Environmental Lands Management Technician (Tier 2) Prescribed Fire Crew

Hillsborough County • Plant City, FL

1d • 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. Hillsborough County is seeking a resilient, mission-driven professional to join our Conservation & Environmental Lands Management (CELM) Prescribed Fire Team. The ideal candidate is a disciplined team player who balances technical field expertise with a passion for public service. Your background includes hands-on experience in prescribed fire operations and vegetation management, specifically within Florida’s unique ecosystems. Ability to safely operate and transport equipment, must obtain CDL Class A license. Beyond technical field skills, you are a clear and engaging communicator capable of representing the CELM Outreach Program to the public. You are an individual of high integrity who takes pride in maintaining the lands acquired through the Environmental Lands Acquisition and Protection Program (ELAPP) for future generations.

Requirements

• Graduation from high school or possession of a GED certificate
• One year of field experience related to environmental lands management
• 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.
• 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.
• 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

• Ability to safely operate and transport equipment, must obtain CDL Class A license.

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