Environmental Specialist I - Parks and Natural Areas

Sarasota County Government

8d • $25 - $25

About The Position

In this role, you will assist with habitat restoration, listed species monitoring, and management of nuisance species. The position is responsible for positive visitor experiences, volunteer training, coordination, and assistance with special events. Examples of job duties include, but are not limited to the following: Manage Natural Areas: Protected species monitoring and habitat restoration. Documentation of nuisance species and nuisance vegetation management (either self, through teamwork days, with volunteers, Sheriff’s Work Offender Program teams, or contractual). Implementation of nuisance and feral animal control measures and assists with ensuring archaeological and cultural resources are protected. Document, monitor, and treat exotic plant occurrences on county-owned and/or managed lands. Work in Maximo to submit appropriate service requests for Integrated Pest Management activities (IPM). Assist Emergency Services with planning, organizing, preparing, and conducting prescribed burns under the direction of the Fire Mitigation Specialists and Manager. Ensure compliance with all policies, guidelines, procedures, Federal/State regulations, and standards. Work in support of other units and other duties as assigned. Support and Maintain Public Access on Natural Area Lands: Provide access and use oversight of associated infrastructure. Ensure site maintenance and upkeep of public events. Maintain public use infrastructure to include trails, amenities, and signage. Evaluate needs for projects and repairs; work in Maximo to submit appropriate service requests and maintenance and management of assigned parks, including grounds, facilities, and amenities. All other types of work necessary to lead and/or support public use and access goals.

Requirements

• Two (2) year degree with two (2) years of professional experience in a related field.
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in one of the biological or physical sciences, Environmental Engineering, or related fields.
• Progressively responsible professional experience may be substituted on a year-for-year basis for the required college degree. (Examples of related experience can include Ecological fieldwork in Florida upland and wetland ecosystems; coursework in ecological field methods; public speaking; Florida Native Ecosystems; public access implementation and/or infrastructure maintenance).
• Valid Florida Driver's License by date of hire.
• Subject to Passing Substance Screening: This position is subject to passing a pre-employment substance screening. An applicant who fails to pass a required drug screening test shall be disqualified from employment in any class for a period of five (5) years.
• This position must occasionally lift and/or move more than 50 lbs. If more than 50 lbs is required, transporting supplies or equipment will be provided, along with a coworker present to assist.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working with and mixing herbicides and pesticides.
• Knowledge of Florida’s flora, fauna, and habitats.
• Herbicide applicator’s license, Core, Natural Areas, and Aquatics classifications. (-OR- able to attain within 12 months, we can help with this!)
• Interagency Basic Prescribed Fire Training, S130, S190, L180, ICS 100, and ICS 200. (-OR- able to attain within 18 months, we can help with this!)

Responsibilities

• Manage Natural Areas: Protected species monitoring and habitat restoration.
• Documentation of nuisance species and nuisance vegetation management (either self, through teamwork days, with volunteers, Sheriff’s Work Offender Program teams, or contractual).
• Implementation of nuisance and feral animal control measures and assists with ensuring archaeological and cultural resources are protected.
• Document, monitor, and treat exotic plant occurrences on county-owned and/or managed lands.
• Work in Maximo to submit appropriate service requests for Integrated Pest Management activities (IPM).
• Assist Emergency Services with planning, organizing, preparing, and conducting prescribed burns under the direction of the Fire Mitigation Specialists and Manager.
• Ensure compliance with all policies, guidelines, procedures, Federal/State regulations, and standards.
• Work in support of other units and other duties as assigned.
• Support and Maintain Public Access on Natural Area Lands: Provide access and use oversight of associated infrastructure.
• Ensure site maintenance and upkeep of public events.
• Maintain public use infrastructure to include trails, amenities, and signage.
• Evaluate needs for projects and repairs; work in Maximo to submit appropriate service requests and maintenance and management of assigned parks, including grounds, facilities, and amenities.
• All other types of work necessary to lead and/or support public use and access goals.

Benefits

• Health, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance, Short-Term and Long-Term Disability, Flexible Spending Accounts, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Florida Retirement System (FRS) and many, many more!
• Choose one of three great medical plans, including one with a $0 premium option, with completed preventative visits!
• Utilize our award-winning wellness program including free gyms at multiple Sarasota County Government locations.
• Enjoy 11 paid holidays, 3 personal days and 16 paid vacation days in the first year of full-time employment with increasing accrual rates with years of service.

What This Job Offers

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