Resource Management Technician - Alafia RIver State Park

Position Overview and Responsibilities:

A challenging opportunity is available for self-motivated, hardworking team players to fill anon-resident OPS Resource Management Technician positions to help Alafia River State Park restore their native ecosystems through integrated vegetarian management, including chemical and mechanical invasive plant removal, prescribed fire and re-vegetation.  This position is scheduled for 40 hours per week. Qualified applicants must be willing to work rotating shifts including evenings, weekends and holidays.  Medical benefits are available. 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT:

Works to accomplish annual invasive plant management goals by correctly identifying and removing non-native plants that are identified by the FISC as Category I and II and those identified by CISMA local Early Detection, through mechanical and/or chemical means.  This includes direct efforts as well as ongoing training and surveying to meet the demands of a constantly evolving workplace.  May include other resource management activities including restoration and prescribed burning.  Communicates and coordinates treatments with park team

MAINTENANCE:

Performs preventive and corrective maintenance on all equipment and assigned vehicles daily.  Communicates equipment maintenance needs to management.

ADMINISTRATION:

Tracks daily progress on data sheets and enters into database. This will include accurate reporting of gross acreage covered, treated, treatment amount and type, hours, location, species, and species coverage. 

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge: Florida natural communities, including both native and non-native plants; land management techniques used to control invasive species; basic equipment operation and safety; natural systems management; prescribed fire.

Skills: Familiarity with tools and equipment used in natural resource survey (e.g. GPS devices, Avenza maps and other survey applications) and invasive plant control, including hand, power/ gas tools, herbicide sprayers, all-wheel drive equipment, and tractors. Operating heavy equipment within its operational limits; strong trailering experience and skills with equipment maintenance and repair; communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.

Abilities:  Ability to perform assigned field work despite excessive heat, cold, biting insects, and other adverse environmental conditions while walking across uneven terrain.  Ability to differentiate between native plant species and invasive plant species. Ability to operate 4x4 trucks and ATV/UTVs in variable terrain. Ability to work as a team or independently. Ability to follow verbal and written instructions; to read and follow a map; deal with others in a positive manner and maintain good public relations; to work in remote and isolated locations independently: perform physical labor with minimal supervision; operate and maintain vehicles, tools, and equipment.  Ability to work nights, weekends and Holidays and rotating shifts as needed. Ability to maintain a valid drivers' license. 

Minimum Qualifications:

Valid Driver’s license.  

Pay:

$16-$18 per hour, commensurate with experience 

Our Organization and Mission:

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is the state’s leading agency for environmental management and stewardship - protecting our air, water and land. The vision of DEP is to advance Florida’s position as a world leader in protecting natural resources while growing the state’s economy. DEP encourages its leaders to constantly innovate and seek efficiencies. We believe in supporting and encouraging you as you take on important and often complex projects while offering you the opportunity to gain valuable experience quickly.