What are the responsibilities and job description for the OPS ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST III position at State of Florida- Environmental Protection?
Requisition No: 872827
Agency: Environmental Protection
Working Title: OPS ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST III - 37940287
Pay Plan: Temp
Position Number: 37940287
Salary: $24.52 per hour
Posting Closing Date: 04/20/2026
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OPS ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST III
State of Florida
Department of Environmental Protection
This position is located in Tallahassee, FL.
Position Overview and Responsibilities:
This OPS Environmental Specialist III position will focus on the work of geologists. It is a full-time, three-year, Federal grant-funded position in the Geologic Investigations Section of the Florida Geological Survey (FGS) in Tallahassee. The position will support geologic mapping in the Florida Panhandle and compilation of statewide quartz sand critical mineral data for surficial and shallow 3D geologic mapping and geologic resource priorities at the FGS. Responsibilities include lithologic description of cores and cuttings samples, collecting and/or cataloguing historical and new geologic data, and use of the FGS’ Geologic Data Enterprise System (GEODES) database. The position will work within a team of at least four personnel overseen by a Professional Geologist.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Knowledge of terminology, principles, and techniques of geological research, analysis and description of geologic samples, interpretation of geological data, and data management.
- Knowledge of the techniques used for describing lithology, paleontology, and mineralogy of rocks and sediments.
- Knowledge of, or the ability to learn, the stratigraphy of Florida and how to identify geologic formations.
- Knowledge and experience in geological field sampling, data collection, and geologic mapping.
- Knowledge of and/or skills in geographic information systems for data management, mapping, and data analysis.
- Skills in use of personal computers, scientific calculators, scientific reference sources and computer programs necessary to produce reports, geologic maps, cross-sections and other graphical representations of geologic data.
- Skills in organizing work details and prioritizing workload.
- Skills in analyzing and solving geologic problems.
- Ability to collect, record, and analyze geologic data is a prerequisite, but there will be training in skills specific to FGS geologic data collection and management as well as lithologic descriptions to ensure consistent data quality.
- Ability to plan and participate in geologic fieldwork.
- Ability or willingness to learn to work on drill rigs as needed for geologic data collection.
- Ability to travel and work more than 40 hours per week, as required.
- Ability to produce quality written reports and scientific publications as the result of conducting geologic research and mapping.
- Ability to learn the processes of project management including organization of duties and work assignments both individually and for the team, as needed.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
- Ability to communicate effectively and courteously both orally and in writing.
- Ability to work independently with moderate supervision.
- Ability to maintain assigned equipment.
- Ability to properly handle and box core and cuttings samples.
- Ability to lift core boxes and drilling materials weighing 50 pounds or more.
- Ability to maintain a valid driver license.
Minimum Qualifications:
- At least 4 years of verifiable related experience and knowledge of terminology, principles, and techniques of geological research, analysis and description of geologic samples, interpretation of geological data, and data management. 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 License
Preferred Qualifications:
A bachelor's degree, preferably in geology or a closely related natural science, from an accredited college or university.
Pay:
$24.52 per 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 combines 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.
Salary : $25