Job Description

Requisition No: 881498

Agency: Environmental Protection

Working Title: OPS ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST I - 37979011

Pay Plan: Temp

Position Number: 37979011

Salary: AGENCY TO UPDATE

Posting Closing Date: 09/01/2026

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OPS Environmental Specialist I, Position 37979011

State of Florida
Department of Environmental Protection
This position is located in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL

The Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve (GTMNERR) is one of 30 reserves in the U.S. protected for long-term monitoring, research, and education. It is a partnership between the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration ( https://coast.noaa.gov/nerrs/) and Florida’s Department of Environmental Protection ( https://floridadep.gov/rcp). This is a FL DEP position.

and Responsibilities:

The Environmental Specialist I (Environmental Educator) is charged with supporting the creation and maintenance of education programs for students, teachers, and public audiences of various ages. This position works directly with the public and with volunteers. Relevant experience is necessary. This position works closely with other GTMNERR departments as well as the GTMNERR non-profit citizen support organization, Friends of GTM Reserve. Responsibilities include:

• Serve as support for implementing environmental education programs at the Reserve for K-16 students
• Assist in facilitating onsite student groups, programs at schools, and other public events
• Work with volunteers during education programs
• Support development and delivery of professional development training
• Assist in program/curriculum creation including
• Maintain GTMNERR attendance and data-entry database for all programs
• Other tasks and duties as to be determined

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• This position works closely with volunteers and other GTM NERR staff and requires a positive attitude and superb customer service skills with the ability to communicate effectively with staff, volunteers, coworkers and the public in a tactful and courteous manner
• Candidates should have excellent verbal and written communication skills and be able to educate and interact with audiences of all ages in one-on-one, small, and large group settings
• Knowledge and experience in environmental education, coastal ecology, and education program development and delivery is essential
• Must be proficient with desktop computer software including Microsoft Office Excel, Adobe and PowerPoint and can quickly learn web-based programs necessary to develop and deliver education programs
• Must be able to utilize problem-solving techniques
• Must have classroom management skills (or comparable student group settings)
• Must be able to work in all types of weather and lift heavy equipment (50 lbs).
• Must be able to work independently and part of a team

Minimum Qualifications:

• At least four years of verifiable related experience in natural sciences, education, or a related field working with students and public audiences of all ages. Post-secondary degrees may be used as an alternative for the required years of experience on a year-for-year basis. A credential evaluation report from an approved agency must be submitted along with all foreign degrees.

• Valid Driver’s License is required

Position of Special Trust Requirement:

This position is designated as a Position of Special Trust in accordance with DEP Directive 422, Positions of Special Trust or Responsibility. Successful completion of background screening will be required for this position.

Pay:

$20.50/hr; 40 hrs/week

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:

Ponte Vedra Beach –GTMNERR protects over 75,000 acres in St. Johns and Flagler counties on the northeast coast of Florida. It is one of the fastest-growing regions in the state. These protected areas provide habitat for a variety of fish and wildlife. This position is based at the GTMNERR Visitor Center at 505 Guana River Road, Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida 32082.

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.