Requisition No: 812234
Agency: Agriculture and Consumer Services
Working Title: ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST I – 42003308
Position Number: 42003308
Salary: $36,000.00 – $40,000.00
Posting Closing Date: 09/27/2023
ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST I
FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND CONSUMER SERVICES
OFFICE OF AGRICULTURAL WATER POLICY
***OPEN COMPETITIVE OPPORTUNITY***
This position’s headquarters is negotiable within Polk and Hillsborough County.
WHO WE ARE
The Office of Agricultural Water Policy (OAWP) works with agricultural producers, industry groups, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, the university system, and the Florida water management districts to develop and implement Agricultural Best Management Practices (BMPs) addressing both water quality and water conservation. Agricultural BMPs are practical, cost-effective actions that agricultural producers can take to conserve water and reduce the amount of pesticides, fertilizers, animal waste, and other pollutants entering our water resources.
WHAT WE DO
The FDACS Office of Agricultural Water Policy is involved in the development and implementation of BMPs; agricultural water quality and water supply policy and planning; administration of cost-share programs for the implementation of BMPs; BMP research and demonstrations; providing mobile irrigation lab services; and providing data and technical assistance to producers, stakeholders, and state agencies.
WHAT YOU WILL DO
As an Environmental Specialist I, you will be responsible for variety of exciting and meaningful assignments. This is an entry level, team-oriented, professional position that is headquartered out of the Hardee Field Office but has the option for remote work for people residing in Polk or Hillsborough Counties. A state vehicle will be provided for you to utilize for job related travel. As an Environmental Specialist I, you will be trained to understand the fundamentals of the BMP program and there will be opportunities for upward mobility as you gain experience. You will be expected to:
- Assist with conducting BMP enrollments with agricultural producers, using commodity specific manuals and checklists. This includes assisting with meeting on-site with agricultural producers to evaluate their operations, collaborate with them to identify and implement BMPs that are currently being applied and/or will need to be applied to their property, and fill out and submit their Notice of Intent to Implement BMPs (NOI). You will be the “boots on the ground” liaison who will effectively communicate the producer’s statutory obligation to enroll in the BMP program as defined by the Florida Watershed Restoration Act.
- Assist with conducting BMP implementation verification (IV) site visits every two years for producers already enrolled in the BMP program. When conducting an IV, you will meet on-site with the agricultural producer at their operation to confirm compliance with their site-specific BMPs that were marked as applicable during their enrollment. You will update their checklist to reflect any changes and implement any new BMPs as needed. The IV process also requires an evaluation of nutrient records to determine if the producer is utilizing applicable fertilizer rates as well as the evaluation and collection of nutrient data for nutrient applications containing nitrogen and/or phosphorous. The IV site visit and nutrient evaluation will be used to determine compliance with the BMP program and may require the producer to implement corrective measures.
- Assist producers with submitting cost-share applications for qualifying projects that address nutrient management, irrigation management, or water resource protection. You will also manage cost-share agreements in accordance with the Cost-Share SOP and help walk the producer through the entire process, from application to reimbursement.
- Provide technical support to all professional positions in the Hardee Field Office. This includes, but is not limited to map creation, data collection, BMP verification, progress tracking and response to requests for additional information.
- Assist in delivery of information to and from Soil and Water Conservation Districts and provide technical assistance to local University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences as needed. Assist the Environmental Manager by helping plan, and then participate in meetings, workshops, and field days and distribution of printed and electronic materials.
- Perform other work-related tasks, as required.
THE DIFFERENCE YOU WILL MAKE
The BMP program benefits agricultural producers because it gives them management strategies, tools, and practices that will improve their water quality, conserve water use, and protect water resources. The program is designed to be technologically and economically feasible for producers, so staff will assist them in obtaining the necessary resources to implement BMPs. You will be a vital component in assisting agricultural producers become more nutrient and water efficient while maintaining or improving productivity levels. You will also indirectly impact the lives of Florida citizens by contributing to environmental stewardship, enhancing water quality, and aiding with water conservation.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES – INCLUDING UTILIZATION OF EQUIPMENT, REQUIRED FOR THE POSITION
- Ability to access and research digital information and prepare documents using a personal computer with basic understanding of the internet, GIS, Adobe Acrobat and Microsoft Office products including Outlook scheduling.
- Ability to work independently to plan, organize, coordinate, and complete assignments in a timely manner.
- Ability to communicate both verbally and in writing.
- Ability to conduct inspections in agricultural production areas with uneven ground.
- Ability to interact with the public in a tactful and courteous manner.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Ability to be flexible, multitask, and meet tight deadlines.
- Ability to complete tasks with attention to detail under minimal supervision.
- Ability to determine work priorities and ensure proper completion of work priorities.
- Ability to travel.
- Ability to maintain a valid FL driver’s license.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
An associate’s degree from an accredited college or university or 6 months of experience in environmental protection, regulation; one of the physical or natural sciences; agriculture; or engineering.
Requires possession of a valid Driver’s License.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Occasional overnight travel may be required.
PAY RANGE: $36,000.00 – $37,800.00
THE BENEFITS OF WORKING FOR THE STATE OF FLORIDA
Working for the State of Florida is more than just a paycheck. The State’s total compensation package for employees features a highly competitive set of employee benefits, which include:
- Annual and Sick leave benefits.
- Nine paid holidays and one Personal Holiday each year.
- State Group Insurance coverage options, including health, life, dental, vision, and other supplemental insurance options.
- Retirement plan options, including employer contributions. For more information, please visit www.myfrs.com.
- Flexible spending accounts.
- Tuition waivers.
- And more!
For a more complete list of benefits, visit www.mybenefits.myflorida.com.
***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, duties and responsibilities, hours worked, supervisor, and formal education fields, etc. 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.
NOTES
Successful applicant must pass a background screening, including fingerprinting, as a condition of employment.
In carrying out the duties of this position, the incumbent is expected at all times to be aware of and abide by the FDACS Standards of Conduct, as well as any and all FDACS and/or work unit rules, directives, policies, procedures, and/or general orders applicable to performing the duties of this position.
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.
VETERANS’ PREFERENCE. Pursuant to Chapter 295, Florida Statutes, candidates eligible for Veterans’ Preference will receive preference in employment for Career Service vacancies and are encouraged to apply. Certain service members may be eligible to receive waivers for postsecondary educational requirements. Candidates claiming Veterans’ Preference must attach supporting documentation with each submission that includes character of service (for example, DD Form 214 Member Copy #4) along with any other documentation as required by Rule 55A-7, Florida Administrative Code. Veterans’ Preference documentation requirements are available by clicking here. All documentation is due by the close of the vacancy announcement.
Nearest Major Market: Lakeland
