ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST I

Environmental Specialist I

This is a technical position assigned to provide survey, logistical, treatment, and safety activities for the Bureau of Pest Eradication and Control. Responsible for assisting in all phases of an emergency or special program which includes but is not limited to the survey, sampling, and delimiting of areas where programs are being implemented by the Department for plant pests and diseases. Perform preventive maintenance, calibration, and testing of equipment. Assist in the maintenance of the Cowperthwaite Complex and Dundee facility as required which can include but not limited to mowing, weed eating, trimming, and edging. Responsible for the calibration of equipment, mixing and application of pesticides, herbicides, insecticides, and other treatments as required per the labeling requirements. The operation of tractors, spray rigs, herbicide booms, and other related machinery or equipment. Inspects vehicles and equipment on a weekly basis and reports any issues or deficiencies with the supervisor and to take corrective action in a timely manner. This includes competing and submitting their equipment and vehicle checklists in a timely manner. Responsible for maintaining spray and treatment records at each site they are treating and would include observing treatments and any other activities that are being conducted by contractors working on behalf of the Department. Reporting of accidental spills to supervision and ensures that cleanup is in accordance with the label along with the proper disposal of empty chemical containers. All equipment will be cleaned after use, and all chemicals will be properly stored in a secure location. Communicating the status of treatments and any issues arising during treatment to supervision and offering recommendations as needed for the resolution or prevention of issues and the completion of work in a timely manner. Performs fruit fly trapping on both McPhail and Jackson traps as needed. Maintain and prepare insect traps as needed. Maintain and repair suction traps at their designated locations throughout the state. Responsible for prepping job sites for treatment activities which would include but not be limited to mowing and the delivery of equipment, supplies, and material. Performs other related work as directed by management.

Knowledge of techniques used in inspecting plants or other agricultural products. Knowledge of the regulatory treatment of plants and pesticide labeling restrictions. Knowledge of maintaining and repairing various spray equipment or tanks. Skill in computer basics to include Microsoft Word, Excel, ESRI database entry. Skill in conflict resolution. Ability to interact with other employees and the public in a professional and courteous manner. Ability to organize many tasks simultaneously. Ability to determine work priorities, assign work, and follow up on completion of work. Ability to solve problems and make decisions. Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external customers. Ability to work independently. Ability to interpret rules and regulations. Ability to lift and transport 50 lbs. and bend repetitiously. Ability to walk in natural and cultivated areas with uneven ground and in inclement weather. Ability to work in extreme hot, cold, wet, and humid environments.

The Benefits of Working for the State of Florida Working for the State of Florida is more than a paycheck. The State's total compensation package for employees features a highly competitive set of employee benefits including: 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 (For more information, please visit Flexible Spending Accounts; Tuition waivers; And more! For a complete list of benefits, visit For an estimate of the total compensation package for this position, please visit the "Total Compensation Estimator Tool" located above under the "Posting Closing Date."

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 postsecondary 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 clicking here. All documentation is due by the close of the vacancy announcement.