Environmental Specialist

Environmental Specialist I

Requisition No: 879224. Agency:
Agriculture and Consumer Services. Division:
Plant Industry.

Working Title:

ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST I - .

Location:

Naples, FL.

• Six (6) months of experience in apiculture, environmental protection, regulation, or health; one of the physical or natural sciences; agriculture; or engineering.

• Must obtain fruit fly certification within six months of appointment and maintain certification throughout employment.
• Occasional travel, including overnight and sometimes up to two weeks at a time on an emergency program, is required.
• Successful applicant must pass a background screening, including fingerprinting, as a condition of employment.

This is a professional position that 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.

Responsibilities include:

• Conduct plant pest detection surveys in agricultural and residential environs; place and service fruit fly detection devices as per 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 for confirmation, and 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, and monitor plants grown under federal post‑entry quarantine regulations.
• Assist or participate in special programs such as plant pest eradication projects, exotic pest surveys, and protocols within the state, including implementation of chemical and biological controls, surveys, and regulatory enforcement actions. These activities may necessitate absences from assigned headquarters and unusual working hours; may also require serving as a trainer for employees hired for these special programs.
• Resolve consumer complaints or refer them to the proper agency; attend meetings, workshops, and give presentations to inform the public of department activities; maintain records and submit timely and accurate reports of all work performed.
• Perform related work as directed by supervisor.

• 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 lift and transport 25 pounds and bend repetitiously.
• Ability to work in extreme hot, cold, or humid temperature environments.
• Ability to conduct inspections in natural and cultivated areas with uneven ground.
• Ability to operate a computer to access and retrieve electronic information.

• Annual and sick leave benefits.
• Nine paid holidays and one personal holiday each year.
• State group insurance coverage options, including health, life, dental, vision, and other supplemental insurance options.
• Retirement plan options with employer contributions. For more information, please visit

The State of Florida supports a drug‑free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug‑Free Workplace Act.

Veterans’ Preference – Pursuant to Chapter 295, Florida Statutes, candidates eligible for Veterans’ Preference will receive preference in employment for Career Service vacancies and are encouraged to apply. Candidates claiming Veterans’ Preference must attach supporting documentation.

Special Notes – Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center . Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.

Location:

Naples, FL. For assistance, call the People First Service Center at  Monday‑Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Eastern time.

Pursuant to Florida Law, 110.211

F. S., the State of Florida is an EEO employer.