Environmental Technician - Career Ladder

Environmental Technician - Career Ladder Group

Parks and Natural Resources

Pay Range: 18.78hr (39,062.40/annually)

Must be able to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation. Essential functions and job-related requirements, including physical and cognitive demands, are described below. 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.

MAJOR FUNCTION

Skilled technical work within a comprehensive land and water natural areas management program. 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.

ILLUSTRATIVE DUTIES

- 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

ILLUSTRATIVE DUTIES (continued)

- Constructs and maintains infrastructure such as trails, signage, fire breaks, parking areas, fences, gates, benches, and picnic shelters

KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS

- Knowledge of environmental management methods, techniques, and application processes within program operation
- Knowledge of natural community habitats and ecosystem dynamics
- Knowledge of county, state, and federal regulations related to environmental lands
- Knowledge of types of equipment used in environmental lands and aquatic operations
- Knowledge of the occupational hazards and safety precautions applicable in the operation of herbicides and assigned equipment
- Ability to learn basic map-making skills using GIS or similar programs
- Ability and agility to perform various labor tasks in all weather conditions
- Ability to sit for long periods and drive between work sites, safely load and haul trailers and equipment, and launch boats
- Ability to push and/or pull equipment while loading or unloading
- Ability to lift 40-50 pounds regularly and 80-100 pounds occasionally
- Ability to see, ambulate independently, drive, bend, stoop, sit, stand, and swim
- Ability to perform tasks that require eye and hand coordination with steadiness of hand
- Ability to work with and around various chemicals and smoke conditions
- Ability to think and react calmly and responsively to emergencies
- Ability to maintain an effective working relationship with employees, officials, and the public
- Skilled in communicating effectively both orally and in writing
- Skilled in operating and providing maintenance and emergency repairs on airboats, outboard motorboats, spray equipment, and tractors
- Skilled in using technology associated with tablets, GPS units, smart phones and depth finders for management activities

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS – Items below are cumulative. Advancement to each level requires meeting the minimum qualifications and requirements of the preceding level(s).

- 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

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (continued)

Technician I – Pay Grade 09

- 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

Technician II – Pay Grade 11

- Must have a Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Pesticide Applicators License in the Aquatic or Natural Areas category
- Must have a minimum of two (2) years’ experience in natural areas management
- Must have at least two (2) of the following:
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

Technician III – Paygrade 13

- Must have a Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Pesticide Applicators License in the Aquatic or Natural Areas category
- Must have a minimum of four (4) years’ experience in natural areas management
- Must have Basic Wildland Fire Certificate (S-130/S-190)
- Must have at least two (2) of the following:
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

SPECIAL PREFERENCES

- 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
- Ability to navigate natural areas and collect data using GPS unit, iPad or similar equipment

All employees will be required to work before, during, or after an emergency. During an emergency, employees may temporarily be assigned to work and perform duties outside the normal scope of their position, location and work schedule to fit the needs of the County and its citizens.