OPS ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST I - 42900387

State of Florida • Palmetto, FL

50d • Hybrid

About The Position

This is a professional position responsible for conducting a trapping initiative for continuous surveillance of moths that are pests of native and cultivated flora within the state of Florida. The role involves monitoring and maintaining insect traps, conducting pathway risk analysis for surveillance of exotic pests and diseases, and performing native plant and crop inspections and surveys. The specialist will collect and field screen moth specimens, submit suspect specimens for laboratory identification, and maintain records of specimen submittals, survey completion, and survey activity data. The position also requires assisting other CAPS personnel with additional Farm Bill surveys for other exotic and invasive crop pests, as well as with CAPS trapping and survey activities and other survey programs within the division. Additionally, the role may involve assisting with training new personnel as needed and performing related work as directed by the supervisor.

Requirements

• An associate’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university or Six (6) months of experience in environmental protection, regulation, or health; one of the physical or natural sciences; agriculture; or engineering.
• Possession of a valid Driver License.
• All fields in the Candidate Profile must be completed (an attached resume is not a substitution for the information required on the candidate profile).
• Work history, hours worked, and formal education fields must be filled out to determine qualifications for this position.
• Reponses to Qualifying Questions must be verifiable in the Candidate Profile.
• Successful applicants must pass a background screening, including fingerprinting, as a condition of employment.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of techniques used in inspecting plants or other agricultural products.
• Ability to detect plant pests.
• Ability to compile, organize and analyze data.
• 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 hot, cold, and humid environments.
• Ability to walk on uneven ground and in inclement weather.
• Ability to lift 35 lbs. and bend repetitiously.
• Ability to operate a computer to access and retrieve electronic information.
• Ability to understand and follow specific protocols.

Responsibilities

• Monitors and maintains insect traps.
• Conducts pathway risk analysis for surveillance of exotic pests and diseases.
• Conducts native plant and crop inspections and surveys.
• Collects and field screens moth specimens.
• Submits suspect moth specimens for laboratory identification.
• Maintains records of specimen submittals, of other survey completion, and of survey activity data.
• Assists other CAPS personnel with additional Farm Bill surveys for other exotic and invasive crop pests.
• Assists with CAPS trapping and survey activities.
• Assists with other survey programs within the division.
• Assists with training new personnel as needed.
• Performs related work as directed by supervisor.

Benefits

• LinkedIn Learning training account
• Optional insurance coverage
• State group insurance (must meet eligibility requirements)
• 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: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree