ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST I - 42001295

Requisition No: 299181

Agency: Agriculture and Consumer Services

Working Title: ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST I - 42001295

Position Number: 42001295

Salary: $30,988.62 - $34,087.56

Posting Closing Date: 02/09/2021

ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST I

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND CONSUMER SERVICES

DIVISION OF PLANT INDUSTRY

***OPEN COMPETITIVE OPPORTUNITY***

CONTACT:

Richard White, (727) 224-8727 or
Email: Richard.White@fdacs.gov

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major course of study in agriculture, or a physical or natural science.

Experience in the inspection, production or processing of plants or plant products, or in plant pest detection, can substitute on a year-for-year basis for the required education.

Possession of a valid Driver License.

***ATTENTION CANDIDATES***

To be considered for a position with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services:

• All fields in the Candidate Profile must be completed.
• Work history, hours worked, and formal education fields must be filled out to determine qualifications for this position.
• 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.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Occasional travel required.

This position has regulatory responsibilities and is subject to the provisions of Section 60L-36.003, Florida Career Service Rules and Regulations.

NOTES:

Successful applicant must pass a background screening, including fingerprinting, as a condition of employment.

JOB DUTIES:

GENERAL STATEMENT: This is a professional position responsible for the protection, certification, and regulation of native and cultivated flora within the state of Florida. This position conducts independent site inspections for minimizing or eliminating environmental and agricultural harm associated with the introduction of invasive plant species, plant pests and pathogens.

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.

Conducts field diagnostic tasks using approved sampling methods and equipment to collect laboratory samples. Detects, examines, collects, prepares, and submits insects and other arthropods, 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.

Maintains knowledge of how to access and interpret plant export regulations of states and countries. 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.

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.

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

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 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 on a voluntary basis as a trainer and/or supervisor for Other Personal Services (OPS) 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, accurate reports of all work performed.

Performs related work as directed by supervisor.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of techniques used in inspecting plants or other agricultural products.
• Knowledge of the regulatory treatments.
• 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 and cold temperatures.
• Ability to lift and transport up to 25-lb objects.
• Ability to conduct inspections in natural and cultivated areas with uneven ground.
• Ability to operate a computer to access and retrieve electronic information.

SPECIAL NOTES:

The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer, and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace.

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 (1-866-663-4735). 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. 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.