Must have the physical, developmental and mental ability to perform job tasks, work efforts, responsibilities and duties of the job illustrated below:

MAJOR FUNCTION

This position will plan, develop, and implement educational and promotional outreach presentations for mosquito control. A portion of these will include outreach participation with internal and external partners. Take the lead on communications that directly involve outreach and education. Submit detailed annual budget requests each year to Mosquito Control Manager. Properly store all outreach materials and supplies and maintain a digital inventory record of all outreach resources. Effectively recruit staff to assist with outreach events when appropriate. Interacts and functions in the community with discretion and professional judgement. Assists as needed with the mosquito control training needs and occasionally provide support to mosquito control surveillance teams with special inspections.

ILLUSTRATIVE DUTIES

The Mosquito Control Education & Outreach Specialist will develop a strong understanding of integrated mosquito management to create content that communicates the benefits of mosquito control to the public.

Essential duties include:

• Develop, organize, and coordinate the public education program for mosquito control that focuses on prevention and control of mosquitoes, mosquito-borne diseases, and mosquito control operations.
• Coordinate with local school system to participate with science fairs and other in-school related activities. This can include teaching mosquito related activities in classrooms and other school related events.
• Develop public relationships. Work directly with Communication Specialist to create, edit, and publish informative social media posts supporting mosquito control for the public.
• Plan, organize and conduct in person presentations about Polk County Mosquito Control operations, prevention and control of mosquitoes and mosquito-borne diseases to homeowner associations, various special interest groups, public and private schools, and other organizations to promote mosquito control.
• Plan, organize, science-based demonstrations, and displays for mosquito control at special events, Government fairs and public held festivals.
• Assist as needed with disease surveillance, mosquito identification, resistance testing, and operational research projects.
• May apply pesticides or conduct inspections during times of increased mosquito-borne disease activity.
• Perform other mosquito control related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS

• Must have excellent computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office and Adobe PS.
• Must have good skills instructing and speaking to small or large groups, social media awareness, and ability to manage difficult situations.
• Able to interact efficiently and cooperatively with the public in a courteous manner.
• Ability to travel when necessary to attend conferences, workshops, and meetings, which typically require travel out of county and on occasion overnight stay.
• Must be able to understand and evaluate data to provide strategic guidance.

Must be able to monitor and evaluate current programs as well as determine the benefit of new initiatives.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Environmental Specialist I

• Graduate of an accredited high school or possess an acceptable equivalency diploma.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in education and outreach in mosquito control or related field.
• Must have a basic understanding and knowledge of insect biology or Florida ecosystems.
• Must have a valid driver's license and be able to secure a valid Florida driver's license at the time of employment within this classification.
• A comparable amount of related training and experience may be substituted for the minimum qualifications. Environmental Specialist II
• Bachelor's degree in biology, entomology, environmental science, communications, education or related field of study.
• A minimum of 3 years of experience in public outreach, education, or communications.
• Graduate of an accredited high school or possess an acceptable equivalent diploma and a minimum of 5 years of experience in education and outreach in mosquito control or related field.
• Must have a valid driver's license and be able to secure a valid Florida driver's license at the time of employment within this classification. Environmental Specialist III
• Master's degree in biology, entomology, environmental science, communications, education or related field of study.
• A minimum of 3 years of experience in public outreach, education, or communications.
• Bachelor's degree in biology, entomology, environmental science, communications, education or related field of study.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in public outreach, education, or communications.
• Must have a valid driver's license and be able to secure a valid Florida driver's license at the time of employment within this classification.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Selected applicants must successfully obtain the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Public Health Pest Control License within six (6) months of initial employment. All employees will be required to work before, during, or after an emergency. During an emergency, employees may temporarily be assigned to work and perform duties outside the normal scope of their position, location and work schedule to fit the needs of the County and its citizens.

SPECIAL PREFERENCE

Special preference given to those with knowledge or experience working in mosquito control.