Requisition No: 831799 

Agency: Agriculture and Consumer Services

Working Title: OPS ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST I - 42913210

 Pay Plan: Temp

Position Number: 42913210 

Salary:  $17.00 Hourly 

Posting Closing Date: 07/08/2024 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

OPS ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST I
 

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND CONSUMER SERVICES
 

DIVISION OF PLANT INDUSTRY
 

***OPEN COMPETITIVE OPPORTUNITY --
THIS IS A FULL-TIME OTHER PERSONAL SERVICES (OPS) POSITION***
 

CONTACT:

Keith Zugar, Phone (305) 992-2279
 

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
 

An associate’s degree from an accredited college or university; or
 

6 months of experience in environmental protection, regulation, or health; one of the physical or natural sciences; agriculture; or engineering.
 

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 (an attached resume is not a substitution for the information required on the candidate profile). 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, including overnight and sometimes up to two weeks on an emergency program, required.
 

NOTES:
 

Benefits include optional insurance coverage and a LinkedIn Learning training account.
 

JOB DUTIES:
 

GENERAL STATEMENT: This is a professional position responsible for the survey, detection and interception of exotic and newly established plant pests for the purpose of minimizing or eliminating environmental and agricultural harm.
 

Inspects plant material (cut flowers, nursery stock and organic produce) and other high-risk commodities from other states and foreign countries locally and possibly at interstate interdiction stations for the purpose of excluding plant pests.   
 

Conducts field surveys for exotic and newly established plant pest detection surveys in natural, agricultural, and residential environments.  Uses approved sampling methods and equipment to collect laboratory samples. Detects, examines, collects, prepares, and submits insects and other arthropods, disease, plant, and soil samples indexed to the appropriate technical section for diagnosis and/or confirmation. 
 

Assists in implementing appropriate regulatory action upon field diagnosis. Initiates stop-sale order as appropriate to the field diagnoses.  
 

Works on special programs such as plant pest eradication projects, exotic pest surveys and protocols within the state, surveys, and regulatory enforcement actions. These activities may necessitate absences from assigned headquarters and unusual working hours and may require serving on a voluntary basis as a trainer and/or supervisor for OPS employees hired for these special programs.
 

Attends meetings and workshops and gives presentations to keep the public informed concerning the department’s pest survey activities. 
 

Maintains proper records of all functions and submits timely and accurate reports of all work performed.
 

Other duties as management may require, including special reports, special assignments and travel, committee appointments, task force appointments, etc.
 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
 

Knowledge of techniques used in inspecting plants or other agricultural products. Knowledge of the regulatory treatment of plants. 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, and to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others. Ability to access computer and retrieve electronic information. Ability to lift 25 lbs. and bend repetitiously. Ability to work outdoors in hot, cold, and humid environments. Ability to walk on uneven ground and in inclement weather.
 

The Benefits of Working for the State of Florida
 

Working for the State of Florida as an OPS employee is more than just a paycheck. 
 

Participation in state group insurance (must meet eligibility requirements*); Participation in the Florida Deferred Compensation Plan (457b).  For additional details and online enrollment visit MyFloridaDeferredComp.com; State of Florida 401(a) FICA Alternative Plan (tax deferred Retirement Savings Plan). For more information visit Social Security Alternative Plan (aigrs.com) and read OPS Social Security Alternative Plan (Does not apply to previous FRS Retirees); Flexible Spending Accounts; For a more benefits information, visit www.mybenefits.myflorida.com; Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
 

*Seasonal and part-time OPS employees (less than 30 hours average per  week) refer to People First at 877-562-7287 or go to: https://www.mybenefits.myflorida.com/health/eligibility_and_enrollment/ops_employees
 

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.