Environmental Specialist - Land Conservation

Alachua County•Gainesville, FL

11d•Onsite

About The Position

This is entry-level professional work protecting, restoring, and managing Alachua County Nature Preserves and implementing land management activities for Alachua County. The employee assigned to this classification is responsible for conducting various field monitoring and land management activities, including prescribed burning, invasive species treatment and management, site evaluations, operating and maintaining equipment, engaging in public outreach activities, monitoring and maintaining public access infrastructure, collecting and reviewing data, and monitoring and managing natural areas. Work is performed under the direction of a higher-level professional supervisor and is reviewed through conferences, reports, and observation of results obtained.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in environmental science, environmental engineering, biology, forestry, wildlife ecology, land/recreation management, natural science, or a related field and one year of related environmental experience; or any equivalent combination of related training and experience.
Applicants within six months of meeting the education/experience requirement may be considered for trainee status.
A Valid Florida Driver License is required and a Motor Vehicle Record that meets the requirements of Alachua County policy #6-7; Motor Vehicle Records will be reviewed prior to employment.
If, in the past 24-month period, the applicants Motor Vehicle Record has more than three (3) moving traffic infractions or three (3) or more at fault motor vehicle accidents (or combination of both and /or a conviction/pending charge for driving under the influence) or is in violation of any standard mandated by Federal or State Law or Regulation, the minimum qualifications are not met for the position.
Successful completion of a pre-employment drug screen & physical examination and successful completion of all applicable background checks pre-hire and ongoing are required.
Must successfully complete the Annual Fireline Refresher training (RT-130) within the first 6 months of hire in this classification, and annually prior to February 1st each calendar year.
Must obtain and maintain CPR certification and First Aid and Safety certification within one year of employment in this classification.
Must complete National Wildlife Coordinating Group (NWCG) Moderate (or Arduous) Work Capacity Test within one year of hire in this classification and annually prior to February 1st each calendar year.
Must successfully complete National Wildlife Coordinating Group (NWCG) S-130/S-190 within eighteen months of hire in this classification.
Knowledge of codes, laws and environmental program rules and requirements related to area of environmental coverage.
Knowledge of environmental protection and land conservation.
Knowledge of environmental sampling techniques, sampling equipment and quality control procedures in field activities applicable to the Land Conservation Program within the Environmental Protection Department.
Knowledge of local, state and federal rules, regulations and ordinances related to environmental protection.
Knowledge of local natural communities, and native and invasive flora and fauna, as it relates to the Land Conservation Program within the Environmental Protection Department.
Knowledge of computer, word processing, and data management programs, and Geographic Information Systems software, as applicable.
Skill in dealing effectively with community partners, governmental officials and citizens.
Skill in the safe operation of motor vehicles, trailers, tractors, and skid steers.
Skill in the safe operation of hand tools and small equipment such as power tools, chainsaws, pole saws, weed eaters, blowers, mowers, backpack sprayers and pumps.
Ability to follow standard operating procedures and compile routine reports and maintain accurate records.
Ability to carry out duties with environmental sensitivity in accordance with program mission, goals, and standards.
Ability to use hand-held GPS tracking technology in smart phone or tablet.
Ability to implement resource management techniques, utilize related equipment and follow safety procedures, including the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with County employees, other governmental agencies and the general public.
Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
Ability to react quickly and calmly in emergency situations.
Ability to work outdoors in overgrown brush and in adverse weather conditions.
Ability to interact with the public in a tactful and courteous manner.

Nice To Haves

Acceptable (equivalent) Education/Experience: Associate's degree (2 years) and 3 years related environmental experience. (5 years total)
Acceptable (equivalent) Education/Experience: High School diploma or equivalent and 5 years related environmental experience. (5 years total)
Other acceptable related fields include: Botany, Zoology, and Agronomy.

Responsibilities

Implements land stewardship activities on Alachua County natural areas under higher-level supervision, including invasive plant control, prescribed burning, forestry, data collection, public access site development, monitoring, maintenance and security.
Actively participates in all aspects of prescribed fire operations including fire line preparation, burn unit scouting, prescription writing, day of burn operations, and extended mop-up in roles such as crew member or crew boss as appropriate.
Prepares data summaries and reports including tables, charts, spreadsheets, maps and databases for evaluation and tracking of environmental data.
Reviews project plans, specifications, and/or permit applications at the direction of supervisor for project implementation.
Assists with native plant restoration projects, including participating in or overseeing contractor tree plantings or other species.
Participates in boundary marking, imperiled species protection, timber marking and inventory, and cultural resource monitoring.
Operates environmental monitoring equipment according to standard operating procedures and documents data and field measurements.
Assists with drafting scopes of services and field maps and overseeing contractors.
Plans, coordinates, and oversees volunteer group work projects.
Evaluates natural areas for acquisition and management; performs conservation easement compliance inspections; documents site evaluations in reports; and completes activity logs.
Develops and participates in public outreach activities.
Assists with the development and implementation of land management plans.
Assists with planning the opening of new sites for public access and maintaining existing public access infrastructure.
Purchases operating supplies and manages inventory of tools, equipment, materials, and public facilities.
Operates and assists with basic maintenance on small equipment such as hand tools, power tools, chainsaws, pole saws, backpack sprayers, and pumps.
Operates, transports, and assists in basic maintenance of motor vehicles (including departmental motor vehicles), as well as multiple off-road vehicles including, but not limited to 4WD trucks, ATVs, UTVs, wildland fire engines, skid steers and tractors to prepare fire lines for prescribed burning, debris clean up, and/or restoration projects to carry out various Land Conservation Program operations as required.
Performs the duties listed, as well as those assigned, with professionalism and a sense of urgency.