Polk County
Environmental Technician - Career Ladder
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Overview
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.
Duties
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 DUTIESPlans herbicide treatments to control invasive and nuisance vegetation in terrestrial and aquatic habitats, in compliance with the label and federal and state regulationsPrepares appropriate herbicide mixtures, calibrates equipment, and applies drift control techniquesMaintains accurate records of chemical use and application sitesOperates vehicles and mechanical equipment including trucks, UTVs, airboats, outboard motorboats, harvesters, tractors, and mowers for land management and herbicide applicationsPerforms general and preventive maintenance on assigned equipmentTransports equipment between work sites using trailers and towing vehiclesParticipates in all aspects of prescribed fire operations including fire line preparation, ignition, mop-up, and engine supportServes in roles such as burn crew member, crew boss, or burn boss as assignedPrepares equipment and ensures site readiness for prescribed burningConducts field surveys and inspections for plant and animal speciesUses smart devices, GPS units, depth finders, and tablets for navigation, data collection, and field documentationEnters and verifies data in computerized databases; produces maps and plans related to vegetation management and prescribed burnsParticipates in revegetation projects to restore native habitatsAssists 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 SKILLSKnowledge of environmental management methods, techniques, and application processes within program operationKnowledge of natural community habitats and ecosystem dynamicsKnowledge of county, state, and federal regulations related to environmental landsKnowledge of types of equipment used in environmental lands and aquatic operationsKnowledge of the occupational hazards and safety precautions applicable in the operation of herbicides and assigned equipmentAbility to learn basic map-making skills using GIS or similar programsAbility and agility to perform various labor tasks in all weather conditionsAbility to sit for long periods and drive between work sites, safely load and haul trailers and equipment, and launch boatsAbility to push and/or pull equipment while loading or unloadingAbility to lift 40-50 pounds regularly and 80-100 pounds occasionallyAbility to see, ambulate independently, drive, bend, stoop, sit, stand, and swimAbility to perform tasks that require eye and hand coordination with steadiness of handAbility to work with and around various chemicals and smoke conditionsAbility to think and react calmly and responsively to emergenciesAbility to maintain an effective working relationship with employees, officials, and the publicSkilled in communicating effectively both orally and in writingSkilled in operating and providing maintenance and emergency repairs on airboats, outboard motorboats, spray equipment, and tractorsSkilled 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 LicenseGraduate of an accredited high school/trade school or possession of an equivalent diplomaMust be able to work Monday through Friday, from 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. with the potential for occasional weekend assignmentsMust be able to swim
Minimums
Technician I – Pay Grade 09Must 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 11Must have a Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Pesticide Applicators License in the Aquatic or Natural Areas categoryMust have a minimum of two (2) years’ experience in natural areas managementMust have at least two (2) of the following:Class A Commercial Driver’s LicenseBasic Wildland Fire Certificate (S-130/S-190)Prescribed Burn Manager Certificate4-year degree in Natural Resources related field or Environmental Sciences Experience planning one (1) large whole lake submersed plant treatment Technician III – Paygrade 13Must have a Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Pesticide Applicators License in the Aquatic or Natural Areas categoryMust have a minimum of four (4) years’ experience in natural areas managementMust have Basic Wildland Fire Certificate (S-130/S-190)Must have at least two (2) of the following:Class A Commercial Driver’s LicensePrescribed Burn Manager Certificate and conduct a minimum of one prescribed fire separate from certification burn4-year degree in Natural Resources related field or Environmental Sciences Experience planning one (1) large whole lake submersed plant treatmentNatural Areas Training Academy Certificate in Natural Areas Management SPECIAL PREFERENCES Prescribed fire Line Boss TrainingBasic map making skills with GIS mapping including creating shape files such as polygons, grids, and pointsAbility to navigate natural areas and collect data using GPS unit, iPad or similar equipmentDemonstrate knowledge on general maintenance and repair of portable pumps and small equipmentPlant identification skillsAbility 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.
Engineering / Environmental Science / Mid