Western Connecticut State University School of Professional Studies Health Promotion and Exercise Science Assistant Professor - Tenure Track Academic Year 2026 - 2027 Western Connecticut State University’s School of Professional Studies is pleased to announce that applications are being accepted for a tenure track Assistant Professor of Public Health in the department of Health Promotion & Exercise Sciences (HPX.) WCSU is committed to enhancing our diverse university community by actively encouraging people with disabilities, members of LGBTQIA and BIPOC communities, veterans, and women to apply. We take pride in our pluralistic community and continue to seek excellence through diversity and inclusion. WCSU is honored to be awarded the federal designation as a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI). This accomplishment marks a pivotal moment in our progress toward fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion within our campus community. The School of Professional Studies   www.wcsu.edu/sps/   is comprised of six (6) departments: Education, Education Psychology, Health Promotion & Exercise Science, Justice & Law Administration, Nursing, and Social Work. Undergraduatedegrees are offered in each of these professional fields, as well as Master’s degrees in Education, Counseling and Applied Behavioral Analysis, Homeland Security, Nursing and Doctoral degrees in Education and Nursing. The HPX department currently offers three (3) B.S. degree level programs in Health and Wellness Management, Public Health (with concentrations in Allied Health, Community Health, Fitness and Wellness, and Holistic and Integrative Health), Health Education (PK-12), as well as offering courses to fulfill the University’s Health and Wellness general education competency. HPX is also the home of the Institute for Holistic Health Studies. For more information, please visit the department’s webpage:   www.wcsu.edu/hpx/ . Information for the University can be found at   www.wcsu.edu/ . Position Summary:   Primary responsibilities will include teaching major requirement courses in the Public Health program, content specific courses within the Public Health options, and other courses as assigned. The faculty may supervise field-based public health internships as needed. Other responsibilities include advising students; serving on department, university and community committees; participating in the HPX department’s on-going Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) accreditation process; and engaging in professional and scholarly creative activities. Qualifications:   Candidates for this position should provide evidence of the following qualifications: A Doctoral degree in Public Health, Community Health. Health Promotion, Health Behavior, or related fields required. Experience in public health and health behavior disciplines and in curriculum development and instructional technology. Documented teaching experience at a four-year university/college is Additional preference given to applicants with experience teaching in the areas of public/community health, including; community needs assessment, health communication, health program design, health behavior theory, health program evaluation, health and public policy, epidemiology, and/or environmental and global public health. Applicants demonstrating experience working collaboratively with fellow faculty and community partners, and experience with service or experiential learning are preferred. WCSU is particularly interested in applicants who have experience working with students from diverse backgrounds and a demonstrated commitment to improving access to higher education for first generation and under-represented groups. A candidate who does not meet the above standards may also be appointed provided the candidate has credentials and/or experience substantially comparable to the above experience. WCSU’s small classes allow for student-based teaching and learning and project-based activities. Standard teaching load is 24-credits per academic year (12 credits) per semester. Salary & Benefits:   The hiring salary range is $73,912 – $86,231 and is commensurate upon candidates' experience. Western offers a comprehensive benefits package. Additional information on benefits can be found at   www.wcsu.edu/hr/benefits/ . There are grant opportunities to support research and conference attendance. Application Process:   Interested applicants must submit a letter of application, which outlines interest in and qualifications for the position; a statement outlining areas of teaching expertise and experience, areas of service and/or leadership, and research interests; a statement of teaching philosophy; a current curriculum vita; and the names and contact information for three (3) professional references who can comment on the applicant's teaching, scholarship, and professionalism. Questions may be directed to   hrpositions @wcsu.edu referencing Health Promotion & Exercise Science-Assistant Professor in the subject line. To apply, submit your materials to:   https://westernconnecticutstateuniversity.applytojob.com/apply/52OTP8Lv5w/Health-Promotion-And-Exercise-Science-Assistant-Professor All materials should be submitted as PDF files. Applications must be received by   Friday May 29, 2026 . Late applications will not be accepted. Western is an Affirmative Action Equal Opportunity Educator/Employer

Minimum Qualifications Bachelor's degree with major course work in environmental science, environmental engineering, chemistry, natural science, or a related field, and three years of professional level environmental related experience; or any equivalent combination of related training and experience. Applicants within six months of meeting the education/experience requirement may be considered for trainee status. A Valid Florida Driver License is required and a Motor Vehicle Record that meets the requirements of Alachua County policy #6-7; Motor Vehicle Records will be reviewed prior to employment. If, in the past 24-month period, the applicants Motor Vehicle Record has more than three (3) moving traffic infractions or three (3) or more at fault motor vehicle accidents (or combination of both and /or a conviction/pending charge for driving under the influence) or is in violation of any standard mandated by Federal or State Law or Regulation, the minimum qualifications are not met for the position. Successful completion of a pre-employment drug screen, Hazmat physical examination and successful completion of all applicable background checks pre-hire and ongoing are required. Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) 40 hour Certification is required within 6 months of hire into this classification and the 8 hour refresher course is required every year to maintain the certification. Position Summary This is a professional role providing oversight and coordinating inspections, testing, and enforcement of air, soil, and water pollution control ordinances, hazardous waste management or collection, as well as emergency response for hazardous material incidents and spills in Alachua County. The employee assigned to this classification is responsible for coordinating field and laboratory activities related to water quality, air, or soil quality or other environmental monitoring, assessment and remediation, technical review and oversight of contaminated site remediation, regulatory activities regarding hazardous materials, and hazardous waste collection.  Work is performed under the direction of a higher-level supervisor and is reviewed through conferences, reports, and observation of results obtained. Examples of Duties This is an emergency essential classification. Upon declaration of a disaster and/or emergency, all employees in this classification are required to work. Exudes a positive customer service focus. Advocates building organizational culture through aligning decisions with County’s core values. Conducts and supervises field collection of samples and/or data and/or observations for environmental analysis, evaluates data, prepares reports and recommendations. Coordinates with other regulatory agencies and municipalities on inquiries and code requirements. Provides guidance and oversight and enforcement of federal, state and local environmental regulations. Evaluates inspection and monitoring data from multiple sources. Examples may include solid waste management sites and hazardous materials management facilities and evaluating data from other agencies as appropriate. Prepare reports and recommendations. Prepares case evidence and testifies, as needed, at administrative hearings and/or court as a technical witness or enforcement officer and/or to support enforcement actions. Performs rotational 24/7 on call and emergency response as required for hazardous materials incidents/releases within the County and coordinates remediation of spills. Interacts and coordinates with inter-agencies, state and federal agencies as needed/required. Performs periodic compliance and enforcement inspections of regulated facilities, contaminated sites, remediation sites, and other environmental sites to ensure compliance with and enforcement of local codes, ordinances, state and federal regulatory programs; reviews permits and compliance status. Manages remediation activities at environmental sites, including technical and/or cost oversight of engineering contractors for compliance monitoring, contamination assessments and remedial actions arising from groundwater, surface water, soil or ambient air contamination with hazardous or toxic materials and petroleum products to ensure compliance with program regulations and local ordinances. Prepares and reviews purchase orders or work orders and reviews invoices for work performed or services or goods provided by contractors and vendors in support of county or state contracted regulatory programs or hazardous materials and waste management programs. Performs emergency spill response as required for hazardous materials or petroleum product spills in support of county, state and federal regulations and in support of first responders and coordinates remediation of spills. Assists in developing pollution control, air pollution and hazardous and solid waste elements of land development regulations, County Comprehensive Plan, and ordinances and regulations. Oversees and enforces compliance with federal, state and local regulations, including the proper storage, handling, transportation and disposal of hazardous materials.Responds to citizen and multi-agency inquiries and complaints related to hazardous materials and hazardous waste issues. Receives complaints regarding violations of environmental regulations, codes, and ordinances and/or site-specific rules, plans, and guidelines; investigates potential civil and/or criminal enforcement situations for corrective action and resolution. Coordinates and conducts hazardous materials outreach and education. Prepares and revises procedures and implements staff training on various hazardous materials safety policies and procedures including proper documentation and training records. Operates, as required, motor vehicles (including departmental motor vehicles), in order to conduct job duties that may include field tests, inspections, evaluations, emergency response and investigations to obtain data for use in determining code compliance, sources of, and methods for controlling County-wide environmental pollutants, performing on-site evaluations, emergency response operations for hazardous materials and other ecological monitoring as appropriate.  Performs the duties listed, as well as those assigned, with professionalism and a sense of urgency.  NOTE: These examples are intended only as illustrations of the various kinds of work performed in positions allocated to this class. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES Thorough knowledge of the technical methods and procedures involved in the administration of environmental regulations, programs and policies. This may include technical methods and procedures and general environmental programs such as solid waste management, hazardous waste disposal, and air and water quality monitoring. Considerable knowledge of environmental sampling procedures and equipment. Knowledge of local, state, and federal rules, regulations, and ordinances related to environmental protection.  Knowledge of applicable codes, ordinances, statutes, rules, regulations, program policies, technical guidance, and memoranda. Knowledge of hazardous materials and hazardous waste regulations and emergency response operations. Working knowledge of MS Office Suite, ArcMap, GIS, data management and data validation. Knowledge of word processing and data management programs and Geographic Information Systems. Knowledge of Incident Command, National Incident Management System and Unified Command. Skill in the operation of motor vehicles, small equipment and machinery. Ability to apply engineering and scientific principles and methods. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Ability to create concise, clear and succinct technical reports. Ability to research technical problems, formulate recommendations, and compile related reports. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, the general public and other County agencies. Ability to clearly communicate with 911 dispatchers and emergency personnel for emergency responses. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls. The employee frequently is required to talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; and smell. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include color vision, close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee frequently works in outside weather conditions.  While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in various facilities, near moving mechanical parts, potential elevation with climbing and occasionally works in precarious places.   The employee may perform field work in inclement weather and harsh conditions such as wet areas and dense brush with biting insects, venomous animals or irritating plants and allergens.  The employee is occasionally exposed to vapors, fumes or airborne particles and toxic or caustic chemicals.  The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to low. Supplemental Information Experience with Aloha, Cameo and ERDSS is beneficial, but not required. An organization is only as good as the people it employs. To attract and retain the best team possible, the Alachua County Board of County Commissioners offers a competitive benefit program. We believe that if we expect our employees to support the County, we must first support the health and financial well-being of our employees and their families, now and as they plan for their future. BoCC-Contributed Benefits Medical/Health Insurance   Employee Life Insurance   Florida Retirement System   Employee Assistance Program Optional Benefits Dental Insurance   Vision Insurance Supplemental & Dependent Life Insurance Deferred Retirement Program Flexible Spending Accounts Roth IRA Tuition Assistance Program   NOTE: For detailed information regarding available benefits click here. You may also view Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) regarding benefits.  FLORIDA RETIREMENT SYSTEM (FRS) The Florida Retirement System is a retirement plan designed to provide an income to a vested employee and his/her family when the employee retires, becomes partially or totally disabled, or dies prior to retirement.  A defined benefit or defined contribution option may be chosen by the employee. TUITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM Permanent, full-time employees are eligible for educational assistance funds. Contact the Human Resources Office for program details. HOLIDAYS Holidays are as follows:  New Years Day   Martin Luther King Day   Memorial Day   Juneteenth Independence Day   Labor Day   Veterans' Day   Thanksgiving Day   Friday following Thanksgiving   Christmas Eve (IAFF*)   Christmas Day   Additional Christmas Holiday (All non-IAFF employees)   2 Floating Holidays  (All non- IAFF employees) *IAFF – International Association of Firefighters Pay periods are every two weeks, Monday through Sunday. Payday is Friday. International Association of Firefighters follow the General Contract 7k regarding holidays. Vacation Leave – Generous vacation accrual rates with payout of unused accrued leave, with some restrictions. For more detailed information regarding vacation leave refer to Employee Policy Manual, Section 7-2 . Sick leave is earned at a rate of 4 hours per pay period by all permanent, full-time employees*. At the end of each fiscal year, eligible employees can convert up to 10 days of accrued sick leave to vacation leave on a 2:1 basis. For more detailed information regarding sick leave refer to Employee Policy Manual, Section 7-3   *Accruals slightly different for IAFF employee.

Minimum Qualifications Bachelor's degree in criminal justice, behavioral sciences, social work, or related field and two years of related professional experience which must include a minimum of one year of case management experience; or any equivalent combination of related training and experience. Applicants within six months of meeting the minimum education/experience requirement may be considered for trainee status. A Valid Florida Driver License is required and a Motor Vehicle Record that meets the requirements of Alachua County policy #6-7; Motor Vehicle Records will be reviewed prior to employment.  If, in the past 24-month period, the applicants Motor Vehicle Record has more than three (3) moving traffic infractions or three (3) or more at fault motor vehicle accidents (or combination of both and /or a conviction/pending charge for driving under the influence) or is in violation of any standard mandated by Federal or State Law or Regulation, the minimum qualifications are not met for the position.   Must successfully obtain the FDLE Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS) Certification within 6 months of employment OR assignment requiring access to the Florida Crime Information Center (FCIC)/National Crime Information Center (NCIC). Certification must be maintained as a condition of employment; re-certification required every two years.  This is a Level One certification.  Must successfully obtain the National Association of Pretrial Services Agencies (NAPSA) Certified Pretrial Services Professional (CPSP) certification for release within one year of employment and maintain certification in accordance with NAPSA standards; recertification required every three years.  Successful completion of all applicable background checks pre-hire and ongoing are required. Position Summary This is highly responsible professional case management work providing maximum supervision to high risk offenders placed on electronic monitoring as a condition of pretrial release/or misdemeanor probation for the Alachua County Department of Court Services/Pretrial Services program. An employee assigned to this classification manages a caseload of offenders and confers daily with offenders, legal representatives, family members, employers, the vendor providing electronic monitoring services, the judiciary, social service agencies, treatment agencies, and other concerned persons in order to monitor compliance with court-ordered conditions of release. Work is performed under the direction of a higher-level supervisor and is reviewed through conferences, reports, and observation of the results obtained. Examples of Duties ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS   This is an emergency essential classification. Upon declaration of a disaster and/or emergency, all employees in this classification are required to work. Exudes a positive customer service focus.  Advocates building organizational culture through aligning decisions with the County's core values. Conducts intake for all offenders eligible to participate in the electronic monitoring program and manages offenders placed on electronic monitoring by verifying location, ensuring alert resolution in a timely manner. Installs/hooks up equipment in the offender's home and enrolls offenders into tracking software, ensuring accuracy of the offender's contact information and home address, and the victim's contact information; makes routine visits to the home and/or workplace. Establishes geozones and monitors offender movement to comply with the Court’s orders. Instructs offenders of all conditions of the pretrial release or probation, as applicable. Case manages offenders through making referrals for employment, treatment programs and other assistance as needed. Makes contact with offenders in the field and office according to established risk classification. Contacts are also made with family members, employers, and significant others on a routine basis. Travels to sites within the state to retrieve electronic monitoring hardware and equipment when applicable.  Conducts special investigations to determine if the defendant meets program criteria, which may include: verification of pertinent information related to social background, criminal history, substance abuse, employment history, family structure, and mental health history. Generates case management notes and provides monthly progress reports and violation reports related to the offender's non-compliance with conditions of release or sentence to the Courts. Monitors treatment compliance through established review with local treatment agencies. Maintains case management notes in the Court Services information system; maintains proficiency using computers and other criminal justice-related information systems. Troubleshoots, diagnosis, and escalates electronic monitoring hardware and software issues. Serves as Officer of the Day to provide coverage of daily operations for officers who are not present in the office. Maintains records on all cases via documentation in the Court Services Information System. Compiles information to ensure accurate statistics are available for monthly reports. Drives a County and/or personal vehicle to perform required duties.  Performs the duties listed, as well as those assigned, with professionalism and a sense of urgency. NOTE: These examples are intended only as illustrations of the various kinds of work performed in positions allocated to this class. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES Considerable knowledge of the laws, rules and regulations pertaining to electronic monitoring programs, pretrial release and probation in the State of Florida. Knowledge of the operation of the Alachua County criminal justice system. Knowledge of community employment resources including business organizations and employment agencies. Knowledge of procedures and legalities involved in conducting pretrial release recommendations and misdemeanor probation supervision as well as other special investigations. Knowledge of basic theory and current practice in the treatment of alcohol abuse, drug abuse, and mental illness. Knowledge of electronic monitoring and global positioning equipment capabilities. Knowledge of case management. Knowledge of electronic monitoring supervision. Knowledge of local treatment agencies and other providers who offer assistance to offenders. Through knowledge of local and national criminal history reports. Ability to comprehend local and national criminal history reports. Ability to use computers and other criminal justice-related information systems. Ability to hook up and test electronic monitoring equipment. Ability to assess offenders in emergency situations and implement solutions to resolve problems. Ability to plan, organize work, and manage time effectively. Ability to relate to and react to the needs of offenders in the area of securing employment. Ability to objectively evaluate personal requests of offenders and make responsible decisions. Ability to create and maintain accurate case management records within a computerized system. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing, and to prepare and organize written reports for the Courts. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with offenders, judges, law enforcement personnel, other County employees and the general public. Ability to operate electronic monitoring and global positioning equipment. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, and the ability to adjust focus. WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Supplemental Information Preferred experience -GPS/Electronic Monitoring.    An organization is only as good as the people it employs. To attract and retain the best team possible, the Alachua County Board of County Commissioners offers a competitive benefit program. We believe that if we expect our employees to support the County, we must first support the health and financial well-being of our employees and their families, now and as they plan for their future. BoCC-Contributed Benefits Medical/Health Insurance   Employee Life Insurance   Florida Retirement System   Employee Assistance Program Optional Benefits Dental Insurance   Vision Insurance Supplemental & Dependent Life Insurance Deferred Retirement Program Flexible Spending Accounts Roth IRA Tuition Assistance Program   NOTE: For detailed information regarding available benefits click here. You may also view Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) regarding benefits.  FLORIDA RETIREMENT SYSTEM (FRS) The Florida Retirement System is a retirement plan designed to provide an income to a vested employee and his/her family when the employee retires, becomes partially or totally disabled, or dies prior to retirement.  A defined benefit or defined contribution option may be chosen by the employee. TUITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM Permanent, full-time employees are eligible for educational assistance funds. Contact the Human Resources Office for program details. HOLIDAYS Holidays are as follows:  New Years Day   Martin Luther King Day   Memorial Day   Juneteenth Independence Day   Labor Day   Veterans' Day   Thanksgiving Day   Friday following Thanksgiving   Christmas Eve (IAFF*)   Christmas Day   Additional Christmas Holiday (All non-IAFF employees)   2 Floating Holidays  (All non- IAFF employees) *IAFF – International Association of Firefighters Pay periods are every two weeks, Monday through Sunday. Payday is Friday. International Association of Firefighters follow the General Contract 7k regarding holidays. Vacation Leave – Generous vacation accrual rates with payout of unused accrued leave, with some restrictions. For more detailed information regarding vacation leave refer to Employee Policy Manual, Section 7-2 . Sick leave is earned at a rate of 4 hours per pay period by all permanent, full-time employees*. At the end of each fiscal year, eligible employees can convert up to 10 days of accrued sick leave to vacation leave on a 2:1 basis. For more detailed information regarding sick leave refer to Employee Policy Manual, Section 7-3   *Accruals slightly different for IAFF employee.

Minimum Qualifications Graduation from high school or equivalent; six months experience preferred in animal care/control, assisting at a veterinarian facility, kennel, and/or handling shelter animals or any equivalent combination of related training and experience.   As a condition of employment incumbents must meet all Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) requirements/prerequisites to handle controlled substances.  Successful completion of a pre-employment drug screen & physical examination and successful completion of all applicable background checks pre-hire and ongoing are required. Position Summary This is animal shelter work responsible for the safe and humane handling of animals and providing basic care of animals and animal facilities in the Alachua County Animal Resources & Care Department. An employee assigned to this classification is responsible for providing daily care, feeding, cleaning, and monitoring the health and well-being of animals, such as dogs, cats, pocket pets, and other animals in need.    Work is performed under the direction of a higher – level supervisor and is reviewed through conferences, reports, and observation of results obtained.  Examples of Duties ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS This is an emergency essential classification. Upon declaration of a disaster and/or emergency, all employees in this classification are required to work. Exudes a positive customer service focus. Advocates building organizational culture through aligning decisions with the County's core values.    Cleans and disinfects kennels, cages, pens, yards, and general grounds.  Washes laundry and dishes.  Feeds and waters animals according to schedules. Examines animals for signs of illness and treats them according to Veterinarian instructions.  Transfers animals between quarters.  Adjusts controls to regulate temperature and humidity of animal's quarters. Provides enrichment for the animals such as making treats, walking animals, and playtime and exercise with the animals.  Comforts animals when needed. Assists the public with reclaims and adoptions. Interacts with the public including adoption counseling, foster requests, dog to dog interactions, playgroups and assist staff requests for processing.   Performs intake of the animals including taking photos, providing core vaccines, flea treatment and dewormer.  Updates animal records in computer system. Records information according to instructions such as gender, breed, diet, weight, location, behavior, medications, food intake, and identifiers. Reports signs of illness or unusual behavior in animals to supervisor. May restrain unclaimed and/or unwanted animals for humane euthanasia, including large-breed (50 pounds or greater) dogs.   Performs the duties listed, as well as those assigned, with professionalism and a sense of urgency. NOTE: These examples are intended only as illustrations of the various kinds of work performed in positions allocated to this class. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES Knowledge of the care and handling of animals. Ability to treat animals and people with respect. Ability to recognize signs of stress or disease in animals.  Ability to restrain and handle hostile or large animals. Ability to assist with humane euthanasia procedures. Ability to deal effectively with the public and co-workers in a professional manner, especially during emotional or stressful situations.  Ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing. Ability to comprehend and follow oral and written instructions. Skills with Pet Care and Animal Handling and Care.  PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand and walk. The employee frequently is required to reach with hands and arms and use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls. The employee is occasionally required to talk or hear, and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include color vision. WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to wet and/or humid conditions and toxic or caustic chemicals. The employee occasionally works in outside weather conditions and is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles.  Potential exposure to zoonotic diseases (e.g., ringworm). Subject to animal bites and scratches. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud. An organization is only as good as the people it employs. To attract and retain the best team possible, the Alachua County Board of County Commissioners offers a competitive benefit program. We believe that if we expect our employees to support the County, we must first support the health and financial well-being of our employees and their families, now and as they plan for their future. BoCC-Contributed Benefits Medical/Health Insurance   Employee Life Insurance   Florida Retirement System   Employee Assistance Program Optional Benefits Dental Insurance   Vision Insurance Supplemental & Dependent Life Insurance Deferred Retirement Program Flexible Spending Accounts Roth IRA Tuition Assistance Program   NOTE: For detailed information regarding available benefits click here. You may also view Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) regarding benefits.  FLORIDA RETIREMENT SYSTEM (FRS) The Florida Retirement System is a retirement plan designed to provide an income to a vested employee and his/her family when the employee retires, becomes partially or totally disabled, or dies prior to retirement.  A defined benefit or defined contribution option may be chosen by the employee. TUITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM Permanent, full-time employees are eligible for educational assistance funds. Contact the Human Resources Office for program details. HOLIDAYS Holidays are as follows:  New Years Day   Martin Luther King Day   Memorial Day   Juneteenth Independence Day   Labor Day   Veterans' Day   Thanksgiving Day   Friday following Thanksgiving   Christmas Eve (IAFF*)   Christmas Day   Additional Christmas Holiday (All non-IAFF employees)   2 Floating Holidays  (All non- IAFF employees) *IAFF – International Association of Firefighters Pay periods are every two weeks, Monday through Sunday. Payday is Friday. International Association of Firefighters follow the General Contract 7k regarding holidays. Vacation Leave – Generous vacation accrual rates with payout of unused accrued leave, with some restrictions. For more detailed information regarding vacation leave refer to Employee Policy Manual, Section 7-2 . Sick leave is earned at a rate of 4 hours per pay period by all permanent, full-time employees*. At the end of each fiscal year, eligible employees can convert up to 10 days of accrued sick leave to vacation leave on a 2:1 basis. For more detailed information regarding sick leave refer to Employee Policy Manual, Section 7-3   *Accruals slightly different for IAFF employee.