Environmental Specialist

Position Details

Working Title:

ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST I -

Agency:
Agriculture and Consumer Services

Department:
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services

Division:
Plant Industry

• 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.
• Graduates using education attained in the United States to meet the minimum requirements will not be appointed until verification of the applicable degree is obtained.
• Foreign‑trained graduates using a degree obtained outside the United States must provide a credential evaluation by an approved agency. List of approved agencies can be viewed at “Approved Credential Evaluation Agencies, Florida Department of Education.”
• Requires possession of a valid Class E driver license.

• Must obtain fruit fly certification within six (6) months of appointment and maintain it throughout employment.
• 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.
• Must pass a background screening, including fingerprinting, as a condition of employment.

• Supports fruit fly detection activities by building, servicing, and placing traps to protect against exotic fruit fly introductions.
• Conducts plant pest detection surveys in agricultural and residential environs and places and services fruit fly detection devices according to the Florida Fruit Fly Detection Manual.
• Performs field diagnostic tasks using approved sampling methods and equipment to collect laboratory samples, detects, examines, collects, prepares, and submits insects and other arthropods, plant disease and soil samples indexed to the appropriate technical bureau for confirmation, and initiates appropriate regulatory action upon field diagnosis.
• Inspects 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 inspects and monitors plants grown under federal post‑entry quarantine regulations.
• Assists and/or participates in the organization of special programs such as plant pest eradication projects, exotic pest surveys and protocols within the state, implementing chemical and biological controls, surveys, and regulatory enforcement actions; may require absences from headquarters, unusual working hours, and serving as a trainer.
• Resolves consumer complaints or refers them to the proper agency; attends meetings and workshops and gives presentations to keep the public informed concerning department activities.
• Maintains proper records of all functions and submits timely and accurate reports of all work performed.
• Performs 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 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, including employer contributions.

Fo…