Environmental Technician - Career Ladder

Polk County Board of County Commissioners•Bartow, FL

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Skilled technical work within a comprehensive land and water natural areas management program. This role involves fieldwork assisting in invasive exotic treatment in aquatic and terrestrial habitats, operating and maintaining mechanical equipment, prescribed burning, monitoring, stewardship, and activities associated with nature-based recreation. The position requires the ability to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation, including specific physical and cognitive demands. This job description outlines the general scope of duties and responsibilities and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all tasks that may be assigned.

Requirements

Must possess and maintain a valid Florida’s Driver’s License.
Graduate of an accredited high school/trade school or possession of an equivalent diploma.
Must be able to work Monday through Friday, from 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. with the potential for occasional weekend assignments.
Must be able to swim.
Must have a Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Pesticide Applicators License in the Aquatic or Natural Areas category or obtain within one (1) year of employment (for Technician I).
Must have a Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Pesticide Applicators License in the Aquatic or Natural Areas category (for Technician II and III).
Must have a minimum of two (2) years’ experience in natural areas management (for Technician II).
Must have a minimum of four (4) years’ experience in natural areas management (for Technician III).
Must have Basic Wildland Fire Certificate (S-130/S-190) (for Technician III).
Must have at least two (2) of the following for Technician II: Class A Commercial Driver’s License, Basic Wildland Fire Certificate (S-130/S-190), Prescribed Burn Manager Certificate, 4-year degree in Natural Resources related field or Environmental Sciences, Experience planning one (1) large whole lake submersed plant treatment.
Must have at least two (2) of the following for Technician III: Class A Commercial Driver’s License, Prescribed Burn Manager Certificate and conduct a minimum of one prescribed fire separate from certification burn, 4-year degree in Natural Resources related field or Environmental Sciences, Experience planning one (1) large whole lake submersed plant treatment, Natural Areas Training Academy Certificate in Natural Areas Management.

Nice To Haves

Prescribed fire Line Boss Training
Basic map making skills with GIS mapping including creating shape files such as polygons, grids, and points
Ability to navigate natural areas and collect data using GPS unit, iPad or similar equipment
Demonstrate knowledge on general maintenance and repair of portable pumps and small equipment
Plant identification skills

Responsibilities

Plans herbicide treatments to control invasive and nuisance vegetation in terrestrial and aquatic habitats, in compliance with the label and federal and state regulations.
Prepares appropriate herbicide mixtures, calibrates equipment, and applies drift control techniques.
Maintains accurate records of chemical use and application sites.
Operates vehicles and mechanical equipment including trucks, UTVs, airboats, outboard motorboats, harvesters, tractors, and mowers for land management and herbicide applications.
Performs general and preventive maintenance on assigned equipment.
Transports equipment between work sites using trailers and towing vehicles.
Participates in all aspects of prescribed fire operations including fire line preparation, ignition, mop-up, and engine support.
Serves in roles such as burn crew member, crew boss, or burn boss as assigned.
Prepares equipment and ensures site readiness for prescribed burning.
Conducts field surveys and inspections for plant and animal species.
Uses smart devices, GPS units, depth finders, and tablets for navigation, data collection, and field documentation.
Enters and verifies data in computerized databases; produces maps and plans related to vegetation management and prescribed burns.
Participates in revegetation projects to restore native habitats.
Assists in the removal of trash, structures (e.g., tree stands, fences), and control of invasive animal species.
Constructs and maintains infrastructure such as trails, signage, fire breaks, parking areas, fences, gates, benches, and picnic shelters.