Environmental Lands Management Specialist (Tier 2) Burn Crew Lead

Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners•Plant City, FL

About The Position

Performs professional and technical duties to implement restoration projects on ELAPP and County lands. Tier 2 Job Distinctions Performs supervisory and professional duties to implement site management plans on ELAPP and County lands. This includes trail development, restoration projects, and invasive plant and prescribed burning activities.

Requirements

Knowledge of preserve locations, trails, and access points.
Knowledge of safe and proficient operation of tractors and similar heavy equipment.
Ability to plan, organize, and supervise the work of others.
Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
Ability to follow safety procedures and technical directions.
High degree of adaptability and problem-solving ability.
Ability to safely operate power tools such as power saws, trimmers, mowers, etc.
Ability to attend prescribed fire training, become a Florida Certified Prescribed Burner, lead burns, and maintain certification.
Good interpersonal relations skills with public and co-workers
Other skills and abilities related to land management.
Associate's degree in environmental science, Environmental Studies, Natural Science, or related field; AND
Three years of experience in environmental lands management; OR
An equivalent combination of education (not less than a high school diploma/GED), training and experience that would reasonably be expected to provide the job-related competencies noted above; AND
Must obtain within 6 months of employment valid Restricted Use Pesticide License-Natural Areas Category, and maintain throughout employment; AND
Must pass basic firefighting training courses (S130, S190, L180) within 6 months of employment; AND
Must obtain Florida Certified Prescribed Burn Manager certification within 1 year of employment, as directed, and lead prescribed burns.

Responsibilities

Supervises field staff and coordinates their activities to implement site management plans, including trail development, monitoring, restoration projects, invasive plant and prescribed burning activities.
Coordinates activities with the public, county staff, and related agencies on issues pertaining to conservation, passive recreation and environmental education.
Assists with public access capital improvement projects such as parking areas, boardwalks, observation platforms, etc.
Assists with the development and implementation of the natural areas management plans by providing firsthand knowledge of properties and ground investigations and by ensuring natural areas stewardship projects are implemented.
Collects data points using Global Positioning System (GPS) equipment and creates maps using ArcView GIS.
Assists with the implementation of restoration projects.
Conducts pre- and post-treatment inspections for type and number of invasive plants and effectiveness of control activities along with planning and scheduling of future control activities.
Monitors natural communities for management needs and effects of management activities.
Directs the activities of technical personnel, consultants and contractors working on projects in area of assignment.
Identifies funding sources and prepares grant applications.
Coordinates with other agencies, organizations, groups and businesses to develop or enhance partnerships, identify funding sources, and exchanging information.
Meets with the public, both in the office and in the field to explain County procedures, and the various aspects of the ELAPP.
Prepares and presents oral and written reports to County staff and operational work units, other agency staff, students, teachers, consultants, and the public.
Prepares and conducts presentations to organizations and schools.
Acts as Project Manager for projects on preserved lands.
Opens and closes gates, as needed, for public access.
Conducts regular site security inspections.
Posts property boundaries and entrances with appropriate signage.
Performs guided field trips and volunteer events.
Assists with water quality monitoring.
Attends job skill training and apply new skills, as needed.
Documents daily activities in preserves, including plant & animal sightings.
Performs other duties as related to land management.