Job Type: Full time, on-site
Location: Hillsborough County, Florida - Plant City, Florida
Pay: $36,732.80-$47,752.64/year
Description:
This position provides a wide range of land management and restoration activities in support of the Environmental Lands Acquisition and Protection Program (ELAPP). This position is responsible for maintaining and improving the ecological health, public access, and long-term sustainability of natural preserves and conservation lands. Maintains trails and facilities, controlling invasive species, supporting prescribed fire operations, conducting habitat restoration, and assisting with environmental monitoring and public outreach.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Note: The following duties are illustrative and not exhaustive. 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. Depending on assigned area of responsibility, incumbents in the position may perform one or more of the activities described below.
Plans, schedules, and perform maintenance of existing and future access points, fire lanes, trails, and park sites across all ELAPP preserves.
Conducts routine maintenance of multi-use trails, including those designated for hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, and canoeing.
Installs, removes, repairs, and maintains preserve infrastructure such as fences, gates, and locks.
Plans, coordinates, and implement exotic and invasive plant control programs using appropriate mechanical and chemical methods.
Develop prescribed burn plans and assist in prescribed fire operations, including preparation and maintenance of fire lanes.
Participates in water quality monitoring and related environmental data collection efforts.
Assists with habitat restoration activities, including site preparation and planting of native vegetation.
Lead guided field trips and educational tours to promote public awareness and stewardship of ELAPP preserves.
Coordinates community and volunteer initiatives, including Boy Scout and Eagle Scout service projects.
Maintains preserve infrastructure such as signs, restroom facilities, and parking areas to ensure safe and accessible public use.
May provide guidance and training, and review the work of others to ensure accuracy, completion, and timeliness; may supervise lower-level staff.
Performs other related duties as assigned.
Job Specifications:
Advanced principles of ecology, habitat restoration, and land management. Techniques for invasive species control, prescribed burns, and environmental monitoring.
Applicable environmental regulations, safety standards, and best management practices. Leadership and project management principles for coordinating crews and volunteers.
Plan, coordinate, and lead complex land management and restoration projects.
Apply herbicides and control invasive species safely and effectively.
Conduct prescribed burns and implement fire management plans.
Supervise and train staff and volunteers in field techniques and safety protocols.
Communicate technical information effectively to staff, volunteers, and the public.
Work independently and exercise judgment in field operations.
Analyze environmental conditions and implement appropriate management actions.
Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and regulatory standards.
Lead public engagement activities, educational tours, and volunteer projects.
Maintain accurate records, report, and monitor data for management purposes.
Physical Requirements:
Requires performing physical labor on consistent basis
Must be able to work in adverse weather conditions in a subtropical climate.
Work involves being around flames and smoke. Work Category
Heavy work - Exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds or force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
Minimum Qualifications:
Graduation from high school or possession of a GED certificate; AND
Three years of field experience in a position related to environmental lands management; OR
An equivalent combination of education, training and experience that would reasonably be expected to provide the job-related competencies noted above; AND
Must obtain within 6 months of employment valid Restricted Use Pesticide License-Natural Areas Category, and maintain throughout employment; AND
Must pass basic firefighting training courses (S130, S190, L180) within 6 months of employment.
Additional Requirements for some positions
Possession of a valid Florida Class “B” Commercial Driver’s License with tanker endorsement may be required within 6 months of employment.
Possession of a valid Florida Class “A” Commercial Driver’s License with tanker endorsement may be required within 6 months of employment.
