Conservation Sci/Forester I

University of Florida•Gainesville, FL

3d•Onsite

About The Position

This position assists in land management operations on Hickory Sink Forest, including hardwood control, herbicide use for invasive species management, tree planting, road work, and boundary maintenance. The role involves planning and participating in prescribed burns, preparing fire breaks, and monitoring post-burn conditions. Responsibilities include scouting and controlling invasive species, implementing restoration projects, and enforcing policies related to natural resource protection. The position also assists with infrastructure and maintenance activities, operating heavy equipment such as bulldozers, front-end loaders, tractors, and chainsaws. Additionally, it involves coordinating with researchers and instructors on natural resource projects, assisting with logistics for research studies, supporting educational tours, and aiding in outreach programs. There may be engagement with students on specific projects and occasional assistance with managing other School-managed properties.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in forestry, agricultural science, rangeland management, environmental science, or a closely related field.
Valid driver's license required to drive state vehicles.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in a natural resources-related field

Responsibilities

Assist in land management operations on Hickory Sink Forest including hardwood control, herbicide use to manage invasive species, tree planting, road work, boundary maintenance, and related.
Participates in and/or plans prescribed burns.
Attend to prescribed fire-related operational needs, including preparing fire breaks, participating/managing burns, and mop-up and monitoring post-burn conditions/results.
Maintains equipment in ready status.
Scouts, documents, and initiates control efforts for invasive species.
Assists with the implementation of restoration projects.
Enforces FFGS and UF policies with visitors, including natural resources protection, in a tactful manner.
Assist in infrastructure and maintenance activities throughout the Hickory Sink Forest.
Operates and maintains heavy equipment used in land management, including bulldozers, front-end loaders, chemical sprayers, farm tractors, mowers, trucks, trailers, ATVs, chainsaws, and similar.
Maintains roads, fire breaks, property boundaries, buildings, and related.
Assists with related administrative functions, including purchase requests and work order requests.
Coordination with researchers and instructors on natural resource-related projects, including assisting with logistics for research studies, assisting with tours that support education efforts, and assistance with outreach/Extension programs.
May engage with students on specific projects or courses, assist with special outreach projects, and irregularly assist with management of other School-managed properties.