Land Management Technician

About the role

The Land Management Technician role provides entry to intermediate level work for the Natural Resources Division within the Parks, Recreation & Natural Resources department. Responsibilities include land management activities and maintenance, biological/ecological assessments, wildlife monitoring, volunteer coordination, educational program development, and public outreach.

Responsibilities

• Conduct routine land management duties assisting the Land Manager on lands managed under the Environmental Lands Acquisition and Management Program.
• Perform semi-skilled labor and tasks using hand and power tools, light and heavy-duty maintenance equipment, prescribed burning activities, and mechanical/chemical invasive plant treatments.
• Assist with management of projects assigned by the Land Management Coordinator.
• Maintain grounds, trails, and recreation areas by cleaning, mowing, edging, trimming, and general upkeep.
• Plant, prune, and trim bushes, shrubs, and trees.
• Assist with general site maintenance such as emptying trash, cleaning, painting, repairing gates, fences, and irrigation systems.
• Conduct wildlife and vegetation surveys, site security inspections, and routine maintenance inspections.
• Assist with prescribed fire operations and other resource management activities.
• Maintain data collected from surveys and produce documentation as needed.
• Assist with grant requirements as necessary.

Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to work a rotating schedule including nights and weekends.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• General knowledge of land management principles and methods.
• Knowledge or ability to learn to identify Florida ecosystems, including flora, fauna, and their biological and ecological functions.
• Ability to use and maintain hand and power tools for maintenance and land management.
• Ability to learn project management best practices.
• Ability to learn budget management and purchasing procedures.
• General knowledge of herbicides, their application, safety precautions, mixing, and application rates.
• General knowledge of federal, state, and local regulations pertaining to wetland protection and listed species.
• Effective interaction and communication with the public for educational outreach programs.
• Ability to organize and communicate effectively with volunteers and the public in verbal and written form.
• Strong writing skills with the ability to prepare reports.
• Basic computer skills, including word processing, data entry, scanning, and mapping software.
• Ability to operate a County vehicle both on and off the road, including 4x4 vehicles, ATVs, tractors, and other land management equipment.
• Ability to read for comprehension.
• Knowledge and understanding of Florida ecosystems, including their components, functions, key characteristics, and land management principles.
• Ability to identify or learn to identify upland and wetland biota.

Minimum Requirements

Physical Skills/Working Conditions

• Ability to work outdoors in a wide variety of natural settings and conditions.
• Ability to walk, bend, squat, and stoop frequently.
• Ability to perform manual labor.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to communicate effectively using verbal, written, and visual communication.
• Ability to work rotating shifts, nights, and weekends.

Education, Training and Experience

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, or a related field and one year of field experience, OR
• An Associate degree and two years of field experience, OR
• A High School Diploma or equivalent and four years of field experience.

Licenses, Certifications or Registrations

• Must possess a valid Florida driver’s license.
• Ability to obtain Pesticide Applicator Certification and Licensing and Basic Prescribed Burn Certifications within one year from date of hire.