Forestry Maintenance Technician Trainee/I/II/III

Description

This position is responsible for maintaining and improving the Utilities Department wastewater effluent discharge infrastructure, public park features, and vegetative ecosystems at Conservation Park. This is a flexibly staffed series. Positions will be filled at the appropriate level based on directly related experience.

Forestry Maintenance Technician Trainee:
Under immediate supervision, this is the entry-level class in the Forestry Maintenance Technician. Incumbents are required to have little to no directly related work experience and perform routine tasks while developing familiarity with the Conservation Park. Work is observed and reviewed both during performance and upon completion. Instructions or changes in procedures or exceptions to rules are explained in detail as required.

Forestry Maintenance Technician I:
Under general supervision, this is the intermediate-level class in the Forestry Maintenance Technician series. Incumbents assigned to this class are expected to perform almost the full range of duties assigned to this class. Incumbents receive some instruction or assistance in the performance of the duties assigned to this class.

Forestry Maintenance Technician II:
Under general supervision, this is the advanced-level class in the Forestry Maintenance series. Incumbents assigned to this class are expected to perform the full range of duties to work with independence and initiative.

Forestry Maintenance Technician III:
Under general supervision, this is the senior-level class in the Forestry Maintenance Technician series. Incumbents assigned to this class are expected to perform the full range of duties assigned to this class and exercise considerable initiative, independent judgment and decision making. May mentor or train less experienced technicians and exercise functional supervision as assigned.

Examples of Duties

MAJOR DUTIES

• Performs routine maintenance tasks, including but not limited to cleaning, inspection and repair of buildings, restrooms, grounds, pavilions, discharge structures, outfalls, boardwalks, trails, catch basins, culverts, ditches, signage, fencing, and gates.
• Operates and maintains equipment, including but not limited, to blowers, chain saws, woodchippers, all-purpose service vehicles, tractors with associated implements, etc. Basic operation of skid-steer as directed.
• Maintains facilities and grounds that are accessible to the public in an attractive condition conducive to recreational use and enjoyment. Proactively aids the public in a courteous and professional manner.
• Participates in the maintenance of the Conservation Park facilities; maintains trails and boardwalks; cuts grass and weeds; applies herbicide; removes debris from waterway; paints signs, benches, picnic tables, etc.; performs tree removal.
• Performs preventative maintenance and evaluations on all Conservation Park equipment in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations and specifications.
• Handles and applies vegetation control chemicals in accordance with manufacturer’s recommendations and City policies as assigned and directed.
• Participates in a support role in the application of prescribed fire at the direction of the “burn boss”.
• Works to clear away obstructions impeding effluent flow through wetland systems.
• Assists with coordinating public events such as bird walks, cross country runs, and school tours.
• Assists with planting native species as part of the long-term site restoration effort.
• Assists with biological and hydrological monitoring, including but not limited to, the following: vegetation transects, canopy density measurements, threatened and endangered species surveys, fish sampling, surface flow data logging, etc.
• Follows appropriate safety precautions and procedures for all tasks initiated.
• Maintains clear and concise records of work performed.
• Inspects roadways, boardwalks, trails and other infrastructure for damage and erosion.
• Explains and enforces park rules ensuring visitors comply with established safety guidelines and procedures.
• Cleans interior and exterior of buildings and structures as scheduled.
• Provides customer service as needed and reports problems to supervisor
• May be required to work a varied schedule and overtime.
• May be required to report for duty both during and after catastrophe events to assist in preparation and recovery.
Performs other duties as needed.

• Operates skid-steer with forestry attachment as directed.
Participates in the application of prescribed fire at the direction of the “burn boss”.

• Troubleshoots complex issues.
May serve as a lead on routine assignments or field activities.

• Assists in training or mentoring new staff as assigned.
• May serve in a lead or supervisory capacity.

Typical Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Forestry Maintenance Technician Trainee:

• High school diploma or GED.
• Possession of or the ability to readily obtain a valid driver’s license issued by the State of Florida for the type of vehicle or equipment operated.
• Familiar with computers.
Previous experience using mechanic tools, power tools, shop equipment, and small equipment.

• One year of natural resources experience, preferably in local, state, or national park system.
• One year of previous experience using ATVs/UTVs, machinery, and equipment with implements, chainsaws, power trimmers, and power hand tools.
• Possession of entry-level wildland firefighter training courses from National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG), including S-130, S-190, and L-180.
• Possession of or the ability to obtain Applying Pesticides Correctly (Core) module required by Florida Department of Agricultural and Consumer Services (FDACS) within 6 months of employment.
• 16 hours of experience working prescribed burns at Conservation Park or other public or private lands.
Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.

• Three years of natural resources experience, preferably in local, state or national park system.
• One year of progressively responsible experience operating various types of heavy equipment.
• Completion of one NWCG or state equivalent intermediate-level wildland firefighter training course (in addition to Tech I course requirements).
• 50 hours of experience working prescribed burns within the Conservation Park or on other public or private lands.
• Possession of or the ability to obtain Public Pesticide Applicator certification in ‘Natural Areas’ or ‘Aquatics’ modules required by FDACS within 6 months of employment.
• Possession of or the ability to obtain IS-700 within 6 months.
Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.

• Five years of progressively responsible natural resources experience, preferably in local, state, or national park system.
• Completion of two NWCG or state equivalent intermediate-level or advanced wildland firefighter courses (in addition to Tech I and II course requirements).
• 100 hours of experience working prescribed burns at Conservation Park or other public or private lands.
• ‘Master Naturalist’ certification in Wetland Systems or Upland Systems with University of Florida/ IFAS Extension.
• Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.

Supplemental Information

KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED BY THE POSITION

Forestry Maintenance Trainee:

• Knowledge of the safe operation of industrial tools and heavy equipment associated with forestry maintenance.
• Knowledge of carpentry and plumbing principles.
• Knowledge of basic landscaping and forestry management principles.
• Knowledge of computers and job-related software programs.
• Skill in the safe and lawful operation of a motor vehicle.
• Skill in using ATVs/UTVs, equipment with implements, chainsaws, power trimmers, and power hand tools.
• Skill in listening well and communicating effectively orally and writing with various audiences.
• Ability to work from blueprints, pencil sketches or written or oral instructions.
• Ability to read, interpret, and comply with a variety of policies and procedures.
• Ability to use standard office equipment, personal computer and job-related computer applications including e-mail.
• Ability to consistently follow safety instructions.
• Ability to respond to field conditions, customers, and emergencies professionally.
• Ability to keep accurate records.
• Ability to prioritize work and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team,
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with City employees, other agencies, and the general public.

• Skill in operating all assigned equipment, including hand tools, power tools, and equipment in a safe and appropriate manner.
• Skill in use of word processing and spreadsheet software.
• Skill in troubleshooting basic mechanical issues.
• Skill in ensuring compliance with technical standards and safety regulations.
• Skill in interpersonal relations.
• Ability to achieve timeliness, completeness and assuring proper quality control.
• Ability to adapt to interruptions, equipment failures, unusual demands or changing priorities.
Ability to make inspections to determine operating conditions and needed repairs of equipment.

• Skill in problem-solving.
• Skill in troubleshooting non-routine mechanical issues.
• Skill in prioritizing and planning work and meeting deadlines.
• Ability to exercise discretion and independent judgment and work autonomously.
Ability to professionally handle difficult customers and situations.

• Skill in interpreting, understanding, and applying policies, statutes, ordinances, and regulations.
• Skill in mentoring and training less experienced staff.
• Skill in project management.
• Ability to assist in operational planning and developing policies and procedures.
Ability to functionally supervise as assigned in the absence of the supervisor.

• The work consists of related facility and park maintenance duties. Inclement weather and unexpected equipment breakdowns contribute to the complexity of the position.
The purpose of this position is to participate in the maintenance and restoration of Conservation Park and its associated receiving wetland functions. Successful performance results in the safe and regulatory compliant ecosystem management of a receiving wetland, conservation area, and public recreation area. Provides corresponding support to other City departments related to conservation responsibilities.

• Contacts are typically with coworkers, other City personnel, vendors, contractors, and members of the general public.
Contacts are typically to exchange information, resolve problems, and provide services.

• While performing the essential duties of this job, the employee is required to talk, hear, see, walk, stand, grasp and reach. The work is typically performed while intermittently sitting, kneeling, bending, crouching, or stooping. The employee frequently climbs ladders, uses tools or equipment requiring a high degree of dexterity, distinguishes between shades of color, and utilizes the sense of smell.
• The employee must frequently lift, push and pull up to 25 pounds, regularly up to 50 pounds, and occasionally up to 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
• The work is typically performed outdoors, occasionally in cold or inclement weather. The employee is exposed to water, high heat and humidity, noise, dust, dirt, grease, machinery with moving parts, noxious wildlife, vegetation, contagious or infectious diseases, and irritating chemicals. The work requires the use of personal protective equipment.
This is an essential position that requires performance of emergency duties and action to prepare, repair, and recover the City before, during, and after any adverse storm events (hurricane, tornado, ice storm, etc.) or other conditions (natural or man- made).

PTO Leave: Leave begins accruing immediately. The schedule varies slighter for Fire Fighters.

Years Of Service Completed Annual Leave Cap Available
less than 5 years: 152 hours
5 to 9 years: 176 hours
10 to 14 years: 200 hours
15 to 19 years: 224 hours
20 years: 248 hours

PTO begins accruing immediately. At the end of the year, any unused annual leave will roll over to the next year. Time will be accrued bi-weekly and shown on each paycheck.

RETIREMENT: General employees are fully vested after 10 years of employment. Employees can become partially vested at five (5) years of service. Partial vesting at five (5) years is 50%, six (6) years 60%, seven (7) years 70%, eight (8) years 80%, and nine (9) years 90%. General Employees are eligible for normal retirement upon the earlier of reaching age 55 and the completion of 10 years of credited service or reaching age 50 and the completion of 20 years of credited service. The amount of normal retirement benefit is based on your credited service and average final compensation. See General Employees’ Pension Plan Summary for more details.

HOLIDAYS: Employees receive 14 holidays per year. The holidays are:

• New Year's Day
• Martin Luther King Jr. Day
• Presidents' Day
• Memorial Day
• Juneteenth
• July 4th
• Labor Day
• Veterans' Day
• Thanksgiving Day
• Friday After Thanksgiving
• Christmas Eve
• Christmas Day
• New Year's Eve
• Employee's Birthday

• Rough estimates are not necessarily exact.