OPS Apiary Inspector - 42915078

OPS APIARY INSPECTOR - 42915078

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OPS APIARY INSPECTOR

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: Ashley Pickett, Ph: (772) 359-3744

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

An associate's 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. Possession of a valid Driver License.

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.

***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 is required.

NOTES: To maintain fairness and integrity in our hiring process, the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools to answer qualifying questions or participate in interviews is strictly prohibited. Applicants must provide their own, authentic responses during all stages of the evaluation and recruitment process. Any candidate found using AI to assist in their answers will be disqualified from consideration. Successful applicant must pass a background screening, including fingerprinting, as a condition of employment.

JOB DUTIES: General Statement: This professional position is responsible for the protection, certification, and regulation of the apiary industry within the state of Florida through inspections for destructive and regulated honey bee pests and diseases.

Schedule necessary appointments with beekeepers and perform inspections of honey bee colonies for destructive and regulated pests and diseases. Conduct field diagnostic tests on bee hives and use approved sampling methods and equipment to collect samples for submission to the appropriate technical bureau for laboratory diagnostics. Initiate and implement appropriate regulatory action upon diagnosis, including quarantine and supervising the destruction or approved treatment of infected honey bee colonies to curtail the spread of injurious honey bee pests and diseases. Calculate, collect and remit registration fees. Ensure that all beekeepers in assigned district are registered with the Department, inspected, and in compliance with Chapter 586, Florida Statutes, and appropriate rules.

Maintain accurate records in appropriate database for assigned beekeepers. Perform special inspections upon request. Collect samples for certification purposes and issue certifications and permits, when appropriate. Collect or invoice special inspection fees.

Respond to a resolve consumer complaints regarding honey bees or refer them to the proper agency. Coordinate and investigate bee kill complaints. Assist other divisions with honey bee-related issues, when necessary.

Place, monitor, and maintain bait hives at high-risk locations around Florida for the early detection of injurious honey bee pests or diseases. Cooperate and collaborate with federal, state, academic and industry partners in the detection of feral or introduced honey bees, pests, diseases, as well as research projects to benefit the industry.

Timely and accurate submission of reports, including inspection reports, time sheets, vehicle logs, and travel vouchers. Maintain all state equipment, including state vehicles, in safe operating condition and according to established guidelines.

Stay informed of all beekeeping matters, including changes in state and federal laws. Be an ambassador for the state of Florida through public outreach about honey bees. Attendance and presentations may be required at meetings or workshops of the apiary industry, bureau, or other governmental training sessions.

Assist on special programs, such as plant pest eradication projects. These activities may necessitate absences from assigned headquarter or unusual working hours.

Performs related work as directed by supervisor.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of techniques used in the inspecting and management of honeybee colonies.
• Knowledge of the regulatory treatment of honeybee colonies.
• Knowledge of pesticide labeling restrictions.
• Ability to work in close proximity to stinging insects and to be stung.
• Ability to detect honeybee diseases and pests and to take appropriate regulatory action.
• Ability to lift and transport 70 pound objects and to work in extreme hot and cold temperatures.
• Ability to conduct inspections in natural and cultivated areas with uneven ground.
• Ability to operate computers and mobile devices and be proficient with email, spreadsheets, word processing software, and data entry.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to work independently without direct supervision for prolonged periods of time.
• Ability to adapt to changes and remain calm under stressful situations.
• Ability to interpret rules and regulations.
• Ability to drive frequently and for long distances to reach inspections.
• Ability to deal with the public in a tactful and courteous manner.

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/myhealth/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.