OPS AGRICULTURAL TECHNICIAN II - 42915085

Florida; Coral Gables (FL); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

State group insurance (eligibility)

Florida Deferred Compensation Plan (R2

457b retirement savings plan

Job summary

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTUREAND CONSUMER SERVICES is seeking an OPS Agricultural Technician II to perform plant pest detection surveys and support GALS eradication efforts in multiple settings. The role requires travel, field inspections, and meticulous record-keeping across reports and mobile apps.

The candidate should have a high school diploma or equivalent and a valid driver's license, with the ability to obtain fruit fly certification within six months and pass a background check.

Qualifications

• Minimum requirements include a high school diploma or equivalent and a valid driver license.
• Must obtain fruit fly certification within six months of appointment and maintain it.
• Background screening and fingerprinting are required.
• Frequent travel including overnight and up to two weeks at a time.

Responsibilities

• Conducts plant pest detection surveys in various environments (agricultural, public, residential).
• Performs Giant African Land Snail (GALS) eradication program activities.
• Submits timely reports and inputs records into Mobile Inspection apps; maintains required records.
• Responds to detections with extensive travel as needed; may work two weeks away from headquarters.
• Conducts field detection tasks and submits samples to appropriate bureaus for confirmation.

Skills

Plant pest inspection techniques

Regulatory treatments of plants

Pesticide labeling restrictions

Spray equipment maintenance

Record-keeping and reporting

Detect plant pests

Travel up to two weeks

Lift up to 50 pounds

Outdoor field work

Reading maps

Effective written and verbal沟通

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Valid Driver License

Tools

Esri GIS

GPS devices

Microsoft Excel

Job description

OPS AGRICULTURAL TECHNICIAN II - 42915085

Date: Oct 7, 2026

The State Personnel System is an E-Verify employer. For more information click on our E-Verify Website .

Requisition No:885178

Agency: Agriculture and Consumer Services

Working Title: OPS AGRICULTURAL TECHNICIAN II - 42915085

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTUREAND CONSUMER SERVICES

DIVISION OF PLANT INDUSTRY

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• A high school diploma or its equivalent.
• Possession of a valid Driver License.

ATTENTION CANDIDATES

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must obtain fruit fly certification within six months of appointment and maintain throughout employment in this position.
• Frequent travel required, to include overnight and up to two weeks at a time.

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 applicant must pass a background screening, including fingerprinting, as a condition of employment.
• Benefits include optional insurance coverage.
• This advertisement may be used to fill multiple positions.

JOB DUTIES

• Conducts plant pest detection surveys in agricultural, public, and residential environs.
• Performs all activities associated with the Giant African Land Snail (GALS) eradication program properly, timely, and in a responsible manner.
• Submits timely and accurate reports of all work performed, including inputting records into Mobile Inspection apps. Maintain records as required by program standards and all other reports as necessary including but not limited to vehicle reports, time sheets, and requests for leave.
• Follows all established safety guidelines and additional practices set forth by management.
• Responds to new and existing detections within the state which may require extensive travel working two weeks or more away from headquarters.
• Conducts field detection tasks, examining, collecting, preparing, and submitting insects and other arthropods, diseases and plant material using approved methods and sending samples to the appropriate technical bureau for confirmation.
• Completes routine high-risk inspections as scheduled which may include extensive travel and require working two weeks or more away from headquarters.
• Analyzes assigned establishments for risk level and discussing changes with management.
• Assists in exotic pest surveys and protocols within the state.
• Responds to emergency programs which necessitate prolonged absences from assigned headquarters and unusual working hours.
• Interacts with coworkers, management, and the general public in a courteous and respectful manner at all times.
• Responds to consumer complaints, or when necessary, refers them to the proper agency.
• Attends meetings and workshops to keep current on Department activities.
• Attends public outreach events.
• Assists with inspections of plant material and other high-risk commodities for the purpose of excluding plant pests, including but not limited to fruit fly detection and import inspections.
• Passes fruit fly identification training annually.
• Performs other work as directed by management.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of techniques used in inspecting plants or other agricultural products.
• Knowledge of the regulatory treatments of plants and pesticide labeling restrictions.
• Knowledge of maintaining and repair various spray equipment or tanks.
• Skill in computer basics including Microsoft Word, Excel, Esri/GIS products, and GPS devices.
• Skilled in completing and maintaining accurate records.
• Ability to detect plant pests.
• Ability to recognize Giant African land snail and other snails or slugs of economic importance.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to interpret rules and regulations.
• Ability to interact with other employees and the public in a professional and courteous manner.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to tow and haul trailers and equipment safely down the road.
• Ability to travel to other areas of the state for up to two weeks at a time and commit to unusual work hours.
• Ability to read and draw basic maps and to locate properties using street and geographic maps.
• Ability to lift and transport up to 50 pounds and bend repetitiously.
• Ability to work outdoors in hot, cold, and humid environments.
• Ability to conduct inspections in natural and cultivated areas on uneven ground and inclement weather.
• Ability to apply required treatments for eradication of invasive plant pests.

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);

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.

Location: CORAL GABLES, FL, US, 33156 CORAL GABLES, FL, US, 33186

For assistance, call the People First Service Center at [phone] Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Eastern time. Pursuant to Florida Law, 110.211 F. S., the State of Florida is an EEO employer.