Environmental Specialist

Posting Closing Date: 07/21/2026

Tracy Howard, Phone  or email:
Tracy.

Howard

• A high school diploma or its equivalent and six (6) months of experience in apiculture, environmental protection, regulation, or health; one of the physical or natural sciences; agriculture; or engineering;
• An associate degree (2 years) from an accredited college or university.

EDUCATIONAL

NOTE:

Graduates utilizing education attained in the United States to meet the minimum requirements of a position will not be appointed until verification of the applicable degree has been obtained. Foreign trained graduates utilizing a degree attained outside of the United States to meet the minimum requirements of a position must be prepared to provide a copy of a credential evaluation conducted by an Approved Credential Evaluation Agency.

A list of approved agencies can be viewed at “Approved Credential Evaluation Agencies, Florida Department of Education.” Approved Credential Evaluation Agencies (fldoe.org).

Requires possession of a valid Class E driver license.

• All fields in the Candidate Profile must be completed.
• Work history, duties and responsibilities, hours worked, supervisor, and formal education fields, etc. must be filled out to determine qualifications for this position.
• Responses to Qualifying Questions must be verifiable in the Candidate Profile.

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services values and supports employment of individuals with disabilities. Qualified individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Must obtain fruit fly certification within six months of appointment and maintain it throughout employment in this position. This position has regulatory responsibilities and is subject to the provisions of s. 112.313, Florida Statutes, and Section 60L-36.003, Florida Administrative Code. Occasional travel, including overnight and sometimes up to two weeks at a time on an emergency program, is required.

GENERAL STATEMENT:
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.

• Conduct plant pest detection surveys in agricultural and residential environs; place and service fruit fly detection devices in accordance with the Florida Fruit Fly Detection Manual.
• Conduct field diagnostic tasks using approved sampling methods and equipment to collect laboratory samples. Detect, examine, collect, prepare, and submit insects and other arthropods, plant disease and soil samples indexed to the appropriate technical bureau for confirmation. Initiate appropriate regulatory action upon field diagnosis.
• Inspect plant material (cut flowers, nursery stock and organic produce) and other high‑risk commodities from other states and foreign countries to exclude plant pests. Inspect and monitor plants grown under federal post‑entry quarantine regulations.
• Assist and/or participate 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. These activities may necessitate absences from assigned headquarters and unusual working hours and may require serving as a trainer and/or supervisor for employees hired for these special programs.
• Resolve consumer complaints or, when necessary, refer them to the proper agency. Attend meetings and workshops and give presentations to keep the public informed concerning department activities.
• Maintain proper records of all functions and submit timely and accurate reports of all work performed.
• Perform related work as directed by management.

• 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…