ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST I - 42005760

State of Florida • APOPKA, FL

41d • $41,000 - $45,100

About The Position

The Environmental Specialist I is a professional position in the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Plant Industry. The role supports fruit fly detection activities by building, servicing, and placing traps to protect Florida agriculture from exotic fruit fly introductions. The position conducts plant pest detection surveys in agricultural and residential areas, inspects plants and other high-risk commodities, collects samples for laboratory confirmation, and carries out regulatory and pest-control activities. The role may involve occasional travel, including overnight travel and emergency-program assignments lasting up to two weeks. It may also require absences from the assigned headquarters, unusual working hours, and training employees hired for special programs. The successful applicant must pass a background screening, including fingerprinting.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent and six months of experience in apiculture, environmental protection, regulation, health, a physical or natural science, agriculture, or engineering; alternatively, an associate degree from an accredited college or university.
• Possess a valid Class E driver license.
• Obtain fruit fly certification within six months of appointment and maintain it throughout employment in this position.
• Knowledge of techniques used in inspecting plants or other agricultural products.
• Knowledge of 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 extreme hot, cold, and humid temperatures.
• Ability to lift and transport 25 pounds and bend repetitively.
• Ability to conduct inspections in natural and cultivated areas with uneven ground and in inclement weather.
• Ability to operate a computer to access and retrieve electronic information.
• Pass a background screening, including fingerprinting, as a condition of employment.
• Occasional travel is required, including overnight travel and sometimes emergency-program assignments lasting up to two weeks.

Responsibilities

• Conduct plant pest detection surveys in agricultural and residential environments.
• Place and service fruit fly detection devices according to the Florida Fruit Fly Detection Manual.
• Perform field diagnostic tasks using approved sampling methods and equipment to collect laboratory samples.
• Detect, examine, collect, prepare, and submit insects, other arthropods, plant disease samples, and soil samples to the appropriate technical bureau for confirmation.
• Initiate appropriate regulatory action based on field diagnoses.
• Inspect plant material, including cut flowers, nursery stock, and organic produce, as well as other high-risk commodities from other states and foreign countries, to exclude plant pests.
• Inspect and monitor plants grown under federal post-entry quarantine regulations.
• Assist with or participate in special programs, including plant pest eradication projects, exotic pest surveys, and state protocols.
• Implement chemical and biological controls, surveys, and regulatory enforcement actions as part of special programs.
• When needed, serve as a trainer for employees hired for special programs.
• Resolve consumer complaints or refer them to the appropriate agency.
• Attend meetings and workshops and give presentations to inform the public about department activities.
• Maintain records and submit timely, accurate reports of work performed.
• Perform 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 supplemental insurance.
• 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