ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST II - 42001865

State of Florida • TAVARES, FL

6d • $45,000 - $49,500

About The Position

The Environmental Specialist II is a professional position with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Plant Industry, responsible for protecting, certifying, and regulating native and cultivated flora in Florida. The role conducts independent inspections to minimize or eliminate environmental and agricultural harm from invasive plant species, plant pests and pathogens, and improper harvesting or trade of native endangered plants. This is a short-term appointment expected to end September 30, 2029.

The position conducts field diagnostics and plant-pest detection surveys, collects and submits samples for laboratory confirmation, and initiates regulatory action when appropriate. It monitors plant material and pest populations, ensures nurseries and plant dealers are registered and comply with applicable requirements, maintains nursery inventories, and enforces relevant statutes and rules. The specialist also inspects incoming plant material and other high-risk commodities, monitors plants under federal post-entry quarantine, and verifies compliance involving endangered and commercially exploited plants.

The role issues appropriate state or federal phytosanitary documents, verifies import permits and destination requirements, and witnesses required treatments. It may assist with pest eradication and survey programs, including chemical or biological controls and regulatory enforcement, and may train employees assigned to special programs. The position also handles fees and billings, responds to consumer complaints, gives public presentations, maintains records, and submits reports. Occasional travel, including overnight travel and emergency assignments lasting up to two weeks, is required.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent and one year of experience in environmental protection, regulation, or health; a physical or natural science; agriculture; or engineering; or a high school diploma or equivalent and six months of experience as an Environmental Specialist I or higher with the State of Florida; or a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
• Possession of a valid Class E driver license.
• Must be an Authorized Certification Official for Phytosanitary Certificates.
• Must obtain fruit fly certification within six months of appointment and maintain it throughout employment.
• 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 work in extreme hot, cold, or humid temperatures.
• Ability to lift and transport 25 pounds and bend repetitively.
• Ability to conduct inspections in inclement weather and in natural and cultivated areas with uneven ground.
• Ability to operate a computer to access and retrieve electronic information.
• Occasional travel, including overnight travel and sometimes assignments of up to two weeks during emergency programs, is required.
• Successful candidate must pass a background screening, including fingerprinting, as a condition of employment.

Responsibilities

• Conduct independent site inspections to protect native and cultivated flora and reduce environmental and agricultural harm.
• Collect, prepare, and submit insect, arthropod, plant disease, and soil samples using approved diagnostic and sampling methods.
• Detect plant pests and diseases, investigate suspected issues, and initiate appropriate regulatory actions.
• Monitor native and horticultural material for exotic pests and for the population and distribution of domestic or introduced pests.
• Ensure nurseries, stock dealers, and plant brokers in the assigned area are registered and that plant material offered for sale meets applicable requirements.
• Maintain annual nursery inventories by plant category and enforce relevant laws and rules.
• Conduct plant pest detection surveys in agricultural and residential areas, including placing and servicing fruit fly detection devices.
• Access and interpret plant export regulations and issue state or federal phytosanitary documents appropriate to destination requirements.
• Verify import permits and importing-country requirements, and witness required treatments.
• Inspect plant material and other high-risk commodities from other states and foreign countries, and monitor plants under federal post-entry quarantine.
• Verify habitats and identify endangered or commercially exploited plants, and check compliance with related permits.
• Direct collection of fees from nurseries and stock dealers and initiate monthly billings for special inspections.
• Assist with or participate in pest eradication projects, exotic pest surveys, and related protocols, including controls, surveys, enforcement, and potentially training program employees.
• Resolve consumer complaints or refer them to the appropriate agency.
• Attend meetings and workshops and give presentations about department activities.
• Maintain records and submit timely, accurate reports.
• Perform related work as directed by management.

Benefits

• Annual and sick leave
• 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: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED