Parks Naturalist Specialist

City of Jacksonville • Jacksonville, FL

10h • Hybrid

About The Position

This is professional work in the implementation of wildlife plans and fostering the appreciation of the natural resources in the city's park system. The work requires knowledge of the techniques, methods and procedures used in wildlife monitoring and in researching, designing and planning natural history programs. Contacts require skills in understanding, influencing and communicating with others which are important in conducting, training, and providing services to participants. The work is performed following substantially diversified procedures and specialized standards with latitude permitted in considering which among many procedures should be followed and in what sequence and involves differing situations requiring the use of judgment in searching for solutions or new applications. The work is performed indoors and outdoors where there are some risks and hazards associated with wildlife activities, but they are known, predictable and controllable.

Requirements

• Knowledge in biological sciences, including environmental protection practices, wildlife identification, and environmental planning terminology.
• Knowledge of wildlife resource monitoring.
• Knowledge of Florida ecosystems, flora and fauna.
• Knowledge of data collection and interpretation techniques.
• Knowledge of Federal, State and local government environmental laws, regulations and ordinances.
• Ability to assess environmental quality and potential impacts.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to make presentations before groups.
• Ability to promote good public relations.
• Ability to collect technical data and prepare reports.
• Ability to keep accurate records.
• Ability to operate a computer utilizing word processing, email, spreadsheet, database and image editing software.
• Ability to operate a camera, motor vehicle, ATV's and hand tools.
• A four year combination of education and/or professional experience in biology, ecology, natural resource management or related natural sciences experience.
• Must possess a valid Florida Driver's License prior to appointment and maintain same during employment in this class.
• Must qualify for prior to appointment, obtain and maintain during employment in this class a City of Jacksonville Certification as a Public Driver.

Nice To Haves

• Certified Park and Recreation Professional
• FL Master Naturalist
• NAI – Certified Interpretative Guide
• Red Card Certification for Prescribed Burning

Responsibilities

• Oversees wildlife resource monitoring such as the Shorebird Management Plan and the Sea Turtle Management Plan.
• Acquires and maintains the FWC Sea Turtle permit in good standing.
• Identifies and manages invasive plants and animals as outlined in the assigned Park management plan.
• Provides outreach, public contact and promotes positive park relations to inform visitors of wildlife sensitivities and biological dynamics of the park.
• Provides environmental education programs at Huguenot and other division parks.
• Leads groups on walks to identify plants, animals, birds, fish and insects, and explains relationship to one to another.
• Enforces park rules as it relates to wildlife infractions.
• Designs exhibits, trail booklets, and displays to depict natural history and resources of each park.
• May direct and coordinate the work of volunteers or lower level employees on assigned projects.
• Assists with the preparation of status and annual reports to other governmental and grant agencies.
• Assists in maintaining the safety and curb appeal of the park.
• Participates in a prescribed fire crew on division/city properties.
• Demonstrates proficiency in the City of Jacksonville's competencies.
• Performs related work as required.

Benefits

• Four (4) weeks off during the first year of employment
• Low and no cost health insurance options
• Twelve (12) paid holidays
• Personal leave day
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Flexible spending plans
• Federal Student Loan Forgiveness after ten (10) years of public service and on-time payments

What This Job Offers

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