ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST II

Minimum Requirements A high school diploma or its equivalent and one (1) year of experience in environmental protection, regulation, or health; one of the physical or natural sciences; agriculture; or engineering; A high school diploma or its equivalent and six (6) months of experience as an Environmental Specialist I or higher with the State of Florida; 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 must provide a copy of a credential evaluation conducted by an approved credential evaluation agency. A list of approved agencies can be viewed at the Florida Department of Education. Applicants must possess a valid Class E driver license. Additional Requirements 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. Authorized Certification Official for Phytosanitary Certificates. Must obtain fruit fly certification within six months of appointment and maintain it throughout employment in this position. Successful candidate must pass a background screening, including fingerprinting, as a condition of employment. Job Duties This is a professional position responsible for the protection, certification, and regulation of native and cultivated flora within the state of Florida. The position conducts independent site inspections to minimize or eliminate environmental and agricultural harm associated with the introduction of invading plant species, plant pests and pathogens, and from the improper harvesting and trade of native endangered plants. Conducts 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. Initiates appropriate regulatory action upon field diagnosis. Obtains additional information using various investigative techniques, including reference materials, chemical treatments, source materials and interviews with authoritative sources to assist in proper diagnosis. Monitors native and horticultural material within the state for the detection of exotic plant pests, and the population and distribution of domestic or introduced plant pests. Ensures that all nurseries, stock dealers and plant brokers located within an assigned area are properly registered with the department and that plant material offered for sale meets the requirements of the Florida Viability Law. Maintains annual nursery inventory by plant categories. Initiates and implements regulatory action to curtail the spread of various injurious pests. Enforces adherence to Chapter 581, Florida Statutes, and appropriate rules. Conducts plant pest detection surveys in agricultural and residential environs. Places and services fruit fly detection devices in accordance with the Florida Fruit Fly Detection Manual. Maintains knowledge of how to access and interpret plant export regulations of states and countries. Maintains Federal Authorized Certification Official for the issuance of Federal Phytosanitary Certificates. Issues state or federal documents appropriate to the destination requirements of countries, ensuring adherence to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species and the Federal Endangered Species Act. Verifies import permits to determine the requirements of the importing country and witnesses required treatments. Inspects plant material (cut flowers, nursery stock and organic produce) and other high‑risk commodities from other states and foreign countries for the purpose of excluding plant pests. Inspects and monitors plants grown under federal post‑entry quarantine regulations. Verifies the location (habitat) and identifies those plants that are listed as endangered or commercially exploited and verifies compliance of all permits issued for endangered and commercially exploited plants. Directs payment of fees from nurseries and stock dealers, including any that are delinquent. Initiates monthly billings for fees that are due the department for special inspections as specified in rule 5B‑2, Florida Administrative Code. Assists and/or participates 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 assigned headquarters, unusual working hours, and may require serving as a trainer for employees hired for these special programs. Resolves consumer complaints or, when necessary, 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, 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, or humid temperature environments. Ability to lift and transport 25‑pounds 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. The Benefits of Working for the State of Florida 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. Special Notes Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center. Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient 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 Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug‑Free Workplace Act. Veterans’ Preference Pursuant to Chapter 295, Florida Statutes, candidates eligible for Veterans’ Preference will receive preference in employment for Career Service vacancies and are encouraged to apply. Certain service members may be eligible to receive waivers for post‑secondary educational requirements. Candidates claiming Veterans’ Preference must attach supporting documentation with each submission that includes character of service (for example, DD Form 214 Member Copy #4) along with any other documentation as required by Rule 55A‑7, Florida Administrative Code. Veterans’ Preference documentation requirements are available by selecting the link. All documentation is due by the close of the vacancy announcement. Location TAVARES, FL, 32278 & TAVARES, FL, 32778 Pursuant to Florida Law, 110.211 F. S., the State of Florida is an EEO employer. For assistance, call the People First Service Center at View phone number on click.appcast.io Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Eastern time. #J-18808-Ljbffr