ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST I - 42001378

State of Florida • West Vero Corridor, FL

2d • $40,000 - $44,000

About The Position

GENERAL STATEMENT: 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.

Requirements

• An associate degree from an accredited college or university; or
• Six (6) months of experience in apiculture, environmental protection, regulation, or health; one of the physical or natural sciences; agriculture; or engineering.
• Requires possession of a valid driver license.
• 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, required.
• Knowledge of techniques used in inspecting plants or other agricultural products.
• Knowledge of the regulatory treatments 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 work in hot, cold, or humid temperature environments.
• Ability to lift and transport 25-pound objects.
• Ability to conduct inspections in natural and cultivated areas with uneven ground.
• Ability to operate a computer to access and retrieve electronic information.
• Successful candidate 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. These activities may necessitate absences from assigned headquarters and unusual working hours and may require serving as a trainer for employees hired for these special programs.
• 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 (For more information, please visit www.myfrs.com;)
• Flexible Spending Accounts;
• Tuition waivers;

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees