Natural Resources Specialist (Mosquito Control)

This position involves technical and field work coupled with customer service in conducting Mosquito Control operations in accordance with Federal, State, and local regulations and policies to protect the health and welfare of the public.

Responsibilities

• Deal with citizens and internal customers to determine, review, and/or evaluate their needs, requests, problems, and complaints.
• Assess the need to schedule, schedule, and oversee adulticide and/or larvicide treatments or inspections as a result of customer calls and reviews of surveillance information.
• Ensure that personnel and equipment meet safety standards in relation to pesticide operations.
• Perform evaluations applying standard mosquito control and scientific practices and techniques in specific situations and operations utilizing independent judgment.
• Develop, interpret, and implement program procedures and policies in accordance and compliance with Federal, State, and County rules, regulations, and ordinances.
• Advise Mosquito Control staff and Division management regarding inquiries, problems/complaints, investigations, and resolutions as necessary.
• Travel as necessary to site locations to investigate citizen requests and identify localized mosquito problems.
• Maintain records of operations and information necessary to meet the requests of the public.
• Perform and assist in routine investigations involving compliance with environmental rules and license conditions; issue notices of violation and prepare correspondence dealing with enforcement of environmental rules and ordinances.
• Perform special research and investigate complaints pertaining to environmental problems; advise the public on policies regarding environmental issues; perform field evaluations and make recommendations on environmental aspects of resource management; prepare restoration and management plans.
• Review environmental license applications for consistency with federal, state, and local environmental laws and regulations.
• Develop manuals, guidelines, and procedures for implementing environmental resource programs; assist in writing, amending, and updating County environmental rules and regulations; prepare written reports and correspondence, and maintain enforcement case files; prepare grant request proposals.
• Prepare technical specifications for the procurement of materials and equipment used in diversified environmental projects; participate in designing environmental sampling programs to meet specific objectives.
• Make presentations to schools, civic groups, chambers of commerce, and other business and civic associations to publicize environmental programs and ordinances; coordinate programs with other County departments, municipalities, and agencies; prepare informational and educational materials and programs relating to environmental resources; develop and implement management.
• Track the progress of environmental protection and restoration efforts and work with contractors.
• Perform training, instruction, and supervision in the gathering, evaluation, and interpretation of hydrological, terrestrial, chemical, and/or marine physical and biological data.
• Review beach erosion control projects to ensure appropriate enhancement and protective environmental considerations; review water resource and habitat restoration plans for County impact; interpret laboratory and geotechnical data related to permits, compliance inspections, or enforcement actions; review operating, transfer, and closure permits for compliance with federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
• Perform related work as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in chemistry, geology, biology, or environmental science or a closely related field.
• Six (6) months of experience in natural resource protection based on area of assignment or closely related experience.
• Valid Florida Class E driver’s license for the duration of appointment.
• Knowledge of the principles, practices, theories, and regulations related to Mosquito Control and pesticides, as well as the means, methods, and techniques of data collection.
• Ability to read and interpret scientific reports, studies, and recommendations and apply them to County operations.
• Ability to analyze, advise, assist, and solve citizen/customer problems or concerns.
• Ability to communicate effectively in written and oral formats.
• Ability to work in the field under all types of conditions.
• Ability to work extended hours during peak season, mosquito outbreaks, and wildfires.
• In the event of a hurricane, major storm, natural, or man-made disaster, the employee will be required to perform emergency duties as directed.

Preferences

• Master’s Degree or higher in Chemistry, Geology, Biology, Entomology, or Environmental Science, or a closely related field.
• Training/certification in entomology, mosquito biology, and control techniques.
• State of Florida Class A or B Commercial Driver’s License.
• Forklift or Maintenance of Traffic Certification (MOT).
• GIS-related or horticulture Certification.
• FDACS Public Health Pest Control License.
• One (1) year of experience with using larvicide equipment and turbine sprayer (i.e., calibration of equipment, measuring/mixing, loading, and testing of biological larvicide materials such as Vectobac or similar products).
• One (1) year of experience with Surveillance and Testing activities (i.e., setting up traps, dip sampling, larval counts, data collection, and analysis).
• One (1) year of experience developing training programs and/or outreach presentations.
• One (1) year of training/experience in mosquito/insect biology and control techniques.
• One (1) year of experience using GPS or GIS applications.

Skills

• Tech Savvy: Anticipates and adopts innovations in business-building digital and technology applications. Investigates technologies to learn cutting-edge best practices. Uses digital/social media to benefit the team and add value to the work being done; understands how to avoid misuse of these tools.
• Manages Complexity: Makes sense of complex, high quantity, and sometimes contradictory information to effectively solve problems. Quickly determines the most critical data and focuses analysis there; recognizes even subtle symptoms that indicate problems; probes deeply for root causes; uses systematic problem-solving methods.
• Decision Quality: Makes good and timely decisions that keep the organization moving forward. Swiftly internalizes coaching on routine issues; handles issues confidently after instruction. Leverages rules and procedures to speed up decision-making. Confidently and quickly draws on others' expertise.
• Optimizes Work Processes: Knows the most effective and efficient processes to get things done, with a focus on continuous improvement. Pursues, explores, and develops ways to ensure own work is as effective as possible within all relevant processes. Shares an analysis of process problems with stakeholders; discusses how to resolve the issue.
• Ensures Accountability: Holds self and others accountable to meet commitments. Accepts responsibility for own work, both successes and failures. Handles fair share and does not make excuses for problems. Usually meets commitments to others.
• Communicates Effectively: Develops and delivers multi-mode communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences. Seeks out others' perspectives and asks good questions. Shares information that people want to know; gives appropriate context and details when speaking.
• Courage: Steps up to address difficult issues, saying what needs to be said. Is known for expressing views directly and respectfully; communicates what needs to be said. Assumes personal ownership and responsibility when confronted or challenged; shows readiness to learn and resolve issues.

Work Environment

Physical Demands: Performs light work that involves walking or standing most of the time and involves exerting up to 20 pounds of force on a regular and recurring basis, or skill, adeptness, and speed in the use of fingers, hands, or limbs on repetitive operation of mechanical or electronic office equipment or tools within moderate tolerances or limits of accuracy.

Unavoidable Hazards: Involves routine and frequent exposure to disease/pathogens (depending upon area of assignment).