Natural Resources Management Specialist I

St. Lucie County Board of County Commissioners • ERD - Land Division Field Office, FL

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The Natural Resource Management Specialist I is a multifaceted position within the Environmental Resources Department (ERD), Lands/Natural Resources Management Division, reporting to the Natural Resources/Lands Manager. The position supports land management and wildland fire management operations, including prescribed burning, wildfire response, habitat restoration, and stewardship of County-owned conservation lands, preserves, greenways, and trails. The role requires field-based work under physically demanding and environmentally challenging conditions and participation in emergency and non-emergency incident response.

Requirements

• Associate degree in biology, botany, forestry, or a related natural resources field and two (2) years of experience in land management and wildland fire operations, including prescribed fire and wildfire response; comparable training may substitute; OR four (4) years of relevant land management and wildland fire operations experience in lieu of education.
• Valid Florida Driver’s License with an acceptable driving record; Florida Class B Commercial Driver’s License required within one (1) year of hire.
• NWCG Wildland Firefighter Type 2 certifications (S-130/190, L-180, I-100, I-700, RT-130) and CPR/First Aid certification required within one (1) year of hire.
• Knowledge of land and natural resource management, wildland fire management and prescribed burning, Florida ecosystems, invasive plant control, and applicable environmental regulations.
• Knowledge of equipment operation, safety standards, maintenance practices, and Incident Command System (ICS/NIMS) operations.
• Proficiency with office software, GIS/GPS applications, and field data collection and reporting tools.
• Ability to safely operate County vehicles, boats, light and heavy equipment, machinery, and hand tools.
• Ability to work in physically demanding, high-stress environments, including extended hours, emergency response, and adverse weather conditions.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, including public interaction and preparation of technical reports.
• Ability to plan, prioritize, and manage projects; meet deadlines; work independently or collaboratively; and coordinate volunteers, contractors, and crews.

Nice To Haves

• Natural Area/Wetland Herbicide Applicator License preferred.

Responsibilities

• Perform land management activities to preserve and protect County natural resources.
• Conduct habitat enhancement and restoration projects, including invasive plant removal and native replanting.
• Maintain property boundaries, fencing, signage, and conduct regular patrols.
• Collect ecological field data and maintain databases for monitoring and reporting.
• Assist with planning, development, and implementation of land management projects.
• Construct and maintain passive recreational and ecotourism infrastructure on conservation lands.
• Interpret natural and historic resources for public education and outreach.
• Participate as a member of a coordinated Wildland Fire Operations team.
• Conduct prescribed burns and assist with wildfire detection, prevention, suppression, and mitigation.
• Prepare sites and equipment to ensure fire readiness and maintain firebreaks.
• Perform mechanical vegetation treatments (e.g., forestry mowing, roller chopping).
• Educate and notify the public before and after fire operations and support fire prevention events.
• Operate within the Incident Command System (ICS) during fire and all-hazard incidents.
• Operate, coordinate, and maintain light and heavy equipment, including fire engines, bulldozers, tractors, ATVs, chippers, chainsaws, fire pumps, and herbicide applicators.
• Coordinate with helicopter contractors during fire operations (coordination only).
• Safely operate County vehicles, boats, machinery, and specialized field equipment.
• Perform routine inspections, maintenance, and troubleshooting of equipment and tools.
• Assist with project management, including scope development, contractor coordination, bid support, scheduling, and quality control.
• Prepare maps, charts, reports, and other work products using GIS and office software.
• Support volunteer, contractor, and inmate crew supervision.
• Respond to emergency incidents as required.

Benefits

• Equal employment opportunities for all job applicants and employees.
• Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, genetic information, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected status.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position, in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable state and local laws.
• Drug-Free Workplace.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree