A Forest or Conservation Technician works with foresters and conservation scientists to help maintain forests and natural areas. Tracks data on water, soil, disease and insect damage in forest areas; tracks wildlife and maintain trails or campsites; monitors timber and logging activity; patrols and assists with forest fire prevention measures; provides information to the public on forest or natural areas conservation .
The role of Land Management Technician provides entry to intermediate level work for the Natural Resources Division--within the Parks Recreation & Natural Resources department, in the field of natural resources management including land management activities and maintenance, biological/ecological assessments, wildlife monitoring, volunteer coordination, educational program development and public outreach. Position which conducts routine land management duties assisting the Land Manager on a regularly scheduled basis on lands managed under the Environmental Lands Acquisition and Management Program within the Parks, Recreation, and Natural Resources Conservation Division. Primary work includes semi-skilled labor and tasks using hand and power tools, light and heavy-duty maintenance equipment, prescribed burning activities, and application of mechanical and chemical invasive plant treatments. Assist with management of projects assigned by the Land Management Coordinator. Cleans, mows, edges, trims and generally maintains grounds, trails, and recreation areas. Plants, prunes, and trims bushes, shrubs, and trees. Assists with general site maintenance such as emptying trash, cleaning, painting, repairing gates, fences, and irrigation. Assists with wildlife and vegetation surveys, site security inspections, and routine maintenance inspections. Assist with prescribe fire operations and other resource management activities. Aids in maintaining data collected from surveys, inspections, and produces documentation as needed. Assist with grant requirements as necessary. Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds. Requires ability to work a rotating schedule including nights and weekends. Performs related work as assigned. General knowledge of land management principles and methods related. Know, identify, or learn to identify Florida ecosystem's including their flora and fauna, non-living components and their biological and ecological functions. Able to use and maintain hand and power tools needed for maintenance and managing lands. Ability to learn project management best practices. Ability to learn budget management and purchasing procedures. General knowledge of herbicides, their physical application, safety precautions, mixing, and rate of application. General knowledge of federal, state and local regulations pertaining to wetland protection and listed species. Requires effective interaction and communication with the public necessary for carrying out educational outreach programs with the emphasis on natural resources. Ability to organize and effectively communicate with volunteers and the public effectively and tactfully in verbal and written form. Requires strong writing skills with the ability to prepare reports. Basic computer skills, including word processing, data entry, scanning and mapping software. Ability to operate a County vehicle both on and off the road including 4x4 vehicles, ATVs, tractors and other land management equipment. Ability to read for comprehension. Knowledge and understanding of Florida ecosystems as to their components, functions, key characteristics and land management principles or aptitude to learn such principles. Ability to identify or learn to identify upland and wetland biota.
PHYSICAL SKILLS/WORKING CONDITIONS
Requires working outdoors in a wide variety of natural settings and conditions. Ability to walk, bend, squat and stoop frequently. Able to perform manual labor. Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds. Ability to communicate effectively using verbal, written, and visual communication. Ability to work rotating shifts, nights, and weekends.
EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE
Graduation from and accredited college or university with a Bachelor's Degree in Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, Nature Resource Management or a related field and one (1) year of field experience OR an Associate degree and two (2) years of field experience OR a High School Diploma or possession of an acceptable equivalency diploma and four (4) years' of field experience.
LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS OR REGISTRATIONS
Must possess a valid Florida driver's license. Ability to obtain Pesticide Applicator Certification and Licensing and Basic Prescribed Burn Certifications within one (1) year from date of hire.
ADA STATEMENT
A qualified employee or applicant with a disability may be afforded a reasonable accommodation to perform the essential job functions of a position in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE
Pasco County BOCC is a drug-free workplace in accordance with Federal and Florida law.
EMERGENCY RESPONSE/RECOVERY ACTIVITIES
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.
VETERANS' PREFERENCE
Under Section 295.07, F.S., Chapter SSA-7, Pasco County BCC provides to Veterans, that preference in appointment will be given to preference-eligible applicants.
PASCO COUNTY WAS VOTED ONE OF THE NATION'S TOP WORKPLACES FOR
