OPS ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST I - 37940294 Date: Jan 17, 2025 The State Personnel System is an E-Verify employer. For more information click on our E-Verify Website (http://www.dms.myflorida.com/workforce\_operations/human\_resource\_management/for\_job\_applicants/e\_verify) . Requisition No: 844870 Agency: Environmental Protection Working Title: OPS ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST I - 37940294 Pay Plan: Temp Position Number: 37940294 Salary: $20 Per Hour Posting Closing Date: 01/31/2025 Total Compensation Estimator Tool (https://compcalculator.myflorida.com/) Environmental Specialist I Position #37940294 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 mission of the RBNERR is to provide a basis for informed stewardship of estuaries in Southwest Florida through research and education. The best qualified candidate for theEnvironmental Specialist Iwill possess the knowledge, skills, and experience required for the successful daily operations of RBNERR. The Difference You Will Make: TheEnvironmental Specialist Iis a core member of the Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (RBNERR). The National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) provides funding to state governments and universities to administer the National Estuarine Research Reserves (NERRs) currently implemented at 30 locations around the coastal United States and its territories. The Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (RBNERR), located in Naples, Florida was designated in 1978 as the third NERR in the nation due to its outstanding natural features including pristine mangrove forests and barrier islands. 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: RBNERR is located between the beautiful coastal towns of Naples and Marco Island in Collier County, Florida. The Benefits of Working for the State of Florida: This full-time Other Personal Services (OPS)Environmental Specialist Iposition offers health insurance benefits. 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: https://www.mybenefits.myflorida.com/health/eligibility\_and\_enrollment/ops\_employees + 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: $20.00 per hour - 40 hours per week. Your Specific Responsibilities: The applicant will be involved in a variety of field-based activities occurring in a variety of weather conditions (heat and cold) from fair to inclement and often challenged with insects (mosquitos, bees, and wasps), as well as other species of possibly dangerous wildlife (rattlesnakes, Burmese pythons.) Employee must be prepared to work on weekends when necessary. + Habitat change and vulnerability monitoring (75%)- assist with the installation, monitoring, and data management of RBNERR’s Wetlands and Water Levels (WLWL) sites. + Install, read, and maintain surface elevation tables (SETs) in strategic areas across the Reserve to monitor changes in the height of wetland substrates relative to sea level. + Maintain, download, and manage data related to groundwater monitoring wells. + Assist with the installation of new boardwalk infrastructure to limit disturbance to WLWL sites. + Install and monitor new long-term vegetation monitoring plots as directed. + Coordinate scheduling of WLWL site visits and data collection with appropriate staff. + Database management, creation of metadata files, and QA/QC of data collected through the WLWL program. + Fire effects monitoring (25%)- monitor and evaluate the effects of prescribed fire in the Reserve. + Using ArcGIS software, take photographs at established photopoints pre-burn, immediately post-burn, and 1 year post-burn. + Assist the RBNERR fire program with other fire effects monitoring as directed. + Assist the RBNERR Stewardship Team, as directed by the Stewardship Coordinator, with accomplishing all pertinent RBNERR Comprehensive Management Plan goals as needed. Activities may require inter-departmental cross-training and cooperation. Performs all other work as instructed and required. Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Knowledge of the terminology, principles and analytical techniques of the physical and natural sciences; data collection and analysis principles and procedures; report writing, both technical and general. Safe operation of motor vehicles (truck and UTV), safe trailering, operation and navigation of boats in near-shore and backwater estuarine environments. Ability to collect, evaluate, analyze and interpret biological and resource data and prepare technical reports. Use personal computers, and word processing and spreadsheet software. A background in the understanding and application of Geographic Information System (GIS) methods is highly desirable (use of ArcPro and ArcOnline). Interaction with the public in a tactful and courteous manner. Ability to communicate and work well alone, as well as with teammates is a must; self-starter; plan, organize and coordinate work assignments; communicate effectively (verbally and in writing); effectively communicate to a variety of audiences; establish and maintain effective working relationships with others; utilize problem-solving techniques; effectively coordinate the work activities of others; maintain a valid driver's license. Minimum Qualifications: + Bachelor’s degree in applicable biological sciences field or equivalent experience. + Valid Driver License + Ability to Swim + Ability to Lift 50 lbs Preferred Qualifications: + UTV/ATV Safe Driver certification 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_ER@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. Location: NAPLES, FL, US, 34113 Nearest Major Market:Naples