Land Management Specialist

Job Type: Full-time, on-site

Location: Lake Apopka, Mount Dora, FL

Salary: $45,864-$57,324/year

Job Duties:

  • Monitors natural communities for management needs and effects of management activities; assists in the development and implementation of the Area Management Plans by providing firsthand knowledge of properties and ground investigations; ensures proper implementation of restoration projects, forestry operations, and other activities through supervision of contractors, volunteers, and direct participation; create scopes of work and manages various Land Management related contracts. Assists in the support and development of Land Management Database. Assists with herbicide application as needed.

  • Participates in controlled burning activities for natural resource enhancement, restoration, and fuel reduction. Develops plans, prescriptions, and resource needs related to fire control. Participates in fire suppression activities. Supervise and participate in establishment and maintenance of fire lines. Coordinates fire activities with coworkers, neighbors, and other agencies.  Monitors short and long-term effects of fire management and helps support fire management database.

  • Coordinates with other agencies and local governments on development and implementation of land management agreements; encourages public support for the land management program by supervising the installation of public access points and facilities and managing their use; responding to public inquiries; supervising public use; conducting tours; making presentations; and attending meetings.

  • Protects District lands and facilities by assisting in the development of security plans, observing and reporting activities such as vandalism, poaching and wildfires, and maintaining good relations with local law enforcement personnel.

  • Assist with monitoring, mapping, banding, and general management of listed bird species, as needed.  Provide knowledge and assist in the management of other listed flora and fauna.

  • Assists the coordination of the land management program with other departments, agencies, and lessees by assisting in the formulation of agreements and licenses, managing leases, ensuring compliance with agreements and licenses, and maintaining contracts with cooperators and lessees.

Abilities:

  • Communicate with supervisors, co-workers, members of the public, volunteers and other agency personnel.

  • Read and interpret maps.

  • Handle various tasks and projects with minimal supervision. 

  • Preferred candidate with basic fire management and terrestrial herbicide application experience. 

Skills: Natural communities, flora, and fauna identification; basic forest management activities: marking, cruising, reforestation small equipment operation; basic computer programs, GPS, GIS. 

Physical Requirements/Working Environment: Endure harsh outdoor environments in uncomfortable/extreme temperatures, inclement weather, rough terrain, venomous animals, rain, and other potential hazards. Participate in prescribed fire and wildfire management activities; drive trucks, ATVs, tractors, (other equipment), trailering of equipment, operate or learn to operate airboats, participates with invasive plant management activities as needed. Occasional overnight travel required. 

Minimum Qualifications:

A Bachelor of Science degree from an accredited college or university with a major in forestry, ecology, natural resources, wildlife management, natural science, or related field; or an associate degree from an accredited college in biology, environmental science, forest technology or related natural resource field and two years of progressively responsible natural resource management experience. Progressively responsible experience in natural resource management can substitute on a year-for-year basis for the required education. SJRWMD has determined this to be a mandatory-testing position as described in Section 440.102, Florida Statutes. Any offer of employment for a mandatory-testing position and will be contingent upon successfully passing a drug screening paid by SJRWMD. The SJRWMD Drug Free Workplace Policy is available for review in the Careers section at www.sjrwmd.com.