OPS AGRICULTURAL TECHNICIAN II - 42900376

State of Florida • Winter Haven, FL

58d • Onsite

About The Position

This is a full-time Other Personal Services (OPS) position with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Plant Industry. The role involves agricultural technician duties, including surveying groves, removing host plants, setting and servicing traps, monitoring fruit harvesting and packinghouses, and maintaining vehicles. Occasional travel, including overnight stays and up to two weeks for emergency programs, is required. Candidates must have a high school diploma or equivalent and a valid driver's license. All fields in the Candidate Profile must be completed accurately, and work history, hours worked, and education must be verifiable. The position supports employment of individuals with disabilities.

Requirements

• A high school diploma or its equivalent.
• Possession of a valid Driver License.
• All fields in the Candidate Profile must be completed.
• Work history, hours worked, and formal education fields must be filled out to determine qualifications.
• Responses to Qualifying Questions must be verifiable in the Candidate Profile.
• Ability to work outdoors in hot, cold, and humid temperature environments.
• Ability to walk on uneven ground and in inclement weather.
• Ability to interact with the public and team members in a professional and courteous manner.
• Ability to interpret aerial maps.
• Ability to lift 40 lbs. and bend repetitiously.
• Ability to compile and organize data.

Nice To Haves

• Skill in written and verbal communication.
• Skill with data management, data entry, clerical and computer work.
• Ability to work independently.

Responsibilities

• Survey groves and buffer areas to remove preferred host plants of the Caribbean Fruit Fly, including surveying areas that cannot be driven by walking.
• Document survey activities on appropriate forms.
• Set and service McPhail and Jackson traps as directed by supervisor.
• Record trapping activities in trap book and on appropriate forms.
• Maintain flagging tape on trap trees and clean traps.
• Monitor harvesting and transporting of certified fruit to ensure compliance.
• Verify that designated areas are certified by checking the latest Trapping Report.
• Check the entire designated area to ensure that the fruit being harvested is from the correct area.
• Check the orange cards and trip tickets (if available) to ensure accuracy.
• Complete all appropriate paperwork related to harvesting certification.
• Monitor packinghouses to ensure certified fruit in bins and cartons are labeled legibly and correctly.
• Ensure that Protocol placards are placed in appropriate areas.
• Ensure that the packinghouse is in compliance with all protocol regulations.
• Maintain and drive vehicles in a safe and efficient manner for the accomplishment of program goals.
• Perform any related work as directed by management.

Benefits

• LinkedIn Learning training account
• Optional insurance coverage
• Participation in state group insurance (must meet eligibility requirements)
• Participation in the Florida Deferred Compensation Plan (457b)
• State of Florida 401(a) FICA Alternative Plan (tax deferred Retirement Savings Plan)
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED