OPS AGRICULTURAL TECHNICIAN II - 42901053

State of Florida • Winter Haven, FL

21d • $15

About The Position

This is a technical position responsible for inspecting and detecting diseased citrus trees and performing exotic pest surveys, regulatory tasks, and appropriate protocols within the state.

Requirements

• A high school diploma or its equivalent.
• Possession of a valid Driver License.
• Knowledge of plant cultivation.
• Knowledge of report writing, maps, portable GPS receivers, filing principles and procedures.
• Skill in completing and maintaining accurate records.
• Skill in performing basic math, report writing, and completion of forms.
• Ability to interact with the public and team members in a professional and courteous manner.
• Ability to recognize citrus varieties and other known host of citrus diseases.
• Ability to recognize Giant African Land Snail and other snails or slugs of economic importance.
• 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 apply required treatments for eradication of invasive plant pests.
• Ability to work outdoors in hot, cold, and humid environments.
• Ability to walk and conduct inspections in natural and cultivated areas on uneven ground and in inclement weather.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing and to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to prioritize assignments and work independently.
• Ability to lift 50 pounds and bend repetitiously.
• Ability to read and draw basic maps, determine location, and locate properties using street and geographic maps.
• Ability to operate a computer to access, retrieve, and update electronic records.

Responsibilities

• Surveying commercial citrus properties for expressed symptoms of citrus diseases.
• Collecting and submitting samples according to the program sample collecting procedures.
• Recording and reporting survey data using established protocols.
• Cooperating as a team player in the daily functions of their assigned crew and field station.
• Submitting timely and accurate reports of all work performed, including inputting records into Mobile Inspection apps.
• Maintaining records as required by program standards and all other reports as necessary including but not limited to vehicle reports, timesheets, and requests for leave.
• Daily cleaning of the vehicle and ATV.
• Performs all activities associated with the Giant African Land Snail (GALS) eradication program properly, timely, and in a responsible manner.
• Conducts field detection tasks, examining, collecting, preparing, and submitting insects and other arthropods, diseases, and soil samples using approved methods and sending samples to the appropriate technical bureau for confirmation.
• Performs inspection to monitor fruit movement in commercial groves and processing plants for compliance with the current CHRP regulations.
• Prepares and maintains records of regulatory events.
• Attends regulatory meetings and program training sessions as required.
• Communicates with growers and grower groups to assist with understanding CHRP regulations.
• Validates status of Grove Blocks / Multi-Blocks (MB) as part of ongoing ESRI site verification.
• Collects GPS reading for suspect plants and assist in sample collections.
• Responds to new and existing detections within the state and routine high-risk detections as scheduled which may require extensive travel working two weeks or more away from headquarters.
• Responds to emergency programs which necessitate prolonged absences form 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.
• Maintains a passing grade on all fruit fly related training material.
• Other related duties as directed by management.

Benefits

• Benefits include a LinkedIn Learning training account and optional insurance coverage.
• Participation in state group insurance (must meet eligibility requirements);
• Participation in the Florida Deferred Compensation Plan (457b).
• State of Florida 401(a) FICA Alternative Plan (tax deferred Retirement Savings Plan).
• Flexible Spending Accounts;
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED