Natural Resources Specialist (Mosquito Control)

Natural Resources Specialist

The Broward County Board of County Commissioners is seeking qualified candidates for Natural Resources Specialist (Highway & Bridge Maintenance Division). This job announcement will remain open until a sufficient number of applications are received and may close at any time.

This position involves technical and field work coupled with customer service in conducting Mosquito Control operations in accordance with Federal, State and local regulations and policies to protect the health and welfare of the Public. The Natural Resource Specialist has the following responsibilities including but not limited to: dealing with citizens and internal customers to determine, review and/or evaluate their needs, requests, problems, and complaints; assessing the need to schedule, scheduling and overseeing adulticide and/or larvicide treatments or inspections as a result of customer calls and reviews of surveillance information; ensure that personnel and equipment meet safety standards in relation to pesticide operations; performing evaluations applying standard mosquito control and scientific practices and techniques in specific situations, and operations utilizing independent judgment; develop, interpret and implement program procedures and policies in accordance and compliance with Federal State and County rules, regulations and ordinances; advising Mosquito Control staff and Division management regarding inquiries, problems/complaints, investigations and resolutions as necessary; traveling as necessary, to site locations to investigate citizen requests and identify localized mosquito problems; maintaining a record of operations and information necessary to meet the requests of the Public.

The ideal candidate must have knowledge of the principles, practices, theories and regulations related to Mosquito Control and pesticides, as well as the means, methods and techniques of data collection. Must have the ability to read and interpret scientific reports, studies and recommendations and to apply them to the County operations. Must have the ability to analyze, advise, assist and solve citizen/customer problems or concerns. Must be able to communicate effectively in written and oral formats. Must be able to work in the field under all types of conditions. Must be able to work extended hours during peak season, mosquito outbreaks, and wildfires. In the event of a hurricane, major storm, natural or man-made disaster that may threaten the area, the employee will be required to perform emergency duties as directed. Must possess and maintain a valid Florida Class "E" Driver's License for duration of appointment.

General Description

Performs professional environmental work enforcing the provisions of environmental ordinances as well as participates in natural resource enhancement and protection efforts.

Works under general supervision, independently developing work methods and sequences.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

Requires a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in chemistry, geology, biology or environmental science or closely related field.

Requires six (6) months experience in natural resource protection based on area of assignment or closely related experience.

Special Certifications and Licenses

Must possess and maintain a valid Florida Class E drivers license for duration of appointment. (Depending upon area of assignment.)

Preferences

* Master's Degree or higher in Chemistry, Geology, Biology, Entomology, or Environmental Science, or closely related field

* Training/certification in entomology, mosquito biology, and control techniques

* State of Florida Class A or B Commercial Driver's License

* Forklift or Maintenance of Traffic Certification (MOT)

* GIS related or horticulture Certification

* FDACS Public Health Pest Control License

* One (1) year experience with using larvicide equipment and turbine sprayer (i.e., calibration of equipment, measuring/mixing, loading and testing of biological larvicide materials such as Vectobac or similar products)

* One (1) year experience with Surveillance and Testing activities (i.e., setting up traps, dip sampling, larval counts, data collection and analysis)

* One (1) years experience with developing training programs and/or outreach presentations

* One (1) year of training/experience in mosquito/insect biology and control techniques

* One (1) year experience using GPS or GIS applications

Scope of Work

The functions listed below are those that represent the majority of the time spent working in this class. Management may assign additional functions related to the type of work of the job as necessary.

Performs and assists in performing routine investigations involving compliance with environmental rules and license conditions; issues notices of violation and prepares correspondence dealing with enforcement of environmental rules and ordinances.

Performs special research and investigates complaints pertaining to environmental problems; advises the public on policies regarding environmental issues; performs field evaluations and makes recommendations on environmental aspects of resource management; prepares restoration and management plans.

Reviews environmental license applications for consistency with federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations.

Develops manuals, guidelines and procedures for implementing environmental resource programs; assists in writing, amending, and updating County environmental rules and regulations; prepares written reports and correspondence, and maintains enforcement case files; prepares grant request proposals.

Prepares technical specifications for the procurement of materials and equipment used in diversified environmental projects; participates in designing environmental sampling programs to meet specific objectives.

Makes presentations to schools, civic groups, chambers of commerce, and other business and civic associations to publicize the environmental programs and ordinances; coordinates programs with other County departments, municipalities and agencies; prepares informational and educational materials and programs relating to environmental resources; develops and implements management.

Tracks the progress of environmental protection and restoration efforts and works with contractors.

Performs training, instruction and supervision in the gathering, evaluation and interpretation of hydrological, terrestrial, chemical and/or marine physical and biological data.

Reviews beach erosion control projects to ensure appropriate enhancement and protective environmental considerations; reviews water resource and habitat restoration plans for County impact; interprets laboratory and geotechnical data related to permits, compliance inspections, or enforcement actions; reviews operating, transfer and closure permits for compliance to federal, state, and local laws and regulations.

Performs related work as assigned.

Competencies

• Tech Savvy: Anticipates and adopts innovations in business-building digital and technology applications. Investigates technologies to learn some cutting-edge best practices. Uses digital/social media to benefit the team and add value to the work being done; understands how to avoid misuse of these tools.
• Manages Complexity: Makes sense of complex, high quantity, and sometimes contradictory information to effectively solve problems. Quickly determines the most critical data and focuses analysis there; recognizes even subtle symptoms that indicate problems; probes deeply for root causes; uses systematic problem-solving methods. Well.
• Decision Quality: Makes good and timely decisions that keep the organization moving forward. Swiftly internalizes coaching on routine issues; handles issues confidently after instruction. Leverages rules and procedures to speed up decision making. Confidently and quickly draws on others' expertise.
• Optimizes Work Processes: Knows the most effective and efficient processes to get things done, with a focus on continuous improvement. Pursues, explores, and develops ways to ensure own work is as effective as possible within all relevant processes. Shares an analysis of process problems with stakeholders; discusses how to resolve the issue.
• Ensures Accountability: Holds self and others accountable to meet commitments. Accepts responsibility for own work, both successes and failures. Handles fair share and does not make excuses for problems. Usually meets commitments to others.
• Communicates Effectively: Develops and delivers multi-mode communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences. Seeks out others' perspectives and asks good questions. Shares information that people want to know; gives appropriate context and details when speaking.
• Courage: Steps up to address difficult issues, saying what needs to be said. Is known for expressing views directly and respectfully; communicates what needs to be said. Assumes personal ownership and responsibility when confronted or challenged; shows readiness to learn and to resolve issues.

Work Environment

Physical Demands

Performs light work that involves walking or standing most of the time and involves exerting up to 20 pounds of force on a regular and recurring basis, or skill, adeptness and speed in the use of fingers, hands or limbs on repetitive operation of mechanical or electronic office equipment or tools within moderate tolerances or limits of accuracy.

Unavoidable Hazards (Work Environment)

Unavoidable hazards refer to the job conditions that may lead to injury or health hazards even though precautions have been taken.

Involves routine and frequent exposure to disease/pathogens. (Depending upon area of assignment.)

Special Information

County Core Values

All Broward County employees strive to demonstrate the County's four core behavioral competencies .

• Collaborates: Building partnerships and working collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives.
• Customer focus: Building strong customer relationships and delivering customer-centric solutions.
• Instill