ATTENTION MILITARY AFFILIATED JOB SEEKERS - Our organization works with partner companies to source qualified talent for their open roles. The following position is available to Veterans, Transitioning Military, National Guard and Reserve Members, Military Spouses, Wounded Warriors, and their Caregivers. If you have the required skill set, education requirements, and experience, please click the submit button and follow the next steps. Unless specifically stated otherwise, this role is "On-Site" at the location detailed in the job post.
Salary: $39,000.00 - $42,900.00
JOB DUTIES:
GENERAL STATEMENT: This is a professional position which supports fruit fly detection activities by building, servicing, and placing traps for the purpose of protecting against exotic fruit fly introductions that threaten Florida’s agriculture industry.
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, plant disease and soil samples indexed to the appropriate technical bureau for confirmation. Initiates appropriate regulatory action upon field diagnosis.
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.
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 and unusual working hours and may require serving as a trainer and/or supervisor 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 supervisor.
Additional Qualifications/ResponsibilitiesMINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
An associate degree from an accredited college or university; or
Six (6) months of experience in apiculture, environmental protection, regulation, or health; one of the physical or natural sciences; agriculture; or engineering.
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 to meet the minimum requirements of a position must be prepared to provide a copy of a credential evaluation conducted by an Approved Credential Evaluation Agency. A list of approved agencies can be viewed at “Approved Credential Evaluation Agencies, Florida Department of Education.” Approved Credential Evaluation Agencies (fldoe.org)
Requires possession of a valid Class E 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, duties and responsibilities, hours worked, supervisor, and formal education fields, etc. must be filled out to determine qualifications for this position.
Responses to Qualifying Questions must be verifiable in the Candidate Profile.
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 lift and transport 25 lb. objects.
Ability to work in extreme hot and cold temperatures.
Ability to conduct inspections in natural and cultivated areas with uneven ground.
Ability to operate a computer to access and retrieve electronic information.
