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To apply for this position, go to this website: https://jobs.myflorida.com/job/PORT-ST-JOE-OPS-ENVIRONMENTAL-SPECIALIST-I-37979057-FL-32456/1269301800/?from=email&refid=12779285400&utm_source=J2WEmail&source=2&eid=49500-202532060732-21859724800&locale=en_US

Requisition No: 848169 

Agency: Environmental Protection

Working Title: OPS ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST I - 37979057

 Pay Plan: Temp

Position Number: 37979057 

Salary:  $33,760.00-$91,750.28 

Posting Closing Date: 03/25/2025 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

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:

This diverse position will serve as the Resource Restoration Specialist. The primary duties include addressing conservation, preservation and restoration of upland and wetland natural communities.

This diverse position oversees three focus points:

• Restoration and planning
  • Resource management surveys and treatments
  • Large-scale field projects
• Natural resource management
  • Field work and data management
  • Plant and animal species management
  • Update and maintain information and create ArcGIS maps
• Prescribed burning
  • Preparation and completion
  • Wildfire suppression

The Difference You Will Make:

The work accomplished along with the data collected will provide invaluable information to the St. Joseph Bay State Buffer Preserve and the State of Florida.

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 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*).  For more details consult with People First at 877-562-7287 or go to:  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
• State of Florida 401(a) FICA Alternative Plan (tax deferred Retirement Savings Plan). (For more information, please click  Social Security Alternative Plan (aigrs.com) and read OPS Social Security Alternative Plan;
• Flexible Spending Accounts;

For a more benefits information, visit www.mybenefits.myflorida.com.

Pay:

The approved pay rate for this position is $17.00 per hour for 40 working hours per week. There is no state income tax for residents of Florida.

Your Specific Responsibilities:

The Preserve has a small team of dedicated individuals who excel at a wide variety of resource management tasks, collaborating together while also working independently in remote areas. The successful applicant will demonstrate an ability to learn quickly, communicate effectively, and have a proven ability to be adaptable.Performs other duties as required and assigned.

Responsible for, assist with and/or actively participates in the planning, coordinating, and implementing of activities such as listed below.

RESOURCE MANAGEMENT: 

Collecting and recording resource management data for research projects including monitoring, surveys, site restoration projects, prescribed burning, hydrological restoration, management plans and other type activities. Generation of professional ArcGIS maps. Work and assist other agencies as needed.

MAINTENANCE:

Assist with using a wide variety of hand tools and heavy powered equipment such as tractor, chainsaws and UTV’s. Conducting preventative maintenance on vehicles and equipment.

ADMINISTRATION:

Utilizing a DEP computer and network systems, maintaining records, various monthly and quarterly reports. Maintaining strong organizational, multitasking, and effective communication skills.

PROTECTION:

Protecting the natural and cultural resources of the Preserve

ENHACING PUBLIC APPERCIATION:

Identifying opportunities and strategies to proactively communicate the Preserves mission and provide clear, concise, and consistent information to the public.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of the terminology and principles of the physical or natural sciences.
• Knowledge of the operation of field monitoring equipment.
• Ability to 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.
• Ability to 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.

Required Qualifications:

• Candidates for this position who have not already passed the moderate or arduous pack test must be able to pass the annual DEP requirements for prescribed fire. This includes the moderate pack test and fire refresher course per DEP burn standards. Candidates must be able to walk 2 miles carrying 25lbs in less than 30 minutes to be considered for this position. Candidates must be able to perform this task within 30 days of accepting the position. 
• Successful completion of annual pack test per DRP Burn Standard is required.
• A High School diploma is required.
• One year experience in physical / natural / educational sciences is required. College experience is accepted.
• Maintaining a current driver’s license is required.

Other Job Related Requirements for this position: 

POSITION OF SPECIAL TRUST REQUIREMENT:This position is designated as a Position of Special Trust in accordance with DEP-422 (Positions of Special Trust or Responsibility). Any applicant being considered for employment must successfully complete a Level 2 State and National criminal history check as a condition of employment before beginning employment, and also be screened in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 435, F.S.  No applicant may begin employment until the background screening results are received, reviewed for any disqualifying offenses, and approved by the Agency.  

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_Recruitment@FloridaDEP.gov

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:  PORT ST JOE, FL, US, 32456

Nearest Major Market: Panama City