title: OPS ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST I - 37940109Pay Plan: TempPosition Number: 37940109 Salary: $19.71 to $24.63 per hour Posting Closing Date: 06/28/2024 Total Compensation Estimator Tool (https://compcalculator.myflorida.com/) OPS Environmental Specialist I 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 OPS Environmental Specialist I, 37940109, is in the Division of Environmental Assessment and Restoration’s Biology Program, Toxicology Laboratory in Tallahassee and will be responsible for conducting and analyzing aquatic toxicity bioassays, as well as, reviewing deliverables from microbiology overflow laboratories. This work provides the department and other resource agencies with the highest quality laboratory services available. 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. OPS/Seasonal/Part TimeBenefits 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). For more details consult with People First at 877-562-7287 or go to: https://www.mybenefits.myflorida.com/health/eligibilityandenrollment/opsemployees
Participation in the Florida Deferred Compensation Plan (457b). For additional details and online enrollment visit MyFloridaDeferredComp.com (https://www.myfloridacfo.com/DeferredComp/)
State of Florida 401(a) FICA Alternative Plan (tax deferred Retirement Savings Plan). (For more information, please click Social Security Alternative Plan (aigrs.com) (https://opsfl.aigrs.com/plan-details/social-security-alternative-plan) and read OPS Social Security Alternative Plan;
Flexible Spending Accounts;
For a more benefits information, 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.
Pay:
$19.71 to $24.63 Hourly
Your Specific Responsibilities:
Performs aquatic toxicity bioassays under supervision of senior analysts. Maintains cultures of aquatic test organisms. Participates in the evaluation and operation of testing of dischargers for compliance with state and federal regulations using aquatic toxicity tests. Calibrates and maintains test equipment. Performs routine laboratory QA/QC measurements. Prepares culture and test media. Maintains adequate laboratory supplies. Maintains bioassay SRT data files. Enters bioassay data into Laboratory Information Management System. Reviews and maintains Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and quality assurance.
Manages microbiological laboratory contracts including, but not limited to, the review of electronic data deliverables, final reports, and invoices, and the upload of data to FDEP’s laboratory information management system (LIMS) including any necessary sample log-ins.
Participates in glassware cleaning. Ensures laboratory cleanliness. Assists in algal assay laboratory tasks as needed. Collects and transports samples from commercial carriers to laboratory including picking up samples on weekends.
Performs other work as required.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Knowledge of the basic concepts and principles of the physical and natural sciences.
Knowledge of the procedures, materials, and equipment used in laboratory testing and analysis.
Skill in the use of scientific laboratory and field equipment.
Ability to collect, record, and analyze scientific data relating to the biological sciences.
Ability to understand and follow verbal and written technical instructions for laboratory analysis, including Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
Skill in the use of computers, including Microsoft Office software and internet resources.
Ability to plan, organize, and coordinate work assignments.
Ability to work weekends, holidays, and extra daily hours as needed.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
Ability to maintain a valid driver’s license and travel.
Ability to follow verbal and written instructions.
Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
Ability to lift 50 lbs.
Ability to use laboratory personal protective equipment and work with acids, acetone, and other chemicals.
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; OR 2 years of relevant experience; OR enrolled as junior or senior for relevant degree at an accredited university or college and 1 year of relevant experience.
Travel.
Valid Driver’s License.
Some weekend and holiday work.
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:
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.Nearest Major Market:Tallahassee