Environmental Specialist Ii

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Minimum Requirements:

• High school diploma or equivalent and one (1) year of experience in environmental protection, regulation, or health; one of the physical or natural sciences; agriculture; or engineering;
  or
• High school diploma or equivalent and six (6) months of experience as an Environmental Specialist I or higher with the State of Florida;
  or
• A bachelor's degree (4 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 provide a copy of a credential evaluation conducted by an Approved Credential Evaluation Agency.

Requires possession of a valid Class E driver license.

• Respirator Certification.
• Must obtain fruit fly certification within six months of appointment and maintain it throughout employment in this position.

Regulatory responsibilities are subject to s. 112.313, Florida Statutes, and Section 60L-36.003, Florida Administrative Code. Workers must use appropriate respirators or SCBA and pass post‑employment physical examinations to determine medical fitness for respirator use. Frequent travel, including overnight and sometimes up to two weeks at a time on an emergency program, is required.

Successful candidate must pass a background screening, including fingerprinting, as a condition of employment.

This professional position protects the health and value of agricultural resources and industries threatened by plant pests and disease within the state of Florida. Responsibilities include independent site inspections to detect, delimit, sample, and treat introductions of invasive pests. Survey high‑risk areas, identify pathways, conduct regulatory and control actions, and perform field diagnostics. Inspect plant material and high‑risk commodities at points of entry.

Communicate program activities, calibrate equipment, mix and apply pesticides, herbicides, insecticides, and other treatments, and maintain records. Maintain spray and treatment records, report accidental spills, and ensure proper chemical storage. Assist in special programs such as pest eradication projects and exotic pest surveys. Educate the public about agricultural impacts and health issues related to pests. Attend meetings and workshops to learn emerging pests and techniques.

Perform related work as directed by management.

• Knowledge of techniques used in inspecting plants or other agricultural products.
• Knowledge of regulatory treatments of plants and pesticide labeling restrictions.
• Knowledge of maintaining and repairing various spray equipment or tanks.
• Skill in conflict resolution.
• Skill in computer basics including Microsoft Word, Excel, Esri/GIS products, and GPS devices.
• Ability to recognize Giant African land snail and other snails or slugs of economic importance.
• Ability to detect plant pests.
• Ability to compile, organize and analyze data and make recommendations.
• Ability to determine work priorities, assign work and follow up on completion of work.
• Ability to interpret rules and regulations.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing.
• Ability to interact with other employees and the public in a professional and courteous manner.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external customers.
• Ability to work in hot, cold, wet or humid environments.
• Ability to lift and transport 50 pounds and bend repetitiously.
• Ability to conduct inspections in natural and cultivated areas with uneven ground.
• Ability to tow and haul trailers and equipment safely down the road.

Compensation includes: annual and sick leave benefits; nine paid holidays and one personal holiday each year; state group insurance coverage options (health, life, dental, vision, and other supplemental insurance); retirement plan options with employer contributions.

Candidates requiring reasonable accommodation must notify the agency hiring authority or People First Service Center (1‑866‑663‑4735) in advance to allow time to provide the accommodation.

The State of Florida supports a drug‑free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Florida law.

Veterans eligible for preference will receive preference in employment. Documentation required for preference must be attached with each submission.

WINTER HAVEN, FL, US (ZIP codes: 33831, 33884, 33880, 33881)