Job Type: On-site, full-time
Location: Carlton Reserve, Sarasota County, FL
Salary: $56,139/year
Description:
Join a dedicated team of land managers committed to protecting, preserving, restoring, interpreting, and maintaining Sarasota County's natural area preserves. This professional role involves coordinating activities that ensure safe park use and enhance visitors’ experiences. Key responsibilities include managing habitat restoration through prescribed fire, invasive species control, and species monitoring; organizing special events and environmental education programs; overseeing facility operations, maintenance, and reservations; supporting nature-based recreation initiatives; managing contracts and agreements; and recruiting, training, and coordinating volunteers.
Responsibilities:
Evaluate habitats (natural and altered) to formulate management strategies for their restoration and maintenance
Prepare and implement management plans for each managed site
Prepare FCT reports for applicable sites
Document and monitor nuisance and exotic plant and wildlife populations. Manage FISC 1 and 2 plants through multiple means including in-house and contractual services. Develop 5 -year invasive plant management plans and annual invasive plant work plans for each managed site
Document and monitor listed species occurrences/populations.
Prepare bid specifications and contractor oversight for resource management projects to be performed by an outside contractor.
When applicable, prepare grant applications for supplemental funding of resource management projects and any required follow-up if awarded.
Develop annual burn plan for each managed site and serve as crew on ecological burns
Monitor and maintain park facilities and amenities
Develop, present and/or coordinate interpretive programs for public education
Patrol County lands to provide staff presence to reduce security issues on County-managed lands
Prepare reports and other documentation as required
Assist with budget planning of assigned managed sites
Perform duties related to contract management as Contract Manager
Develop inter-agency agreements for cooperative natural resource management on County-owned lands
Preform annual conservation easement inspections and submit reports
Review research applications for each managed site
Review recreational use permit applications for each managed site
Coordinate and manage volunteers.
Respond to citizen concerns relating to assigned managed sites
Provide technical support and guidance to preserve management team and other work units
Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree from accredited college or university in biological or physical science or related field, -AND- 3 yrs. of professional experience.
-OR- Master’s degree may substitute for one year of professional experience.
-OR- Progressively responsible professional experience may be substituted on a year-for-year basis for the required college degree.
Pesticide Applicator License -OR- ability to obtain within 12 months.
Completion of Basic Wildland Firefighting (S-130/190) within 1 year
Preferred Qualifications:
Certified Natural Areas Manager obtain within three (3) years (time period may be extended if courses are unavailable).
Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (S-290), Wildland Fire Chainsaws (S-212) and Completion of ICS 100-200 within three (3) years (time period may be extended if courses are unavailable).
Understanding of best management practices for the management and oversight of cattle grazing program
Pass the moderate pack test and shelter deployment within one year from hire date and maintain annually.
Subject to Passing Substance Screening: This position is subject to passing a pre-employment substance screening. An applicant who fails to pass a required drug screening test shall be disqualified from employment in any class for a period of five (5) years.
Physical Demands: Employees must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 lbs using a handling device (dolly, cart, etc.) or working with another team member to lift and/or move excessive poundage of 50 plus pounds.
