OPS DUTY OFFICER - 42903050 - Great Opportunity!

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) is a vital state agency responsible for ensuring the safe and efficient management of agricultural resources, protecting consumers, and managing Florida's vast natural resources, including forestry. Within FDACS, the Florida Forest Service plays a crucial role in wildfire prevention, control, and suppression across the state. The service works closely with local, state, and federal agencies to safeguard Florida's forests and communities from wildfire threats, ensuring the safety of natural habitats and residents alike. FDACS is currently seeking a dedicated and highly capable individual to join the Florida Forest Service as a full-time OPS Duty Officer. This position offers an hourly wage of $18.00 and is classified under a Temporary Other Personal Services (OPS) employment type, which provides a flexible yet committed work environment that requires readiness to respond to emergency situations and occasional travel for training and operational purposes. The Duty Officer serves as a critical communication and operational hub in support of fire suppression and emergency response operations. This role involves coordinating the deployment of firefighters, supervisors, pilots, and law enforcement personnel through a sophisticated communications center. The Duty Officer acts as a key point of contact during emergency incidents such as wildfires, smoke complaints, and other related emergencies, often requiring independent decision-making and sound judgment in high-pressure situations. Responsibilities of the Duty Officer extend beyond immediate emergency response. The position includes administrative duties like managing electronic and paper records, maintaining communication systems, assisting supervisors, and ensuring compliance with Standard Operating Procedures. The incumbent is also tasked with issuing burn authorizations across multiple counties, conducting on-site inspections and compliance checks, and providing essential information to landowners about burning laws and weather conditions that impact fire risks. Working as a Duty Officer means being an active member of the Communications Center team, handling incoming calls, relaying critical information to various stakeholders including the public and media, and keeping up-to-date information about fire departments and cooperating agencies. The role also entails gathering and disseminating daily fire weather forecasts to assist in planning and safety measures. The ideal candidate must possess a high school diploma or equivalent, with at least one year of experience in related fields such as radio-teletype operations, law enforcement, dispatching, forestry, firefighting, or other public contact roles. A valid Class E driver license is mandatory, and some college education can substitute for work experience. The position requires occasional travel, readiness to respond beyond normal working hours, and the ability to pass comprehensive background checks including fingerprinting. This position offers an excellent opportunity to be part of a mission-driven state agency committed to protecting Florida's natural resources and public safety. FDACS supports equal employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities and values authentic, personal responses through their hiring process without the use of artificial intelligence assistance. Employment with the State of Florida also comes with a range of valuable benefits including participation in state group insurance (subject to eligibility), Florida Deferred Compensation Plan (457b), a 401(a) FICA Alternative Plan, flexible spending accounts, and an employee assistance program, ensuring a well-rounded support system for its employees. Join the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services as an OPS Duty Officer and contribute directly to wildfire management and emergency response efforts that protect the people and environment of Florida.

• High school diploma or equivalent
• One year of experience in radio-teletype operations, sworn law enforcement, dispatching, forestry, firefighting or other public contact work
• Valid Class E driver license
• Occasional travel for training
• Ability to respond to emergencies including natural disasters outside normal work hours
• Successful completion of background screening including fingerprinting