ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST I - 42001388

State of Florida • Tampa, FL

3d • 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. The position involves conducting plant pest detection surveys in agricultural and residential environs, placing and servicing fruit fly detection devices, and conducting field diagnostic tasks using approved sampling methods and equipment to collect laboratory samples. It also includes inspecting plant material and other high-risk commodities, assisting in special programs like pest eradication and surveys, resolving consumer complaints, and maintaining records.

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 Class E driver license.
• Must obtain fruit fly certification within six months of appointment and maintain throughout employment in this position.
• Successful candidate must pass a background screening, including fingerprinting, as a condition of employment.

Nice To Haves

• Ability to work in extreme hot, cold and humid temperature environments.
• Ability to lift and transport 25-pound objects and bend repetitiously.
• Ability to conduct inspections in natural and cultivated areas with uneven ground.
• Ability to operate a computer to access and retrieve electronic information.

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 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: Associate degree