OPS AGRICULTURAL TECHNICIAN II - 42902598

State of Florida • Gainesville, FL

7d • Onsite

About The Position

The Agricultural Technician II will work full-time at the Waccasassa Forestry Center in Gainesville, Florida, managing invasive exotic plants that displace native species and alter plant communities. Most work is conducted in the field, where the employee searches for invasive plants, records locations using GPS, treats infestations, and maintains treated areas. The position also involves mapping locations in ArcGIS (ArcMap), data entry, and equipment maintenance.

The employee primarily applies chemical treatments to invasive plants that interfere with forest management and reduce biodiversity. The position also assists with state forest projects, including collecting data on threatened and endangered plant and animal species, restoration projects, and the prescribed burning program. Work may involve navigating difficult-to-access forests in hot and humid conditions, and occasional to moderate travel is required. The employee may be called upon to respond to emergencies, including natural disasters or other incidents requiring travel.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Valid Class E driver license.
• Ability and willingness to work and navigate in occasionally extreme conditions in hard-to-access, hot, and humid forests.
• Ability to learn and differentiate plant species.
• Occasional to moderate travel is required.

Responsibilities

• Search for invasive exotic plants in the field and manage affected areas.
• Log invasive plant locations using GPS and map locations on a computer using ArcGIS (ArcMap).
• Mix and apply chemical herbicides using hand sprayers, backpack sprayers, ATV tanks, or truck tanks.
• Maintain and repair vehicles and spray equipment.
• Perform data entry and maintain treated areas.
• Assist with state forest projects, including data collection for threatened and endangered plant and animal species, restoration projects, and the prescribed burning program.
• Travel as needed for emergencies, including natural disasters or other incidents.

Benefits

• Participation in state group insurance, subject to eligibility requirements.
• Participation in the Florida Deferred Compensation Plan (457b).
• State of Florida 401(a) FICA Alternative Plan, a tax-deferred retirement savings plan; does not apply to previous FRS retirees.
• Flexible Spending Accounts.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED