OPERATIONS AND MGMT CONSULTANT MGR - SES - 42004313

State of Florida • CHIEFLAND, FL

2d • $50,585 - $55,643

About The Position

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Plant Industry, is hiring an Operations & Management Consultant Manager for the Chiefland Budwood Foundation. This professional administrative, consulting, and supervisory position plans, assigns, supervises, and directs work involving foundation trees in greenhouses, the seed source block, facility grounds, and collaboration with bureau staff and nursery owners to produce registered foundation trees, budwood, and seed.

The manager supervises employees and is responsible for staff training, work plans, performance appraisals, timesheets, attendance and leave approvals, and recommendations concerning hiring, pay increases, reclassification, and discipline. The role also manages assigned program resources and budgets and ensures operational procedures comply with division and department policies.

The position oversees foundation and seed-source tree production and care; plans production to meet customer demand; maintains trees, greenhouses, the seed block, grounds, and equipment; coordinates testing, data collection, and horticultural observations; and maintains accurate planting and tree-status records. The manager plans and purchases supplies, submits required paperwork, and consults with bureau chiefs on clean-stock program policy and operations.

The role organizes budwood distribution, including taking customer orders, inspecting trees, recording and identifying budwood, tagging bundles with tree, clone, and virus-status information, and packaging or distributing material to nurserymen. Other duties include attending relevant training and meetings and assisting other division bureaus with emergency programs. Occasional travel is required, sometimes for up to two weeks at a time during an emergency program. After-hours work may be required for emergency repairs, cultural care, or weather events. The successful candidate must pass a background screening, including fingerprinting.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent and eight years of professional or nonprofessional experience in systems analysis, management analysis, program planning, program research, program evaluation, engineering, or administrative work; or a bachelor's degree and four years of professional experience in one or more of those areas; or a master's degree, which may substitute for one year of required experience.
• Possession of a valid Class E driver license.
• Obtain a Restricted Use Pesticide License within 90 days of hire.
• Knowledge of basic management principles and practices.
• Knowledge of tractors, sprayers, and other implements used in citrus cultivation.
• Knowledge of plant growth, plant nutrition, insects, and diseases.
• Knowledge of repair and maintenance of physical facilities, including greenhouses, and basic construction techniques for minor repairs.
• Knowledge of citrus varieties and rootstocks.
• Ability to use computer databases and understand and apply applicable rules and procedures.
• Ability to assign work priorities and maintain efficient program and staff operations.
• Ability to lift and transport objects weighing up to 50 pounds and bend repetitiously.
• Ability to work in hot, cold, and humid environments; walk on uneven natural and cultivated ground; and work in inclement weather.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing and establish and maintain effective working relationships, including with the public sector.
• Complete all required Candidate Profile fields, including work history, duties and responsibilities, hours worked, supervisor, and formal education; qualifying-question responses must be verifiable in the Candidate Profile.
• Provide honest and authentic responses during evaluation and selection; use of AI tools for qualifying questions or interviews may be considered when determining qualifications.
• Pass a background screening, including fingerprinting.
• Meet the regulatory responsibilities and requirements applicable under Chapter 60L-36.003, Florida Administrative Code, and Chapter 112.313, Florida Statutes.

Responsibilities

• Plan, assign, supervise, and direct foundation greenhouse, seed source block, and facility-ground activities.
• Recruit and assist with selecting personnel; train subordinates; review work standards, timesheets, and performance; complete performance appraisals and work plans; and approve attendance and leave.
• Manage assigned program budgets and resources and ensure operational procedures comply with division and department policies.
• Plan and oversee foundation and seed-source tree production, planting, and cultural care to meet anticipated budwood, fruit, and seed demand.
• Maintain optimal tree production through appropriate fertilizer, water, and insecticide applications, and maintain greenhouse structures to prevent insect entry.
• Lead collection and recording of test samples, data, and horticultural observations; perform field diagnostic tests for virus detection; and lead routine grove and nursery maintenance.
• Maintain accurate records of tree plantings, identities, and status, and inspect trees for virus symptoms or other problems.
• Consult on greenhouse design and construction; schedule maintenance and keep greenhouses, the seed block, office areas, infrastructure, and equipment in good repair.
• Plan budgets, requisition and purchase supplies, and submit required paperwork to headquarters.
• Consult with and assist bureau chiefs on clean-stock program policy and operations.
• Organize and lead budwood cutting and distribution; inspect trees, take customer orders, record bud-eye counts and tree identities, tag bundles with clone and virus-status information, and package, mail, or distribute budwood.
• Attend relevant scientific and educational training seminars and meetings and assist other division bureaus with emergency programs.
• Perform other related duties as required 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: Manager
• Education Level: High school or GED