Environmental Lands Management Technician (Tier 1) (Burn Team)

Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners • Riverview, FL

7h • Onsite

About The Position

This position provides a wide range of land management and restoration activities in support of the Environmental Lands Acquisition and Protection Program (ELAPP). This position is responsible for maintaining and improving the ecological health, public access, and long-term sustainability of natural preserves and conservation lands. Maintains trails and facilities, controlling invasive species, supporting prescribed fire operations, conducting habitat restoration, and assisting with environmental monitoring and public outreach. This role supports the ELM Prescribed Fire Management Program by assisting in all wildland fire activities across properties acquired through ELAPP and other lands managed by HC-CELM. Working as crew member, the ideal candidate will possess field work experience including but not limited in areas such as heavy equipment operation, power equipment, and exotic species control.

Requirements

• General knowledge of native and invasive plant and animal species.
• Standard techniques for trail, facility, and preserve maintenance.
• Basic safety procedures for field work, including use of hand tools, herbicides, and personal protective equipment.
• Ability to perform physical, outdoor work under varying weather conditions.
• Basic skills in using hand tools, small equipment, and herbicide applications (with supervision).
• Ability to collect environmental data and assist with monitoring programs.
• Effective oral communication for interacting with the public and volunteers.
• Learn and apply proper land management and restoration techniques.
• Follow instructions and safety procedures.
• Work collaboratively as part of a field crew.
• Assist with educational programs and guided tours.
• Requires performing physical labor on consistent basis.
• Must be able to work in adverse weather conditions in a subtropical climate.
• Work involves being around flames and smoke.
• Heavy work - Exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds or force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
• Graduation from high school or possession of a GED certificate.
• One year of field experience related to environmental lands management.
• An equivalent combination of education, training and experience that would reasonably be expected to provide the job-related competencies noted above.
• Must maintain a valid Florida Driver’s License.
• Must obtain within 6 months of employment valid Restricted Use Pesticide License-Natural Areas Category, and maintain throughout employment.
• Must pass basic firefighting training courses (S130, S190, L180) within 6 months of employment.
• In the event of an emergency or disaster, an employee may be required to respond promptly to duties and responsibilities as assigned by the employee’s department, the County’s Office of Emergency Management, or County Administration. Such assignments may be for before, during or after the emergency/disaster.
• Maintain the ability to pass the background checks required for the position. These background checks may include but are not limited to: Criminal History Background Check using Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS), Level 1 and Level 2 Background screening (Ch. 435 Florida Statutes), Child Abuse, Abandonment and Neglect Record Check using the State Automated Child Welfare Information System (SACWIS), Sex Offender and Sexual Predator record check using the list maintained by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE).
• Possess the necessary job-related license(s) or certification(s) that may include possession of a Florida Driver License (Class E) or an applicable Commercial Driver License (CDL).

Nice To Haves

• Heavy equipment operation
• Power equipment
• Exotic species control

Responsibilities

• Performs maintenance of existing and future access points, trails, and park sites across all ELAPP preserves.
• Conducts exotic and invasive plant control using herbicides and other approved methods.
• Assists with the removal of exotic, invasive, and nuisance animal species.
• Supports prescribed burn operations by preparing fire lanes and participating in burn activities.
• Assists with or conduct guided field trips and educational tours on various nature preserves.
• Participates in water quality monitoring and related environmental assessments.
• Assists with habitat restoration projects, including site preparation and planting of native vegetation.
• Maintains preserve infrastructure such as signs, restroom facilities, and parking areas to ensure safe and accessible public use.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED