Environmental Specialist

Overview

ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST I -

State:
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Plant Industry. This is an open competitive opportunity.

• Perform citrus tree grove surveys for the presence of citrus disease symptoms and collect plant materials to be sent to pathology lab for identification.
• Input survey and sample information into the correct databases.
• Identify new commercial citrus plantings and verify accuracy of geographical and ownership data related to all citrus acreage in assigned areas, including mapping or removing multi-blocks and collecting data to update multi-block information (trees, scion, rootstock, spacing, etc.).
• Serve as Regulatory Inspector to monitor fruit movement from groves to packinghouses/processors for CHRP regulation compliance; maintain records of regulatory activities and certify dumpsites for permitting; submit reports as required; attend meetings and trainings.
• Investigate and resolve complaints; communicate program goals, regulations, and objectives to growers and the public; coordinate with other CHRP program areas; travel as needed.
• Perform fruit fly trapping using McPhail and Jackson traps.
• Assist in emergency or special programs including survey, sampling, and delimitation of areas where programs are implemented.
• Perform other related work as directed by management.

• An associate degree from an accredited college or university; or
• Six (6) months of experience in apiculture, environmental protection, regulation, or health; one of the physical or natural sciences; agriculture; or engineering.

Educational

Note:

Graduates using U.S. education to meet minimum requirements will not be appointed until degree verification is obtained. Foreign-trained graduates must provide a credential evaluation from an approved agency. A list of approved agencies is available at the Florida Department of Education site.

Requires possession of a valid driver license.

• Must obtain fruit fly certification within six months of appointment and maintain it throughout employment.
• Position has regulatory responsibilities and is subject to Florida Career Service Rules and Regulations.
• Moderate travel, including overnight and sometimes up to two weeks on emergency programs.

• All fields in the Candidate Profile must be completed; an attached resume is not a substitute for required information.
• Work history, duties, hours, supervisor, and formal education fields must be filled to determine qualifications.
• Responses to Qualifying Questions must be verifiable in the Candidate Profile.

• Knowledge of citrus and citrus pest issues; symptoms of citrus diseases (canker, greening, etc.).
• Knowledge of Federal, State, and Division policies used in citrus/plant inspections.
• Ability to interpret rules and regulations; basic math, report writing, and form completion.
• Ability to analyze data, communicate effectively, and use Esri GIS mapping, GPS, and Microsoft Office.
• Ability to detect plant pests and diseases; work independently; manage multiple tasks and priorities; maintain professional relationships.
• Physical ability to lift and transport up to 25 pounds; walk on varied terrain and in inclement weather; work in hot/cold/wet environments.
• Ability to safely load a trailer, couple it to a truck, and tow on roads.

• Competitive total compensation package including annual and sick leave, nine paid holidays plus one personal holiday each year.
• State Group Insurance options (health, life, dental, vision, and other options).
• Retirement plan options with employer contributions.

For total compensation details, visit the official Total Compensation Estimator Tool located above under the Posting Closing Date.

• The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer. Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Reasonable accommodations are available upon request.
• The State supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing where applicable.
• VETERANS’ PREFERENCE applies; documentation must be provided with each submission. See statute details in the vacancy posting.

Location:

Quincy, FL

Contact:
Ethan Andrews, Phone

To be considered, please ensure all required fields are completed in the Candidate Profile and that responses to qualifying questions are verifiable.