ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST I - 42005765

State of Florida • LAKEWOOD RANCH, FL

31d • $40,000 - $44,000 • Onsite

About The Position

This is a professional position which supports fruit fly detection activities by building, servicing, and placing traps for the purpose of protecting against exotic fruit fly introductions that threaten Florida’s agriculture industry. This position has regulatory responsibilities and is subject to the provisions of s. 112.313, Florida Statutes, and Section 60L-36.003, Florida Administrative Code. Occasional travel, including overnight and sometimes up to two weeks at a time on an emergency program, is required.

Requirements

• A high school diploma or its equivalent and six (6) months of experience in apiculture, environmental protection, regulation, or health; one of the physical or natural sciences; agriculture; or engineering; or An associate degree (2 years) from an accredited college or university.
• Requires possession of a valid Class E driver license.
• All fields in the Candidate Profile must be completed (an attached resume is not a substitution for the information required on the candidate profile).
• Work history, duties and responsibilities, hours worked, supervisor, and formal education fields, etc. must be filled out to determine qualifications for this position.
• Responses to Qualifying Questions must be verifiable in the Candidate Profile.
• Must obtain fruit fly certification within six months of appointment and maintain throughout employment in this position.
• Knowledge of techniques used in inspecting plants or other agricultural products.
• Knowledge of the regulatory treatment of plants.
• Knowledge of pesticide labeling restrictions.
• Ability to detect plant pests.
• Ability to compile, organize and analyze data and make recommendations.
• Ability to interpret rules and regulations.
• Ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to lift and transport 25-pound objects and bend repetitiously.
• Ability to work in extreme hot and cold temperatures.
• Ability to conduct inspections in natural and cultivated areas with uneven ground.
• Ability to operate a computer to access and retrieve electronic information.

Nice To Haves

• Successful applicant must pass a background screening, including fingerprinting, as a condition of employment.

Responsibilities

• Conducts plant pest detection surveys in agricultural and residential environs.
• Places and services fruit fly detection devices in accordance with the Florida Fruit Fly Detection Manual.
• Conducts field diagnostic tasks using approved sampling methods and equipment to collect laboratory samples.
• Detects, examines, collects, prepares, and submits insects and other arthropods, plant disease and soil samples indexed to the appropriate technical bureau for confirmation.
• Initiates appropriate regulatory action upon field diagnosis.
• Inspects plant material (cut flowers, nursery stock and organic produce) and other high-risk commodities from other states and foreign countries for the purpose of excluding plant pests.
• Inspects and monitors plants grown under federal post-entry quarantine regulations.
• Assists and/or participates in the organization of special programs such as plant pest eradication projects, exotic pest surveys and protocols within the state, including implementing chemical and biological controls, surveys, and regulatory enforcement actions.
• Resolves consumer complaints or, when necessary, refers them to the proper agency.
• Attends meetings and workshops and gives presentations to keep the public informed concerning department activities.
• Maintains proper records of all functions and submits timely and accurate reports of all work performed.
• Performs related work as directed by management.

Benefits

• Annual and Sick Leave benefits
• Nine paid holidays and one Personal holiday each year
• State Group Insurance coverage options, including health, life, dental, vision and other supplemental insurance options
• Retirement plan options, including employer contributions
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Tuition waivers

What This Job Offers

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