Requisition No: 183826
Agency: Environmental Protection
Working Title: OPS ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST II – 37932046
Position Number: 37932046
Salary: $19/hour
Posting Closing Date: 06/14/2020
Marine Debris Project Assistant – Environmental Specialist II
Term: July 2020- December 2024 (Grant Funded)
The headquarters for this position may be flexible between Marathon and Key Largo or in between. The bulk of the fieldwork and outreach will be performed around Islamorada.
Duties and Responsibilities:
This position within the Office of Resilience and Coastal Protection (RCP) supports the Florida Keys Aquatic Preserves Manager with implementation of EPA Grant EPA-GM-2019-TFW, “Keep Lignumvitae Lovely: A Holistic Marine Debris Program in Lignumvitae Key Aquatic Preserve”. This project has a short-term goal of removing marine debris from all submerged and coastal areas of the Aquatic Preserve, and a long-term goal of preventing additional marine debris inputs using conservation psychology principles, outreach and education, and engagement with the communities and user groups of the preserve. Among other tasks, the responsibilities of this position include:
•Participation in the planning, coordination, and implementation of all aspects of “Keep Lignumvitae Lovely” to protect or enhance the resources of Lignumvitae Key Aquatic Preserve
•Developing and conducting user-group research (including surveys, workshops, and other tools) to determine the best outreach methodology that will result in the desired behavioral changes. Developing and carrying out outreach and education plans to the variety of user groups in the aquatic preserve, including residents, tourists, anglers, and businesses. Activities may include staffing outreach booths at events, facilitating workshops with the public and business owners, interacting with the public at access points, giving talks at classes, and with approval from the DEP press office producing and distributing outreach materials.
•Participating in the planning, coordination, and implementation of marine debris removal via SCUBA, snorkel, and land-based efforts, including leading volunteer groups in marine debris clean-ups and (with appropriate approvals) removal of derelict stone crab and spiny lobster traps via SCUBA.
•Assisting with monitoring coastal and benthic habitats such as seagrass, mangrove, and hardbottom ecosystems.
•Developing and maintaining databases for benthic recovery, marine debris, and social science metric data, including participating in data analysis and preparing annual reports. Assessing the success of the project through self-reported behavioral changes in preserve users, and changes in marine debris abundance over the life of the project.
•Collecting GIS field data using GPS equipment to generate maps and aid in the creation of reports
•Snorkeling or SCUBA diving as required to conduct scientific research, monitoring, and removal activities. Work with the DEP UDSO to ensure appropriate training, approval of snorkel/dive plans, maintenance of dive records, and compliance with the DEP Underwater Operations Manual, and all relevant regulations of the DEP.
•Operating and maintaining vehicles, vessels, field equipment, and personal computers as required to accomplish these tasks.
•Representing RCP at various meetings including making presentations, as needed, to ensure that the public and other agencies are aware of site-specific issues and management objectives.
•Other duties as assigned.
Knowledge, skills and abilities required for the position: Knowledge of seagrass, mangrove, and hardbottom ecosystems and general ecological principles/processes; Knowledge of terminology, principles and analytical techniques, and data collection and analysis procedures for the natural sciences; Ability to conduct fieldwork, often from small boats or in the water in less than optimal conditions; Ability to plan, coordinate, and execute projects, often in collaboration with other agencies or volunteers; Knowledge and skill of Microsoft Office programs and ArcGIS; Ability to deal with the public, coworkers, and supervisors in a tactful and courteous manner; Ability to communicate clearly verbally and in writing; Ability to obtain and maintain the following licenses and/or certifications: small boat operation certification (may be obtained on job), DEP certification to operate kayaks, motor boats, vehicles towing trailers (may be obtained on job); Ability to maintain a valid driver license and to travel locally within the 5 county southeast region and possibly state-wide.
Knowledge, skills and abilities preferred for the position: Previous marine debris removal experience; Previous seagrass monitoring experience; Skilled at outreach and environmental education; Spanish speaker; Familiarity with Florida Keys ecosystems and communities.
Licensure/registration/certification requirements: Valid Class E Florida driver license; SCUBA certification from a nationally recognized agency with experience in scientific diving preferred. Must have prior approval and meet the diving and snorkeling validation requirements in the DEP Underwater Operations Manual. This position is medically monitored.
Other job-related requirements for this position: A Bachelor’s Degree with a major in marine science, environmental science, biological science, or science communication with two years of professional experience in a field or environmental program is required. A Master’s Degree in marine science, environmental science, biological science, or science communication is preferred. Regular local travel throughout Southeast Florida.
Working hours: (A) Weekdays from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (B) Total hours in workweek 40 (C) Must be able to work flexible schedule including occasional evenings, long field days, and weekends.
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.
Nearest Major Market: Key West
