ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST I - 37020573 1 1 1

State of Florida • Fort Myers, FL

10d • Onsite

About The Position

Koreshan State Park is looking for a self-motivated park service professional to fill an Environmental Specialist I position, providing visitor services, maintenance, protection, administration, and resource management. The applicant must possess good visitor service and administrative skills, be able to work independently and be able to work rotating shifts including evenings, weekends and holidays. This position provides biological, resource management, interpretive, and environmental analysis for the following parks, Estero Bay Preserve State Park, Koreshan State Park and Mound Key Archaeological State Park within the Florida Park Service System.

Requirements

• Valid Driver’s License
• Successful completion of moderate pack test.
• A bachelor’s or higher degree in one of the physical or natural sciences from an accredited college or university; and two years of verifiable work experience; or any combination of post-secondary education or verifiable related experience, as described in this posting, for a total of six years.
• Knowledge of Southwest Florida’s resources and land management techniques
• Knowledge of Terminology, principles and analytical techniques of the physical or natural sciences
• Knowledge of Florida’s pyric communities and management needs
• Knowledge of Advanced prescribed/wildfire concepts including prescribed fire applications and techniques
• Knowledge of Florida’s coastal and inland wildlife species
• Knowledge of Research design and applications as they relate to ecosystem’s management.
• Skill in interacting with all internal and external customers and the general public in a professional, tactful and courteous manner
• Skill in utilizing a computer including, but not limited to software programs such as Microsoft Office Suite
• Skill in creating maps and maintaining useful information in GIS
• Skill in invasive, exotic plant control
• Skill in ARCView/GIS/GPS
• Skill in operating heavy equipment
• Skill in all aspects of prescribed burning and wildfire suppression
• Skill in all aspects of exotic plant management
• Ability to participate in resource management tasks, including but not limited to, prescribed fire activities, non-native plant removal which may include application of herbicide
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing
• Ability to prepare technical reports
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions/directions
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships
• Ability to speak in public
• Ability to understand and apply rules, directives, policies, laws and regulations relating to environmental programs
• Ability to conduct routine inspections, identify and investigate problems
• Ability to coordinate the work activities of others
• Ability to work outdoors in inclement weather
• Ability to perform physical labor
• Ability to operate 4-wheel drive vehicles and ATVs
• Ability to lift 40 pounds and assist in transporting items or other supplies 100 pounds or more
• Ability to work rotating shifts including evenings, nights, weekends and holidays
• Ability to maintain a valid driver's license
• Ability to successfully complete background & fingerprint check
• Ability to successfully complete modified annual moderate pack test
• Ability to successfully meet position-specific DRP Burn Standards for Prescribed Fire
• Ability to properly wear uniform
• Ability to comply with male and female hair grooming standards and body art and piercing restrictions

Responsibilities

• Participates in the execution of all facets of prescribed fire.
• Implements ecological burning plan for fire type plant communities; recognizes communities, controls burning techniques and maintain fire lanes.
• Prescribes fire activities, which comprises writing prescriptions, conducting burns, maintaining files, performing evaluations, maintaining fire type equipment, serving as trainer, and maintains training files for other staff.
• Plans, recommends and monitors resource management projects such as mechanical treatment of uplands, lower water crossings, exotic plant species removal, reforestation, plant community restoration, erosion control, nuisance species control, native wildlife management, and water resources projects.
• Applies and manages resource management related grants.
• Consults with Park Manager, district staff and planners on the effects of design and development on park resources.
• Advises on the preservation, restoration and appearance of historical and archaeological sites.
• Recommends native trees and shrubs for landscape projects.
• Conducts flora and fauna surveys and coordinates biological monitoring.
• Utilizes state vehicles in performance of duties.
• Works with GIS and ArcView equipment and software.
• Gathers scientific and professional reports, data and other information through field observations and studies about natural history.
• Investigates and reports on all pending development and other projects which may threaten the natural and cultural resources of the park such as highways, dams, drainage, pesticide application and dredging.
• Assembles information into interpretive talks, brochures, exhibit copy, tour spiels and other forms of interpretation communication.
• Provides interpretive programs to the public through guided walks, campfire programs, speeches, and TV and radio presentations.
• Aids park personnel involved in the interpretations in the form of slides, written material, and the design of interpretive facilities.
• Provides quality photographs for exhibits, programs, and publications.
• Participates in land management reviews.
• Coordinates work of interns, volunteers and seasonal personnel.
• Maintains an office to include hard files, digital files, reports.
• Maintains tools, equipment and vehicles as assigned.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Benefits

• Annual and Sick Leave benefits.
• Nine paid holidays and one Personal Holiday each year.
• State Group Insurance coverage options, including health, life, dental, vision, and other supplemental insurance options.
• Retirement plan options, including employer contributions.
• Tuition waivers.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level