Natural Resources Specialist (Mosquito Control

The Broward County Board of County Commissioners is seeking qualified candidates for Natural Resources Specialist (Highway & Bridge Maintenance Division).

THIS JOB ANNOUNCEMENT WILL REMAIN OPEN UNTIL SUFFICIENT NUMBER OF APPLICATIONS ARE RECEIVED AND MAY CLOSE AT ANY TIME.

This position involves technical and field work coupled with customer service in conducting Mosquito Control operations in accordance with Federal, State and local regulations and policies to protect the health and welfare of the Public.

The Natural Resource Specialist has the following responsibilities including but not limited to: dealing with citizens and internal customers to determine, review and/or evaluate their needs, requests, problems, and complaints; assessing the need to schedule, scheduling and overseeing adulticide and/or larvicide treatments or inspections as a result of customer calls and reviews of surveillance information; ensure that personnel and equipment meet safety standards in relation to pesticide operations;

performing evaluations applying standard mosquito control and scientific practices and techniques in specific situations, and operations utilizing independent judgment; develop, interpret and implement program procedures and policies in accordance and compliance with Federal State and County rules, regulations and ordinances; advising Mosquito Control staff and Division management regarding inquiries, problems/complaints, investigations and resolutions as necessary; traveling as necessary, to site locations to investigate citizen requests and identify localized mosquito problems;

maintaining a record of operations and information necessary to meet the requests of the Public.

The ideal candidate must have knowledge of the principles, practices, theories and regulations related to Mosquito Control and pesticides, as well as the means, methods and techniques of data collection. Must have the ability to read and interpret scientific reports, studies and recommendations and to apply them to the County operations. Must have the ability to analyze, advise, assist and solve citizen/customer problems or concerns.

Must be ability to communicate effectively in written and oral formats. Must be able to work in the field under all types of conditions. Must be able to work extended hours during peak season, mosquito outbreaks, and wildfires. In the event of a hurricane, major storm, natural or man-made disaster that may threaten the area, the employee will be required to perform emergency duties as directed.

Must possess and maintain a valid Florida Class "E" Driver's License for duration of appointment.

Performs professional environmental work enforcing the provisions of environmental ordinances as well as participates in natural resource enhancement and protection efforts.

Works under general supervision, independently developing work methods and sequences.

Requires a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in chemistry, geology, biology or environmental science or closely related field.

Requires six (6) months experience in natural resource protection based on area of assignment or closely related experience.

Must possess and maintain a valid Florida Class E drivers license for duration of appointment. (Depending upon area of assignment.)

• Master's Degree or higher in Chemistry, Geology, Biology, Entomology, or Environmental Science, or closely related field
• Training/certification in entomology, mosquito biology, and control techniques
• State of Florida Class A or B Commercial Driver's License
• Forklift or Maintenance of Traffic Certification (MOT)
• GIS related or horticulture Certification
• FDACS Public Health Pest Control License
• One (1) year experience with using larvicide equipment and turbine sprayer (i.e., calibration of equipment, measuring/mixing, loading and testing of biological larvicide materials such as Vectobac or similar products)
• One (1) year experience with Surveillance and Testing activities (i.e., setting up traps, dip sampling, larval counts, data…