Requisition No: 867785
Agency: Environmental Protection
Working Title: OPS ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST I - 37979309
Pay Plan: Temp
Position Number: 37979309
Salary: $15.00-$22.00
Posting Closing Date: 01/21/2026
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#37979309 OPS ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST I (Seasonal)
State of Florida
Department of Environmental Protection
This position is located in Key Largo, Florida
and Responsibilities:
Seasonal OPS position, insurance is available through participation in State Group Insurance.
An exciting opportunity exists for an OPS Invasive/Non-native Plant and Wildlife Technician to work at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park and Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park. Although based out of the Key Largo State Parks, the technician will travel to other state parks in the Florida Keys to assist in job related tasks. We are seeking a motivated applicant that is willing and able to work outdoors in a variety of conditions, which are often very hot, humid, and buggy. The applicant must be able to work productively alone with remote supervision as well as being a member of a team. The applicant must be able to interact professionally with the public and partners providing accurate information concerning wildlife, area conditions, rules and regulations. Participates in FPS District 5 and Florida Key Invasive Exotic Task Force workdays.
*75% OUTSIDE FIELD WORK NON-NATIVE PLANT REMOVAL
Monitoring and removal of invasive, non-native animal and plants species. Special focus will be on the control of cats and Burmese python, as well as other non-native reptile species. Identification and removal of exotic plants which will include removal by hand and the use of herbicides.
*10% MAINTENANCE
Clean and maintain equipment used in field daily.
*10% OFFICE WORK
Work may require some survey and assessment work.
5% Performs related work as required.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
KNOWLEDGE OF:
ABILITY TO:
Minimum Qualifications:
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:
$15.00 - $22.00 hourly
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:
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
Mile Marker 102.5 Overseas Highway
Key Largo, Florida 33037
#37979309 OPS ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST I (non-resident)
Key Largo’s John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is one of a kind, offering an amazing glimpse into the underwater world.
Renowned for being the country’s first undersea park, John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park encompasses an impressive 70 nautical square miles. While many visitors view the park’s colorful coral reefs and teeming marine life on a glass-bottom boat tour, one can get an even closer look by scuba diving or snorkeling.
Canoeing and kayaking through the park's waters are popular activities; fishing is permitted in designated areas.
Visitors can also enjoy walking on short trails through tropical hammocks, picnicking or swimming at the beach. The visitor center features several large saltwater aquariums filled with sea creatures, and nature videos are shown in its theater. Full-facility and youth/group campsites are available.
Dive in to explore Florida’s Coral Reef at the park.
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:
For more benefits information, 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
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.
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.
Join Florida’s talented workforce to fulfill your professional goals and achieve a meaningful career. Our talented public servants work hard to serve more than 19 million residents across Florida, and you, too, can realize success in the Sunshine State.
Working in Florida’s state government means being responsive to the issues impacting the taxpayers of our state. Florida’s state government boasts both fast-paced work environments in which critical thinking and creative problem-solving are a must as well as steady employment opportunities that prize consistent service to our state’s residents. In some positions, state employment means being able to influence policy decisions and help implement change. In others, state employment means being the reliable resource that our taxpayers have come to expect from Florida’s public servants. All positions offer the ability to gain valuable experience quickly, improving your overall skillset. The State of Florida is seeking individuals with leadership skills, creativity and dedication to their fellow Floridians and individuals who recognize the professional development opportunities and achievements possible through state service.
Florida boasts the third largest population in the country and is richly diverse in both population and landscape. With an award-winning park system, warm weather and beautiful bodies of water, Florida is the perfect environment for recreational activities and outdoor enthusiasts. Our favorable tax climate means your income goes further and our business-friendly policies foster private sector growth. Joining Florida’s talented, diverse workforce provides the opportunity to achieve your professional goals while living in a state that values quality of life, culture and recreation. For employment opportunities with the State of Florida, visit https://jobs.myflorida.com.
