Land Management Support Specialist

Sarasota County Government

6d

About The Position

Are you passionate about protecting the environment and knowledgeable about Florida’s native ecosystems and natural areas? Our Natural Areas and Trails Department is seeking a motivated, tech-savvy, and environmentally focused Land Manager to join our team. In this position, you will split your time between Wildland Fire Operations and Neighborhood Natural Areas. Responsibilities include implementing resource management operations, monitoring ecological conditions, developing and overseeing contracts, and assisting with the coordination and training of staff responsible for managing County-owned natural area lands. The pay starts between $53,456.00 - $56,000.00/ annually, based upon experience, and benefits begin within 60 days of hire. Apply today and see how your role impacts the community for generations to come! About the Position Wildland Fire Operations: Assist County Fire Mitigation and ESIII with implementing prescribed fire operations on natural area lands Operate and assist in maintaining vehicles and equipment utilized in prescribed fire operations Prepare bid specifications in addition to contractor oversight for projects to be performed by outside contractors associated with fire mitigation and prescribed fire preparation vegetation management and IPM related projects Gain full understanding of fire management processes and levels of coordination among all staff involved to include Site manager, fire mitigation, burn crew, management team Develop detailed understanding of all sites managed with fire to include knowledge of all trails, management zones, and boundaries Neighborhood Natural Areas: Conduct monitoring, documentation and treatment of invasive plant occurrences. Maintain Florida pesticide applicators license Complete assigned resource management plans sections for sites and IPM priority plan Review sites for follow up treatment needed, in-house or contractual Coordinate with other divisions within PRNR to ensure completion of projects and plans Operation and maintenance of integrated pest management equipment and knowledge of techniques and effective processes Collection, analysis and evaluation of land management projects/ data including GPS/GIS information, evaluate effectiveness of land management and monitoring strategies for their restoration and maintenance Participate in public outreach and develop material for public education on ecological burning and integrated pest management Work Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Requirements

• Bachelors degree from an accredited college or university in one of the biological or physical sciences or a related field AND Two (2) years of professional experience -OR- Masters degree from an accredited college or university in one of the biological or physical sciences or a related field AND One (1) year of professional experience -OR- Progressively responsible professional experience may substitute on a year-for-year basis for the required college degree
• Must pass the Moderate or Arduous Pack Test within one (1) year at the time of hire (this also must be maintained on an annual basis to remain in the job classification)
• Must be NWCG Firefighter Type 2 (FFT2) qualified at the time of hire.
• Valid Florida Driver's License at the time 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 role must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 lbs.

Nice To Haves

• Completion of the following: Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (S-290), Wildland Fire Chainsaw (S-212), ICS 100-300 and NIMS 700 & 800
• Certified NATA Natural Areas Manager
• Willing to obtain FDACS Pesticide applicator license
• Knowledge of Florida native ecosystems and natural areas management
• Ability to operate 4 x 4 vehicle operations in back country rough conditions, ATV, UTV, brush truck operation
• Expereince with small engine operation and maintenance to include chainsaw, polesaw, pumps/sprayers, mowers and weed eaters

Responsibilities

• Assist County Fire Mitigation and ESIII with implementing prescribed fire operations on natural area lands
• Operate and assist in maintaining vehicles and equipment utilized in prescribed fire operations
• Prepare bid specifications in addition to contractor oversight for projects to be performed by outside contractors associated with fire mitigation and prescribed fire preparation vegetation management and IPM related projects
• Gain full understanding of fire management processes and levels of coordination among all staff involved to include Site manager, fire mitigation, burn crew, management team
• Develop detailed understanding of all sites managed with fire to include knowledge of all trails, management zones, and boundaries
• Conduct monitoring, documentation and treatment of invasive plant occurrences.
• Maintain Florida pesticide applicators license
• Complete assigned resource management plans sections for sites and IPM priority plan
• Review sites for follow up treatment needed, in-house or contractual
• Coordinate with other divisions within PRNR to ensure completion of projects and plans
• Operation and maintenance of integrated pest management equipment and knowledge of techniques and effective processes
• Collection, analysis and evaluation of land management projects/ data including GPS/GIS information, evaluate effectiveness of land management and monitoring strategies for their restoration and maintenance
• Participate in public outreach and develop material for public education on ecological burning and integrated pest management

Benefits

• Enjoy great benefits including 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
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees