Job Description

Requisition No: 872695

Agency: Environmental Protection

Working Title: OPS ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST I - 37970883

Pay Plan: Temp

Position Number: 37970883

Salary: $15 - $16.50 based on training and experience

Posting Closing Date: 04/07/2026

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

OPS PINE (Prescribed Ignition of Natural Ecosystems) Crew Member State of Florida Department of Environmental Protection This position is located in Gainesville, FL
and Responsibilities: This position will travel throughout the District 2 area (occasionally statewide) participating in all aspects of the prescribed fire program and hurricane relief. The team’s focus will be to aid State Park burn crews in prescribed burning with equipment and personnel. Because Wildland fire is seasonal in nature, there will be times when the team will complete resource management projects in lieu of prescribed fire or wildfire suppression. In periods of extended dry conditions, suppression of wildfires and project work will be the focus. During Hurricane season the team will be assigned to the areas of impact for hurricane clean up.
The typical work shift will be four (4) ten-hour (10hr) workdays, Monday through Thursday, unless the crew is needed outside those days. Most days working on the fire line can exceed the 10hr standard shift. Since the primary duty of this team is assisting with wildland fire activities crew members must be flexible to work outside of the Monday -Thursday time frame. During wildfire season, the crew can/will be deployed as a member of a Type 6 engine strike team or taskforce, typically with 24-48 hours notice beforehand. While on deployment, workdays could extend to 16 hours with deployment lasting to 14 days.
Additional Duties and responsibilities may be assigned, i.e. Engine Lead, equipment operation, resource project lead, etc.
This position reports to the PINE Team Lead.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: KNOWLEDGE OF: Prescribed fire operations and wildfire suppression techniques/tactics Safety practices and procedures Prescriptions and burn planning
SKILL IN: Using various four-wheel drive vehicles including but not limited to ATVs/UTVs Operating a variety of wildland firefighting equipment Constructing fire lines using hand tools, chainsaws, farm tractors with various implements, and other heavy machinery Solving/troubleshoot mechanical problems related to gasoline and diesel engines
ABILITY TO: Organize and coordinate work assignments Establish and maintain good working relationships with others Work as a member of a team and independently Work under multiple fire managers and the Incident Command System Work in a variety of wildland fuels, locations and conditions Lift/carry 40lbs Work on the fire line YEAR-ROUND in Florida’s hot and humid environment Exposure to smoke, biting/stinging insects, venomous reptiles/insects, poisonous plants, etc.
Minimum Qualifications: Valid Driver’s License L180, S130/S190, I100 Successfully pass the moderate pack test Pass the annual fire shelter review or RT130 Available for extensive travel, some on short notice.
Pay: $15.00 - $16.50/hour based on training and experience
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 advance Florida’s position as a world leader in protecting natural resources while growing the state’s economy. 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: Hickory Ranch 9300 Co Rd 234 Micanopy, FL 32667
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*).
• State of Florida 401(a) FICA Alternative Plan (tax deferred Retirement Savings Plan, for more information, please visit Corebridge Financial).
• Flexible Spending Accounts;
• And more!

For a complete list of benefits, 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.
Special Notes: DEP is committed to successfully recruiting and onboarding talented and skilled individuals into its workforce. We recognize the extensive training, experience, and transferable 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@FloridaDEP.gov
An individual with a disability is qualified if he or she satisfies the skills, experience, and other job-related requirements for a position and can perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation. Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must contact the DEP Human Resources (HR) Office at (850) 245-2511. DEP requests applicants notify HR in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.

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.