OPS Agricultural Technician II - 42913238

Ops Agricultural Technician II - 42913238

The incumbent is responsible for exotic fruit fly detection, public relations, field diagnostic and sampling, and regulatory activities. Occasional travel is required. 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, and 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. To maintain fairness and integrity in the hiring process, the use of artificial intelligence tools to answer qualifying questions or participate in interviews is strictly prohibited. Benefits include a LinkedIn Learning training account and optional insurance coverage.

Job duties include:

• Exotic Fruit Fly Detection: Places and services fruit fly detection devices in accordance with the Florida Fruit Fly Detection Manual. Conducts plant pest detection surveys in agricultural and residential environments.
• Public Relations: Conducting themselves in a professional manner and presenting a neat, professional appearance to the public. Responding to consumer complaints, and attending meetings and workshops to keep current on department activities.
• Field Diagnostic and Sampling: Conducting field diagnostic tasks, using approved sampling methods and equipment to collect laboratory samples. Detecting, examining, collecting, preparing, and submitting insects and other arthropods, diseases and soil samples indexed to the appropriate technical bureau for confirmation.
• Regulatory Activities: Assisting with inspections of plant material and other high-risk commodities for the purpose of excluding plant pests.
• Emergency Programs: Assisting in exotic pest surveys and protocols within the state. Responding to emergency programs which necessitate prolonged absences from assigned headquarters and unusual working hours.

Knowledge, skills, and abilities include:

• Skilled in completing and maintaining accurate records.
• Ability to recognize citrus varieties and other known hosts of Exotic Fruit Flies.
• Ability to work outdoors in hot, cold, humid environments.
• Ability to walk on uneven ground and in inclement weather.
• Ability to deal with the public and team members in a professional and courteous manner.
• Ability to read and draw basic maps, and to locate properties using street and geographic maps.
• Ability to lift 25 lbs. and bend repetitiously.

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.