Environmental Lands Management Technician (Tier 1)

Hillsborough County•Tampa, 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. This is an entry-level role performing routine fieldwork and maintenance duties under close supervision. It involves assisting with trail, facility, and preserve upkeep, exotic species control, habitat restoration, water quality monitoring, and public outreach activities, as well as supporting prescribed burn operations.

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.
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.
Must be able to work in adverse weather conditions in a subtropical climate.
Work involves being around flames and smoke.
Ability to pass background checks, including criminal history, child abuse, and sex offender/predator checks.

Nice To Haves

Experience treating invasive plants with chemicals.
Experience participating on prescribed burns as a line crew member.
Experience operating farm tractors and gas-powered tools.
Familiarity with Word and Outlook.
Familiarity with applications such as Solocator, Avenza Maps and Teams.
Google Earth, GIS and GPS knowledge.
Ability to read and interpret aerial photography.
General knowledge of and ability to identify native flora and fauna, and invasive exotic species.

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.