Environmental Lands Management Technician (Tier 2) Prescribed Fire Team

Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners•Riverview, FL

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. Tier 2 Job Distinctions Provides advanced land management and restoration tasks with limited supervision. Plans and leads projects, including prescribed burns, invasive species control, and habitat restoration. May provide supervision and guidance to staff and volunteers, ensure safety and compliance, and supports public outreach.

Requirements

Advanced principles of ecology, habitat restoration, and land management.
Techniques for invasive species control, prescribed burns, and environmental monitoring.
Applicable environmental regulations, safety standards, and best management practices.
Leadership and project management principles for coordinating crews and volunteers.
Plan, coordinate, and lead complex land management and restoration projects.
Apply herbicides and control invasive species safely and effectively.
Conduct prescribed burns and implement fire management plans.
Supervise and train staff and volunteers in field techniques and safety protocols.
Communicate technical information effectively to staff, volunteers, and the public.
Work independently and exercise judgment in field operations.
Analyze environmental conditions and implement appropriate management actions.
Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and regulatory standards.
Lead public engagement activities, educational tours, and volunteer projects.
Maintain accurate records, report, and monitor data for management purposes.
Graduation from high school or possession of a GED certificate; AND
Three years of field experience related to environmental lands management; OR
An equivalent combination of education, 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.

Responsibilities

Plans, schedules, and perform maintenance of existing and future access points, fire lanes, trails, and park sites across all ELAPP preserves.
Conducts routine maintenance of multi-use trails, including those designated for hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, and canoeing.
Installs, removes, repairs, and maintains preserve infrastructure such as fences, gates, and locks.
Plans, coordinates, and implement exotic and invasive plant control programs using appropriate mechanical and chemical methods.
Develop prescribed burn plans and assist in prescribed fire operations, including preparation and maintenance of fire lanes.
Participates in water quality monitoring and related environmental data collection efforts.
Assists with habitat restoration activities, including site preparation and planting of native vegetation.
Lead guided field trips and educational tours to promote public awareness and stewardship of ELAPP preserves.
Coordinates community and volunteer initiatives, including Boy Scout and Eagle Scout service projects.
Maintains preserve infrastructure such as signs, restroom facilities, and parking areas to ensure safe and accessible public use.
May provide guidance and training, and review the work of others to ensure accuracy, completion, and timeliness; may supervise lower-level staff.
Performs other related duties as assigned.