ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST II - 42001865

Florida; Florida; On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND CONSUMER SERVICES in Florida is seeking an Environmental Specialist II to perform professional duties related to plant protection, certification, and regulation across the state. The role emphasizes field inspections, diagnostic work, and regulatory enforcement to safeguard native and cultivated flora.

Responsibilities include collecting samples, determining plant health, and coordinating with authorities on pest management and export compliance.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent and 1 year in environmental protection, regulation, health, or a related field.
• Bachelor's degree required for certain pathways.
• Must possess valid Class E driver license.

Responsibilities

• Inspect sites to minimize environmental and agricultural harm from invasive plant species and pests.
• Collect and submit samples, conduct field diagnostics, and initiate regulatory actions.
• Monitor nurseries and plant brokers for compliance with Florida laws.
• Issue and verify certificates and permits as required for plant material.

Skills

Knowledge of plant inspection

Knowledge of regulatory treatment of 


Knowledge of pesticide labeling

Ability to detect plant pests

Data analysis and recommendations

Interpreting rules and regulations

Effective communication

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college/university

Job description

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Requisition No:886833

Agency: Agriculture and Consumer Services

Working Title: ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST II - 42001865

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND CONSUMER SERVICES

DIVISION OF PLANT INDUSTRY

OPEN COMPETITIVE OPPORTUNITY

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• A high school diploma or its equivalent and one (1) year of experience in environmental protection, regulation, or health; one of the physical or natural sciences; agriculture; or engineering;
• A high school diploma or its equivalent and six (6) months of experience as an Environmental Specialist I or higher with the State of Florida;
• A bachelor's degree (4 years) from an accredited college or university.

Requires possession of a valid Class E driver license.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Authorized Certification Official for Phytosanitary Certificates.

Must obtain fruit fly certification within six months of appointment and maintain throughout employment in this position.

This position has regulatory responsibilities and is subject to the provisions of s. 112.313, Florida Statutes, and Section 60L-36.003, Florida Administrative Code.

Occasional travel, including overnight and sometimes up to two weeks at a time on an emergency program, is required.

NOTES:

To maintain fairness and integrity, applicants are required to provide honest and authentic responses during all stages of the evaluation and selection process. Applicants must rely on their own personal knowledge, thoughts, and impressions. A candidate’s use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools to answer qualifying questions or participate in interviews will be taken into consideration when determining qualification for the position.

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

This position is a short-term appointment and is expected to end on September 30, 2029.

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 the purpose of minimizing or eliminating environmental and agricultural harm associated with the introduction of invading plant species, plant pests and pathogens, and from the improper harvesting and trade of native endangered plants.

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. 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.

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.

Maintains knowledge of how to access and interpret plant export regulations of states and countries. Maintains Federal Authorized Certification Official for the issuance Federal Phytosanitary Certificates. 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.

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.

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.

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 and/or participates 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 as a trainer 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 management.

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,