MAJOR FUNCTION
Skilled technical work within a comprehensive natural areas management program. Field work
assisting in: invasive exotic treatment in terrestrial and aquatic habitats, operating mechanical
equipment for management activities, prescribed burning, monitoring and activities associated
nature-based recreation.
ILLUSTRATIVE DUTIES
Overall, responsible for assisting with management activities on assigned natural areas.
Responsible for planning treatments spraying nuisance and invasive vegetation in compliance
with state and federal label guidelines in both terrestrial and aquatic areas.
Ensuring that the proper mixture of herbicides are applied using appropriate drift control techniques.
Ensuring that all spray equipment is properly calibrated.
Operates automotive trucks, all-terrain vehicles, airboats, outboard motor boats, harvesters,
tractors mowers and related equipment for both herbicide applications and land management
activities.
Provides general and preventive maintenance of assigned equipment such as UTVs,
boats, tractors and trucks.
Transport equipment such as UTV’s, tractors, boats or mowers from
site to site.
Assists with inventorying, ordering, and maintaining supplies and/or storage/placement of
supplies including various herbicides and chemicals.
Management activities include but are not limited to the following: removal of trash and
various building structures including tree stands and internal fencing, control of various
invasive animal species, creating and marking trails, creating parking areas and walk through
gates, maintaining fences, mechanical and chemical maintenance of roads, property lines and
fire breaks, construction of benches and picnic shelters, and assisting with revegetation
activities.
Responsible for participating in all aspects of prescribed burns including operation of prescribed
fire equipment and preparation of sites for prescribed burns.
Duties include fire line preparation, ignition, mop-up and engine operation and maintenance. Participating on prescribed fires as burn crewmember, burn boss or crew boss.
The operation of various equipment and hand tools are necessary to complete many of the tasks listed above.
ILLUSTRATIVE DUTIES (continued)
Assists with conducting field inspections, monitoring and surveying for plants and animals.
Responsible for in field use of various devices including but not limited to smart phones,
tablets, GPS units and depth finders for purposes including but not limited to navigation,
monitoring, taking photos and data collection.
Enters data into computerized database. Reviews data entry for accuracy. Making basic
maps/plans for management activities such as prescribed fire, herbicide applications and
vegetation monitoring.
Keeps accurate records of work performed and chemicals used.
Assists with management activities associated with nature-based recreation at the
environmental land sites.
KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS
Ability and agility to perform various labor tasks in all weather conditions.
Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
Ability to drive from work site to work site.
Ability to learn and use technology associated with tablets, GPS units, smart phones and
depth finders for management activities.
Ability to learn basic map-making skills using GIS or similar programs.
Ability to learn to operate and provide maintenance and emergency repairs on airboats,
outboard motorboats, spray equipment, and tractors. Ability to learn the occupational
hazards and safety precautions applicable in the operation of herbicides and assigned
equipment.
Ability to lift 40-50 pounds regularly and 80-100 pounds occasionally.
Ability to maintain an effective working relationship with employees, officials, and the
public.
Ability to perform tasks that require eye and hand coordination. Steadiness of hand.
Ability to push and/or pull equipment while loading or unloading.
Ability to see, ambulate independently, drive, bend, stoop, sit and stand.
Ability to sit for long periods.
Ability to swim.
Ability to think and react calmly and responsively to emergencies.
Ability to work with and around various chemical and smoke conditions.
Knowledge of county, state, and federal laws, rules and regulations related to
environmental lands.
Knowledge of environmental management methods, techniques, and application processes
within program operation.
Knowledge of natural community habitats.
Knowledge of types of equipment used in environmental lands and aquatic operations.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
• Graduate of an accredited high school or possess an acceptable equivalency diploma.
• Must have a valid Florida driver's license at time of employment.
• A comparable amount of related training and experience may be substituted for the
minimum qualifications.
• Must be able to swim.
SPECIAL PREFERANCES
• Prescribed Burn Manager Certificate
• Prescribed fire Line Boss Training
• Basic map making skills with GIS mapping including creating shape files such as polygons,
grids and points
• Experience planning large partial or whole lake submersed plant treatments
• Ability to navigate natural areas and collect data using GPS unit, I Pad or similar equipment
• Demonstrate knowledge on general maintenance and repair of portable pumps and small
equipment.
• Plant identification skills
• Ability to navigate natural areas and collect data using GPS unit, IPad or similar equipment
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
Must have a Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Pesticide Applicators
License in either Aquatic or Natural Area category within one (1) year of employment
This position may be required to report for work when a declaration of emergency has been declared in Polk County.