Environmental Specialist 1 (Parks Land Management)

Environmental Specialist 1 (Parks Land Management)

Location: Brooker Creek Preserve, 3611 Fletch Haven Drive, Tarpon Springs, FL 34688

Schedule: Monday - Friday 7:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., with the flexibility to switch to a Monday - Thursday 7:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. schedule.

Are you an ecological professional that understands the importance of managing and protecting Florida’s natural wildlands? This position performs technical field and office work in the Parks & Conservation Resources environmental land management program.

Work involves assisting in a wide variety of tasks in the protection, restoration, and maintenance of the natural resources within Pinellas County managed preserves, parks and management areas located between the Pasco County line and Ulmerton Road. Duties include assessing, treating, and tracking exotic nuisance flora; participating on wildland prescribed burns, mop-up, and wildfire support; collecting GPS data; mapping and data processing using GIS software; assisting with environmental contractor oversight; and removing exotic wildlife and nuisance animals.

What Would You Do?

• Conduct mechanical and chemical control of exotic and other nuisance vegetation.
• Remove exotic wildlife and nuisance animals.
• Participate on prescribed burns, wildfires, and mop-up activities.
• Install, inspect, and maintain firebreaks.
• Inspect and repair fences.
• Support ecological restoration and mitigation projects.
• Contribute to ecological monitoring and biodiversity surveys.
• Delineate and describe conditions of natural communities.
• Assist with evaluation and oversight of contractors.
• Collect spatial information using GPS.
• Process, edit, and summarize spatial information using ESRI ArcPro (GIS) software.
• Enter field data and support data quality control efforts.
• Synthesize and summarize information using tables, graphs, and written reports.
• Support the work of volunteers.
• Responds to citizen inquiries via phone, email and in-person
• Contribute to other activities of the Resources and Asset Management Program.
• Perform related work as assigned or required.

What Do You Need To Have?

Position Specific Requirements

Experience - Professional experience in natural resource management; identifying and controlling exotic invasive plants; participating on prescribed burns including mop-up; and collecting, processing, editing, and summarizing geospatial data using GPS and ESRI (GIS) software.

Education – major course work in environmental, natural, or biological science or related field.

• At least 5 years of experience as described above; or
• Associate degree as described above and at least 3 years of experience as described above; or
• Bachelor’s degree as described above and at least 1 year of experience as described above; or
• Master’s degree as described above and some experience as described above.
• Must be a non-smoker.
• Possession and maintenance of a valid State of Florida Driver's License upon hire with eligibility based upon evaluation of a Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) driving report.
• Assignment to work a variety of work schedules including compulsory work periods in special, emergency, and/or disaster situations.
• Possession of/or must obtain FDACS pesticide applicator license in: Core, Natural Areas Weed Management, and Aquatic within ten (10) months from hire.
• Possession of National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) certificates for S-130, S-190, and L-180.

Highly Desirable

• Bachelor’s degree or higher as described above preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of environmental related codes, laws, rules, ordinances, and regulations.

• Knowledge of mathematics, natural, environmental, and biological sciences.

• Knowledge of scientific research techniques including the collection of sampling data and preparation of environmental reports.

• Ability to identify common and State and Federally listed floral and faunal species.

• Ability to read and interpret maps and aerial photos.

• Ability to identify various Florida natural communities and evaluate their current condition.

• Ability to formulate and present ideas and findings clearly and concisely in written, oral, or graphic form.

• Ability to operate four-wheel drive vehicles in various off-road conditions.

• Ability to trailer small equipment.

• Ability to swim and trailer and operate small watercraft.

• Ability to use small office equipment, computers, and highly technical computer applications.

• Ability to use and conduct minor repairs on small and medium equipment and machinery.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

• Ability to plan and organize work assignments.

• Ability to work outdoors under harsh conditions (heat, smoke, biting insects, rain, etc.).

Our benefits rank among the top in the area!

• Looking for a strong retirement? We have you covered as members of the Florida Retirement System (FRS) with investment and pension options.
• We have deferred compensation programs and wellness centers to name a few perks. Check out these and more!

Want To Learn More?

Please review the full classification description with the Physical/Mental Demands and Working Conditions at the below link.

Environmental Specialist 1, C21