Minimum Qualifications

Associate degree in environmental or natural science, forestry, recreation or related field and one year of conservation lands operations and/or nature preserve programs experience; or any equivalent combination of related training and experience. Applicants within six months of meeting the education/experience requirement may be considered for trainee status.

A Valid Florida Class “A” Commercial Driver License with air brakes is required and a Motor Vehicle Record that meets the requirements of Alachua County policy #6-7; Motor Vehicle Records will be reviewed prior to employment. If, in the past 24-month period, the applicants Motor Vehicle Record has more than three (3) moving traffic infractions or three (3) or more at fault motor vehicle accidents (or combination of both and /or a conviction/pending charge for driving under the influence) or is in violation of any standard mandated by Federal or State Law or Regulation, the minimum qualifications are not met for the position. Must obtain an "N" endorsement within thirty days of employment.

Successful completion of a pre-employment drug screen & physical examination and successful completion of all applicable background checks pre-hire and ongoing are required.

• Must obtain and maintain CPR certification and First Aid and Safety certification within one year of employment in this classification.
• Must complete National Wildlife Coordinating Group (NWCG) Moderate (or Arduous) Work Capacity Test within one year of hire in this classification and annually prior to February 1st each calendar year.
• Must successfully complete National Wildlife Coordinating Group (NWCG) S-130/S-190 within eighteen months of hire in this classification.

Acceptable Education and Experience:

• High School diploma or equivalent and 3 years of conservation lands operations and/or nature preserve programs experience be acceptable or

• Associate degree in environmental or natural science, forestry, recreation or related field and one year of conservation lands operations and/or nature preserve programs experience or

• Bachelor degree in environmental or natural science, forestry, recreation or related field (no experience required).

Pending Board Approval

Position Summary

This is highly skilled technical work in the stewardship, maintenance, security and protection of preserve patrons, facilities, infrastructure, and natural resources at the County's conservation lands.

An employee assigned to this classification performs a variety of tasks including maintaining habitat, firelines, service roads, and trails using mechanical means such as heavy equipment, power equipment and handheld tools, constructing and maintaining conservation land facilities and equipment, protecting threatened and endangered species, wildfire protection and assisting with the operation of County conservation lands.

Work is performed under the direction of a higher-level supervisor and is reviewed through conferences, reports, and observation of results obtained.

Examples of Duties

This is an emergency essential classification. Upon declaration of a disaster and/or emergency, all employees in this classification are required to work.

Exudes a positive customer service focus.

Advocates building organizational culture through aligning decisions with core values including: integrity, honesty, respect, diversity, innovation, accountability and communication.

Patrols and inspects County conservation lands for potential violations of County codes, ordinances, rules, laws, etc. which have been reported, encountered, or witnessed during the course of duties.

Ensures compliance with all rules and procedures of the County conservation lands and facilities and reports problems beyond the scope of the position to supervisor and law enforcement agencies.

Identifies and prioritizes conservation land facility maintenance through routine, preventative and corrective maintenance practices including infrastructure repair, basic carpentry, including but not limited to, boardwalk and fence repairs, mowing, weed eating, painting, etc.

Constructs, installs, and maintains public use infrastructure on County nature preserve, including but not limited to benches, kiosks, bike racks, boardwalks, footbridges, interpretive and wayfinding signs, fences, trailheads, parking lots, etc.

Operates and assists in basic maintenance of multiple off-road vehicles including, but not limited to 4WD trucks, ATVs, UTVs, wildland fire engines, skid steers and tractors.

Maintains habitat and trails using mechanical means such as tractors, discs, mowers, and other tractor implements, chainsaws, weed eaters, and other power equipment, with constant sensitivity to natural and cultural resource protection needs.

Participates in conservation land management efforts within the County, including tasks such as tree planting, timber marking and inventory, boundary marking and upkeep, protection of endangered species, wildfire prevention, and prescribed burning activities. This involves preparing burn units, maintaining equipment, and post-fire mop up.

Conducts exotic plant control using various methods including herbicide application and supports restoration efforts by planting native species.

Maintains cleanliness of conservation lands grounds and facilities.

Provides customer service to the general public in person or by phone; communicates clearly, politely and concisely.

Assists patrons in distress and calls for emergency assistance, when needed.

Works closely with conservation lands staff to address preserve safety and management.

Operates a variety of tools, equipment, and vehicles in a safe manner, responsible for on-site maintenance and equipment readiness.

Safely load, secure, and transport equipment and materials on goose neck flat-bed trailers, landscape trailers, enclosed trailers, and others utilizing a Class A Commercial Driver License.

Purchases operating supplies and manages inventory of tools, equipment, materials, and public facilities.

Assists with contractor tasking and oversight.

Prepares and submits verbal and written reports, incident, accident, contracts, and activity logs.

Performs the duties listed, as well as those assigned, with professionalism and a sense of urgency.

NOTE: These examples are intended only as illustrations of the various kinds of work performed in positions allocated to this class. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of conservation lands rules, regulations, ordinances, and laws.

Knowledge of environmental protection and land conservation, and ability to carry out duties with environmental sensitivity in accordance with program mission, goals, and standards.

Knowledge of safety, first aid and CPR methods and techniques.

Knowledge of trades methods and practices for construction and maintenance repairs.

Competency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook and basic computer skills (saving/renaming/organizing files, tracking data, recording data, completing timesheets, emails, etc.).

Skill in ensuring that designated facilities are kept clean and sanitary at all times.

Ability to follow standard operating procedures, prepare and maintain accurate records, reports, and documents.

Ability to safely operate equipment such as weed eaters, chainsaws, mowers, blowers, pumps, sprayers, and hand tools.

Ability to safely operate small front-end loaders, backhoes, skid steers and implements, tractors, bucket trucks, mowers, and heavy-duty and light-duty trucks and small construction equipment.

Ability to perform repair work on preserve facilities, infrastructure, and/or accessories.

Ability to use hand-held GPS tracking technology in smart phone or tablet.

Ability to work collaboratively with Land Conservation program staff, other county staff and volunteers on team projects and independent duties.

Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions.

Ability to react quickly and calmly in emergency situations.

Ability to work outdoors in adverse weather conditions.

Ability to interact with the public in a tactful and courteous manner.

Ability to carry out duties with environmental sensitivity in accordance with program mission, goals, and standards.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects. The employee is frequently required to stand, walk; sit; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl.

The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 80 pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works near moving mechanical parts, and is regularly exposed to outside weather conditions, and vibration. The employee is frequently exposed to fumes or airborne particles. The employee occasionally works in high, precarious places and is occasionally exposed to toxic or caustic chemicals, and risk of electrical shock, and vibration.

The employee will perform field work outdoors in a sub-tropical climate, extreme temperatures, inclement weather, and harsh conditions such as wet areas and dense brush with biting insects, venomous animals or irritating plants, or dense smoke and heat associated with open flames, sometimes alone and carrying field gear (up to 40 lbs.) for extended periods, with or without accommodation.

An employee in this classification will be required to work holidays, nights, weekends and after hours as needed.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud.