OPS ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST I

Requisition No: 812042

Agency: Environmental Protection

Working Title: OPS ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST I - 37932015

Position Number: 37932015

Salary: $15.00/ hour

Posting Closing Date: 10/02/2023

OPS Environmental Specialist I

State of Florida

Department of Environmental Protection

St. Joseph Bay State Buffer Preserve

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 Education Specialist. The primary duties include addressing conservation, preservation and restoration while enhancing public appreciation through interpretation and educational projects.

This diverse position oversees three main focus points:

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 $15.00 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. Conduct invasive and exotic plant removal using mechanical and chemical means. Work and assist other agencies as needed.

ENHACING PUBLIC APPERCIATION:

Increase recreational and access opportunities. Design and enhance Preserve specific literature for public dissemination, educational displays, exhibits, brochures and web-site content. Identify media opportunities and strategies to proactively communicate the Preserves mission and provide clear, concise and consistent information to the public.

Plan, organize and conduct monthly tram tours. Plan community outreach activities to expand public understanding of the Department’s and the Preserve’s management objectives. Research, develop, coordinate and conduct environmental education programs, interpretive programs, recreational skills programs and special events. Represent the Preserve to outside agencies and organizations, disseminating information and promoting all opportunities provided by the Department.

MAINTENANCE:

Assist with and 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.

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.
• Skilled in public speaking and excellent field, office, and computer organizational skills.

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.
• 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.

Minimum 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 both prescribed fire and wildfire suppression. 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 90 days of accepting the position.
• Must have a High School diploma
• Must have one year experience in physical / natural / educational sciences. College experience is accepted.
• Must be able to maintain a current driver’s license

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of upland and wetland natural communities in Northwest Florida.
• Experience in education.
• Experience with prescribed fire.
• Associates degree in a physical / natural / educational science.

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_Recruitment@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.