ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST I

Minimum Requirements 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; or an associate degree (2 years) from an accredited college or university. Requires possession of a valid Class E driver license. Graduates using U.S. education must provide verification; foreign credits must be evaluated by approved agencies. Additional Requirements Must obtain fruit fly certification within six (6) months of appointment and maintain it throughout employment. Occasional travel, including overnight and sometimes up to two weeks at a time on an emergency program, required. Job Duties General Statement: This position supports fruit fly detection activities by building, servicing, and placing traps to protect against exotic fruit fly introductions that threaten Florida’s agriculture industry. Conduct plant pest detection surveys in agricultural and residential environs. Place and service 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 indexed to the appropriate technical bureau for confirmation. Initiate appropriate regulatory action upon field diagnosis. Inspect plant material (cut flowers, nursery stock, and organic produce) and other high‑risk commodities from other states and foreign countries. Inspect and monitor plants grown under federal post‑entry quarantine regulations. Assist 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. This may necessitate absences from headquarters and unusual working hours and may require serving on a voluntary basis as a trainer for OPS employees hired for these special programs. Resolve consumer complaints or refer them to the proper agency. Attend meetings and workshops and give presentations to keep the public informed concerning department activities. Maintain records of all functions and submit timely accurate reports. Perform related work as directed by management. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 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 work in extreme hot, cold and humid temperature environments. Ability to lift and transport 25‑pound objects and bend repetitiously. Ability to conduct inspections in natural and cultivated areas with uneven ground. Ability to operate a computer to access and retrieve electronic information. Benefits The State of Florida is more than a paycheck. The total compensation package includes: 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 with employer contributions. For more information, visit Use the Total Compensation Estimator Tool located in the posting for a compensation estimate. Special Notes Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the hiring authority and/or People First Service Center View phone number on click.appcast.io) in advance. Drug‑Free Workplace The State of Florida supports a drug‑free workplace and requires reasonable suspicion drug testing per Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug‑Free Workplace Act. Veterans’ Preference Veterans eligible for Preference receive preference in employment for Career Service vacancies and are encouraged to apply. Eligible service members may receive waivers for postsecondary education requirements. Veterans must provide supporting documentation with each submission, including DD Form 214, per Rule 55A‑7. Documentation required by Rule 55A‑7 is available by link. All documentation is due by the close of the vacancy announcement. Location Location: TAMPA, FL, 33602, 33604, 33605, 33606, 33607, 33609, 33610, 33611, 33612, 33613, 33614, 33615, 33616, 33617, 33618, 33619, 33620, 33625, 33626, 33634, 33637, 33672, 33680, 34748. Contact Howard Wallace – Phone View phone number on click.appcast.io EEO Statement The State of Florida is an equal opportunity employer under Florida Law 110.211 F.S. #J-18808-Ljbffr