PARKS AND NATURAL RESOURCES DIVISION Lead Environmental Technician - 2 positions available Non Exempt $24.18hr./$50,294.40annually MAJOR FUNCTION Skilled technical work within a comprehensive environmental control program. Skilled work operating light and medium vehicles, airboats and outboard motor boats in addition to spray application equipment controlling nuisance and invasive plants found in public waters and property. Acts as lead worker for spray application operations. ILLUSTRATIVE DUTIES Primarily responsible for acting as a lead worker of an invasive plant management team. Assists the Natural Areas Manager and the Aquatic Weed Foreman with managing the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), Cooperative Aquatic Plant Control Program Contract. Tasks include developing and preparing electronically an Annual Work Plan, reviewing and modifying Annual Task Assignments and Change Orders, preparing electronically and distributing treatment schedules and invoices. Responsible for ensuring the monthly invoices are in compliance with FWC requirements. Assist with coordinating and planning activities related to natural resource management. Responsible for training new technicians in treatment of invasive species. Assists with conducting field inspections, monitoring, and surveying for invasive plants. Assists with spraying invasive plants as needed in aquatic systems and in uplands. Participate in prescribed burns for lake shore and watershed restoration. Investigates requests/complaints of invasive plant management and responds appropriately and/or takes or recommends actions within prescribed procedures and practices. Operates herbicide application equipment from airboats, outboard motor boats, trucks and all-terrain vehicles spraying nuisance and invasive vegetation in compliance with state and federal label guidelines. Responsible for operating other invasive plant treatment equipment such as tractors, mowers and other related invasive species treatment equipment. Responsible for ensuring that the proper mixture of herbicides is applied using appropriate drift control techniques. Determines and ensures that the appropriate nozzle choice and setting, polymer (spray thickeners) spray applications are utilized on assigned herbicide application areas. Observes operational conditions making any necessary adjustments and/or reports defects. Keeps records of work performed and chemicals used. Enters data into computerized database. Reviews data entry for accuracy. Responsible for performing simple field repairs of equipment. Provides general and preventive maintenance of spray equipment, boats, and assigned vehicles (i.e.: washes, cleans, polishes and makes minor repairs to equipment and spray apparatus, including welding, brazing, minor engine repairs, fiberglass repairs, etc., as directed by the Aquatic Weed Foreman). Advises the public of general operation methods and procedures. Reports difficult or unusual situations to supervisor. Assist Supervisor with inventorying, ordering, and maintaining supplies and/or storage/placement of supplies including various herbicides and chemicals. Provides verbal employee performance information to supervisor. Secondarily responsible for assisting with management activities on County owned Environmental Lands property. These activities include but are not limited to the following: removal of trash, various building structures, tree stands, internal fencing, etc.; mechanical and chemical control of exotic plant species; control of various invasive animal species; creating and marking trails; creating parking areas and walk through gates; maintaining fences; mechanical and chemical maintenance of roads, property lines, and fire breaks; assist with preparation work prior to prescribed burns; construction of benches and picnic shelters; plant surveys; and re-vegetation activities. The operation of various equipment and hand tools are necessary to complete many of these tasks. Performs related work as required. KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS Knowledge and ability to operate and provide general preventative maintenance and emergency repairs to airboats, outboard boats, all-terrain vehicles, automotive and herbicide spray equipment. Mechanical aptitude and ability to learn and operate assigned equipment. Knowledge of the occupational hazards and safety precautions necessary in utilizing herbicide sprays and granular materials. Ability to work with and around various chemicals. Knowledge of first aid. Ability to provide first aid. Ability to operate a personal computer, enter data and prepare reports and invoices on the computer. Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions. Ability to recognize incorrect information or work and make remedial actions independently. Ability to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with other employees and the public. Ability to work independently and act as lead worker on a team. Ability to see, talk, ambulate independently, drive, bend, stoop, sit and stand. Ability to sit for long periods. Ability to drive from work site to work site to look at and provide operational spraying assignments. Ability to make hand written notes. Ability to complete records, forms, and reports as required. Ability to perform tasks that require eye and hand coordination. Ability to use multi-hand and/or foot controls. Steadiness of hand. Ability to think and react calmly and responsively to emergency situations. Ability to perform prolonged and arduous physical work under adverse conditions. Ability and agility to perform various labor tasks in all weather conditions (i.e.: sun, rain, cold, swamp, ditches, etc.). Ability to push and/or pull airboats while loading or unloading and while in shallow areas near the shoreline. Ability to swim. Ability to lift a minimum of 50 pounds weight. Ability to lift 40-50 pounds regularly and 80-100 pounds. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Graduate of an accredited high school or possess an acceptable equivalency diploma and have a minimum of four (4) years experience in aquatic or invasive plant management, herbicide spray equipment operation or related experience. Must have a valid driver's license and be able to secure a valid Florida Class "D" driver's license at the time of employment within this classification. A comparable amount of training, experience and education may be substituted for the minimum qualifications with the exception of the required licenses. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS Must have a current Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) Public Applicator License, Category. Aquatic Pest Control. Must obtain a FDACS Aerial Pesticide Applicator License within one (1) year of employment in this position. Must obtain a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Remote Pilot Certification (Part 107) within one (1) year of employment in this position. Must obtain a CDL Class “A” License within two (2) years of employment in this position. Must be able to swim. This position may be required to report for work when a declaration of emergency has been declared in Polk County. J-18808-Ljbffr
