Requisition No: 797587

Agency: Environmental Protection

Working Title: ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST I - 37010273

Position Number: 37010273

Salary: Salary Range Annually $40,000 - $43,000 NOTE: Salary will be commensurate based on the applicant's

Posting Closing Date: 04/28/2023

Environmental Specialist l

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 Division of Air Resource Management is charged with regulation of Florida’s air resource, including air quality monitoring, permitting and ensuring compliance of emission sources and implementing the Siting Act. Through a variety of services for our customers – the public and industry – the division regulates the state of Florida’s air resource fairly, consistently, and efficiently, while implementing state, federal, and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency requirements and enabling the economic development of the state.

The Division provides these services through its Office of Business Planning, Office of Air Monitoring, Office of Permitting and Compliance and Siting Coordination Office.

The Work You Will Do:

This is an entry-level environmental position in the Division of Air Resource Management (DARM) that reports directly to the Environmental Administrator of the Data Quality Section in the Office of Air Monitoring (OAM). The OAM and our local program partners collect accurate real-time measurements of ambient level pollutants at over 200 monitors located throughout the state of Florida. The data generated is used to define the nature and severity of pollution in Florida; determine which areas of Florida are in attainment; identify pollution trends in the state; support air quality forecasting; and develop air models and emissions inventories. The program encompasses operation of the sampling and monitoring network, laboratory analysis of air samples, and quality assurance activities to ensure the quality of the data collected and disseminated by DARM and our local program partners. In addition, technical assistance is provided to local programs and others active in air quality monitoring.

This position is primarily responsible for conducting statewide performance audits and siting evaluations, developing and revising various types of air monitoring quality assurance documentation, including standard operating procedures, technical notes, how-to guides, references, manuals, and instructions, and preparing detailed audit and siting evaluations reports. This position requires being a respectful team member and displaying a cooperative attitude.

NOTE: This position requires extensive travel

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:

This position is located in Tallahassee (Leon County) Florida. Tallahassee, Florida’s Capitol City, is lined with rolling hills, oak trees, and canopied roads combines old world charm with a modern pace of life. Home to Florida State University, Florida A&M University, Tallahassee Community College and several smaller colleges provides a hub for academic research, athletics, art, music and other student related activities. Boasting proximity to the coast and centrally located to popular tourist destinations, Tallahassee has numerous parks offering outdoor activities, league sports and natural trails for running, hiking and biking.

NOTE: This position requires extensive travel, sometimes as much as 3 weeks in a month could be spent traveling, spending the night, and conducting audits at monitoring sites throughout Florida. A vehicle is provided for travel and hotel cost are paid for using a State of Florida Purchasing Card. State of Florida meal allowances and/or per diem rates also apply when traveling overnight. Administrative Procedures for Travel Policy - ADM 610

The Benefits of Working for the State of Florida:

Working for the State of Florida is more than a paycheck. The State’s total compensation package for employees features a highly competitive set of employee benefits including:

• Annual and Sick Leave benefits;
• Nine paid holidays and one Personal Holiday each year;
• State Group Insurance coverage options, including health, life, dental, vision, and other supplemental insurance options;
• Retirement plan options, including employer contributions (For more information, please click www.myfrs.com);
• Flexible Spending Accounts;
• Tuition waivers;
• And more!

For a more complete list of benefits, visit www.mybenefits.myflorida.com.

Pay:

Salary Range Annually $40,000 - $43,000

NOTE: Salary will be commensurate based on the applicant’s qualifications and/or work experience

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

Quality Assurance (QA) Audits: Conduct performance evaluation audits of continuous monitors and intermittent samplers used in the statewide air monitoring network using National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) traceable gases and special audit equipment.

Siting Evaluations: Perform siting evaluations at statewide air monitoring sites to determine compliance with 40 CFR Part 58, Appendix E.

QA Documentation: Evaluate developments in specific environmental requirements to determine the need for the development or revisions to QA documentation (SOPs, technical notes, guides, etc.); develop/revise documentation to comply with changes to environmental standards, regulations and/or guidance. Prepare audit reports detailing performance and siting evaluations results.

Travel: Travel to and from statewide air monitoring sites in the performance of statewide audits and site evaluations, using established State and Department policies and procedures.

Perform other duties and assignments as directed by the supervisor or designee.

Minimum Qualifications:

A Bachelor’s Degree AND one year of related work experience.

A valid Driver’s License.

Travel.

NOTE: This position requires extensive travel between 75-90%

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Essential -

Knowledge of physical or natural sciences

Knowledge of environmental and scientific concepts

Knowledge of data collection and analysis principles and procedures

Knowledge of State and Federal regulations, procedures and policies as they relate to the quality assurance for ambient air quality monitoring

Skilled in using Microsoft Office Suite (word processing, worksheets, etc.)

Skilled in using a personal computer

Skilled in performing basic math calculations

Skilled in understanding, interpreting and applying rules and regulations

Skilled in evaluating, analyzing and interpreting scientific and technical data

Skilled in problem solving and preparing technical reports and documents

Ability to prepare technical reports

Ability to plan, organize, and coordinate work assignments

Ability to manage multiple priorities, organize others to deliver documentation in a timely manner

Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing

Ability to work effectively with a diverse group of people from a wide variety of technical and non-technical backgrounds

Ability to contribute to the success of the organization

Ability to work independently

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others

Ability to be an effective, conscientious and respectful team member

Ability to handle bulky items weighing up to 50 pounds without assistance

Ability to drive a vehicle load of equipment in off-road situations

Ability to maintain a valid driver’s license

Ability to travel

Preferred –

Possession of a Masters’ degree in Meteorology or a physical science field

Experience in the management and manipulation of large scientific datasets

Experience or knowledge of state and federal air monitoring operations and regulations

Skilled in preparing detailed technical documentation and standard operating procedures

Exceptional verbal and written skills

Experience interpreting and applying environmental rules, regulations, policies and procedures

CONTACT INFORMATION FOR QUESTIONS:

Cadedra Hodge @850-717-9014 or Cadedra.Hodge@dep.state.fl.us

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.

VETERANS’ PREFERENCE. Pursuant to Chapter 295, Florida Statutes, candidates eligible for Veterans’ Preference will receive preference in employment for Career Service vacancies and are encouraged to apply. Certain service members may be eligible to receive waivers for postsecondary educational requirements. Candidates claiming Veterans’ Preference must attach supporting documentation with each submission that includes character of service (for example, DD Form 214 Member Copy #4) along with any other documentation as required by Rule 55A-7, Florida Administrative Code. Veterans’ Preference documentation requirements are available by clicking here. All documentation is due by the close of the vacancy announcement.