Environmental Specialist

Requisition No: 867853

Agency:
Agriculture and Consumer Services

Working Title:

ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST I -

Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services

Environmental specialist supporting fruit fly detection activities by building, servicing, and placing traps to protect Florida’s agriculture industry from exotic fruit fly introductions.

• Associate degree from an accredited college or university.
• Six (6) months of experience in apiculture, environmental protection, regulation, or health; or one of the physical or natural sciences, agriculture, or engineering.
• Valid driver’s license.

Educational

Note:

Graduates using U.S. education to meet minimum requirements will not be appointed until verification of the applicable degree is obtained. Foreign-trained graduates must provide a credential evaluation from an Approved Credential Evaluation Agency.

• All fields in the candidate profile must be completed (a resume is not a substitution).
• Work history, duties, responsibilities, hours worked, supervisor, and formal education fields must be filled out.
• Responses to qualifying questions must be verifiable in the Candidate Profile.

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services values and supports employment of individuals with disabilities. Qualified individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

This position has regulatory responsibilities and is subject to Florida Statutes s. 112.313 and Section 60L-36.003. Occasional travel, including overnight and sometimes up to two weeks at a time on an emergency program, is required.

Applicants must provide honest and authentic responses. Use of artificial intelligence tools to answer qualifying questions or participate in interviews will be considered during evaluation.

Background screening, including fingerprinting, is required for employment.

Conduct plant pest detection surveys in agricultural and residential environments and place/serve fruit fly detection devices in accordance with 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, initiating appropriate regulatory action upon diagnosis.

Inspect plant material (cut flowers, nursery stock, organic produce) and other high‑risk commodities from other states and foreign countries to exclude plant pests. Inspect and monitor plants grown under federal post-entry quarantine regulations.

Assist or participate in the organization of special programs such as plant pest eradication projects, exotic pest surveys, and protocols within the state, including implementing chemical and biological controls, surveys, and regulatory enforcement actions. These activities may necessitate absences from headquarters, unusual working hours, and acting as a trainer for program employees.

Resolve consumer complaints or refer them to the proper agency. Attend meetings and workshops and give presentations to keep the public informed about department activities. Maintain records of all functions and submit timely and accurate reports of all work performed.

Perform related work as directed by management.

• Knowledge of techniques used in inspecting plants or other agricultural products.
• Knowledge of the regulatory treatments 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 work in hot, cold, or humid temperature environments.
• Ability to lift and transport 25‑pound objects.
• Ability to conduct inspections in natural and cultivated areas with uneven ground.
• Ability to operate a computer to access and retrieve electronic information.

• Annual…