Job Description

Requisition No: 876869

Agency: Environmental Protection

Working Title: OPS ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST II - 37940180

Pay Plan: Temp

Position Number: 37940180

Salary: $26.00/Hourly

Posting Closing Date: 06/12/2026

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OPS Environmental Specialist II

State of Florida

Department of Environmental Protection

This position is located in Tallahassee, FL

and Responsibilities:

The OPS Environmental Specialist II, 37940180, is in the Division of Environmental Assessment and Restoration’s Biology Program, Toxicology Laboratory in Tallahassee and will be responsible for conducting and analyzing aquatic toxicity bioassays and Alga Growth Potential (AGP) tests. This work provides the department and other resource agencies with the highest quality laboratory services available.

In carrying out the duties of this position, the incumbent is expected at all times to be aware of and abide by the Department’s Standards of Conduct, as well as any and all departmental and/or work unit rules, directives, policies, procedures, and/or general orders applicable to performing the duties of this position as it relates to the environmental impact on the State of Florida:

Provides analytical support in the Aquatic Toxicity Assessment laboratory. Independently performs aquatic toxicity tests using invertebrate and vertebrate test organisms and participates in the design, evaluation, and operation of testing of dischargers for compliance with state and federal regulations using aquatic toxicity tests and participates in advanced studies using toxicity testing and bioassay procedures.

Assists analysts with all aspects of lab work under guidance of the Environmental Manager and Career Service ESII position, including training in bioassay techniques, AGP, quality control procedures, and lab maintenance. Maintains organism and algal cultures, ensures that adequate laboratory supplies are maintained for operational efficiency and supports the coordination of monthly standard reference toxicity tests with regularly scheduled samples. Initiates resolution of laboratory issues including but not limited to material repair, culture problems, and test conflicts. Cross trains in other Biology Lab groups to provide backup and support when needed.

Provides weekend and holiday operational support on a rotating basis to ensure completion of toxicity tests and maintenance of organism cultures. Collects and transports samples from the commercial carrier on Saturdays on a rotating basis as necessary.

Retrieves and interprets analytical data, performs statistical analysis of results, and assists in preparation of reports for management. Reviews bench sheets and logbooks to ensure accuracy and ongoing relevance. Assists in review, modification, and creation of laboratory standard operating procedures (SOPs). Maintains proficiency in and conducts AGP analyses. Ensures that laboratory meets appropriate quality assurance requirements for certification.

Assists in maintaining microbiological and biochemical oxygen demand laboratory overflow services including the review of electronic data deliverables, final reports, invoices, and the upload of data to FDEP’s laboratory information management system (LIMS), including any necessary sample logins as assigned. Serves as the FDEP Laboratory’s point of contact for microbiology overflow services as assigned and contacts clients to obtain facility information as needed.

Performs other work as required.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

1. Knowledge of the terminology, principles, and techniques used in biological research, analysis, or testing.
2. Knowledge of the procedures, techniques, QA/QC, and equipment used in aquatic toxicity testing.
3. Skill in the use of scientific laboratory and field equipment.
4. Skill in the use of computers, including Microsoft Office software, internet resources, and other computer programs.
5. Ability to collect, record, and analyze scientific data relating to the biological sciences.
6. Ability to understand and follow verbal and written technical instructions for laboratory analysis, including Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and QA/QC procedures.
7. Ability to plan, organize, and coordinate work assignments.
8. Ability to calibrate and maintain laboratory equipment.
9. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
10. Ability to use laboratory personal protective equipment (PPE) and work with acids, acetone, and other chemicals.
11. Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
12. Ability to work independently and to work well in a group.
13. Ability to lift 50 pounds.

Minimum Qualifications:

• At least five (5) years of verifiable related experience in biological sciences, environmental science, natural sciences, or physical sciences. Post-secondary degrees from an accredited college or university with a major in biological, environmental, natural, or physical sciences 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.

• Regular weekend and holiday work is required.
• Occasional day travel.

Other job requirements:

• Valid Driver License.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a major in biological sciences, environmental science, aquatic sciences, microbiology, ecology, natural sciences, or physical sciences preferred.
• The ideal candidate will have experience in aquatic toxicology, environmental laboratory analysis, water quality testing, bioassays, laboratory QA/QC procedures, SOPs, statistical analysis, and/or laboratory information management systems (LIMS).

Pay:

$26.00 / Hour

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:

Tallahassee, Florida’s Capital City, lined with rolling hills, oak trees, and canopied roads combine old world charm with a modern pace of life. Home to two major universities as well as state government, Tallahassee is a mid-sized city in the heart of Florida’s Big Bend. Tallahassee is a highly desirable location for both those seeking their first job or those ready to enter the next exciting chapter in their career.

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.