Department:Parks Recreation & Natural Resources
Start Here. Grow Here. Stay Here. Are you knowledgeable of Florida native ecosystems and experienced with natural areas management? As a Land Manager (ESIII), you will partner with Emergency Operations, helping to coordinate our prescribed fire program and maintain outstanding natural areas for our customers, natural resources for water quality, and landfill buffer.
This position is critical for increasing our efforts in prescribed fire operations, wildfire prevention (life safety), and integrated pest management on over 50,000 acres of land. The pay starts between $57,577.60 - $63,003.00, based upon experience, benefits begin within 60 days of hire, and there are numerous opportunities for advancement. Apply today!
About the PositionIn this role, you will manage neighborhood natural areas within the county through various resource management techniques while providing outreach on these methods to the public. This position partners with Emergency Operations Fire Mitigation Officer, Fire Mitigation Specialist and Land Managers on Sarasota County prescribed fire program. For more information on responsibilities, see below.
- Provide oversight, coordination, and supervision of two (2) environmental specialist II positions.
- Participate in live prescribed fire operations serving as crew in a variety of roles and assist in coordinating volunteers for prescribed fire operations.
- Assist fire mitigation staff with determining suitable zones ready for burning as well as post-burn site hazard monitoring and mop up.
- Maintain equipment utilized for prescribed fire; explore equipment needs and coordinate the acquisition of needed resources.
- Coordinate with fire mitigation staff to assist in developing and conducting training for prescribed fire staff, including equipment operations, situational awareness on the fire line, and other prescribed and wildfire-appropriate training.
- Participate with Fire mitigation staff and land managers for appropriate fire line and zone preparations for successful prescribed fire operations.
- Assist Fire mitigation with the detection and control of wildfires in county-owned natural areas.
- Work closely with GIS staff for accurate reporting of prescribed fire and wildfire information.
- Participate in a leadership role in Integrated Pest Management practices.
- Evaluate habitats (natural and altered) to formulate management strategies for their restoration and maintenance.
- Document and monitor invasive and nuisance plant and wildlife populations and prepare management plans.
- Assist with the development of annual work plans within natural areas for invasive plant management
- Develop and conduct training and provide on-the-ground assistance, technical support, and guidance to preserve the management team and other work units on integrated pest management practices.
- Report and document preparation (Interoffice reports, GIS).
- Work closely with other units in developing bids, annual agreements, and other contracts.
- Prepare bid specifications, and contractor oversight for projects to be performed by an outside contractor.
- Participate in public outreach and public education on ecological burning and integrated pest management practices.
- Develop inter-agency agreements for cooperative natural resource management on County-owned lands.
About the ScheduleWork Hours:- Full-Time, 40 hours per week.
- Monday - Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Weekend work may be necessary for special events and good weather-prescribed fire operations.
- Please note that this position works outside 20+ hours per week in all weather.
About YouMinimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in one of the biological or physical sciences, Environmental Engineering, or a related field -AND- three (3) years of experience of professional experience.
- -OR- Master's Degree may substitute for one year of professional experience.
- -OR- Progressively responsible professional experience may substitute on a year-for-year basis for the required college degree.
- Possession of the Florida Forest Service Prescribed Burn Manager Certification -AND- able to obtain the moderate or arduous pack test within one year from date of hire (this must be maintained annually to remain in job classification).
- Valid Florida Driver's License by date of hire.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Completion of Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (S-290), Wildland Fire Chainsaws (S-212) and Completion of ICS 100-300 and NIMS 700 & 800.
- Completion of FDACS Pesticide applicator license within six (6) months of employment.
- Certified NATA Natural Areas Manager within three (3) years of employment.
Job Competencies: - Knowledge of Florida native ecosystems and natural areas management, especially in Sarasota County.
- Small engine operation and maintenance to include chainsaws, pole saws, pumps/sprayers, mowers, and weed eaters.
- Resource management experience (prescribed burning, invasive species management, habitat restoration, GPS, etc.).
- Computer software (Microsoft Word, MS Project, Excel, GIS, and ArcView).
- 4x4 vehicle operations in backcountry rough conditions, ATV, UTV, Brush Truck, and Chainsaw Operation.
- Must also possess adequate personal communication skills relative to the job and the ability to follow directions well, and work independently and in a group setting.
- Ability to build strong, internal and external relationships and mentor/coach in a positive manner.
Physical Demands: Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Will work outside 20+ hours per week in all weather.
Subject to Passing Substance Screening:This position is subject to passing a pre-employment substance screening. An applicant who fails to pass a required drug screening test shall be disqualified from employment in any class for a period of five (5) years.
About Everything ElseStarting Pay Range: $57,577.60 - $63,003.00, based upon experience
Our interview process could include phone interview(s), Microsoft Teams video interview(s), and/or in-person interview(s). If you are selected to join our team, please click on this link to review the Required First Day DocumentsYou will need to present the following items on your first day: 1. I-9 Acceptable Documents to show your identity and authorization to work. Use this link to learn more and review the different document options: https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents
- If your position requires a Florida Driver's License, this must be one of your documents. (Your Florida Driver's License can serve as one of your documents listed in link above - List B Documents.)
2. U.S. Social Security Card (signed, physical card). This is a requirement of our Payroll Department and failure to provide this document could jeopardize timely compensation. (Your U.S. Social Security Card can serve as one of your documents listed in link above - List C Documents.)
Benefits:- Enjoy great benefits including Health, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance, Short-Term and Long-Term Disability, Flexible Spending Accounts, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Florida Retirement System (FRS) and many, many more! Choose one of three great medical plans, including one with a $0 premium option, with completed preventative visits!
- For more information about employee benefits, please click this link or visit SCGov.net for additional information.
- Utilize our award-winning wellness program including free gyms at multiple Sarasota County Government locations.
- Enjoy 11 paid holidays, 3 personal days and 16 paid vacation days in the first year of full-time employment with increasing accrual rates with years of service. (That adds up to a possible 30 days off in your 1st year!)
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Our vision is to attract, develop, retain and engage a talented workforce broadly representative of the citizens and communities we serve. To further value creativity, innovation, collaboration and great customer service - internally and externally.
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