Public Lands Specialist

NOTE TO INTERNAL APPLICANTS: INTERNAL CANDIDATES IN THE SAME CLASSIFICATION AND/OR PAY GRADE AS THE POSITION POSTED WILL NOT RECEIVE A PAY ADJUSTMENT IF SELECTED.

Under general direction, the purpose of the position is to support the Public Lands Manager in the planning, organizing and implementation of program goals and objectives related to the management of parks and conservation areas. Employees in this classification perform at a professional level and are responsible for highly technical functions and independent decision making.

The list of essential functions, as outlined herein, is intended to be representative of the tasks performed within this classification. It is not necessarily descriptive of any one position in the class. The omission of an essential function does not preclude management from assigning duties not listed herein if such functions are a logical assignment to the position.
 

• Assists with the development and management of Osceola County's Passive parks and conservation areas as they pertain to needs, goals and comprehensive plans.
• Performs technical and educational work for the purposes of conservation and passive recreation.
• Assists in the management of acquired sites (including public use, site security, exotics management, controlled burns, etc.); prepares contracts, oversees work, and reviews pay requests for consulting firms working on park and conservation lands.
• Assists in development and oversight of appropriate contracts for parks and conservation lands.
• Prepares grant proposals and reports to private, state and federal government agencies dealing with land management.
• Assists in the planning and developing of management plans, permit applications and evaluations for the parks and conservation land program amenities.
• Researches, prepares and submits appropriate reports, environmental assessments, photography, literature, surveys, map analysis and databases of the parks and conservation land program; collects data points using professional tools such as Global Positioning System (GPS) equipment and creates maps using ArcView GIS.
• Prepares presentations for technical peer groups, Board of County Commissioners, and the public. Receives, responds, and documents public inquiries and complaints.
• Performs duties as assigned/necessary which are related, or logical in assignment to the position.
• Develop and maintain a volunteer program focusing on recruitment, management and organization of persons interested in promoting the vision of the department.
• Develop and maintain a social media presence to promote the department's services and activities.

Education: Bachelor's Degree in Biology, Ecology, Natural Science, Botany, Forestry, Wildlife Management, Natural Resource Management or a related field 

Experience: Two (2) years' experience in conservation Land's management; or an equivalent combination of education, certification, training and/or experience.

License/Certification: Must be certified as a Natural Areas Spray License or be able to obtain within one (1) year of hire.

Miscellaneous: Must possess a valid Florida Driver's License.

• Considerable knowledge applicable Federal, State and County laws and regulations governing natural areas management and other regulatory standards.
• Considerable knowledge of the concepts, terminology, and principles of land management.
• Ability to organize and work with citizens, volunteers and technical advisory committees. Knowledge or ability to gain knowledge of Florida EPPC Category I and Category II plant species, aquatic and upland; knowledge exotic/invasive plant control.
• Ability to prepare and analyze reports, budgets, research material, permitting regulations, legislation, grants and management plans.
• Ability to prepare correspondence, summaries and reports in a clear and concise manner; knowledge of business English, e.g., correspondence formats, spelling, punctuation and grammar.
• Ability to read and understand complicated plans, permits and blueprints.
• Manipulative skills and hand-eye coordination are required in the operation of vehicles.
• Skill in interpersonal and leadership communications; ability to communicate professionally verbally, in writing, and in presentations.
• Skills in social media use.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and communications with employees, supervisors, contractors, architects, engineers, owners, and the general public.
• Skill in using good judgment, discretion and confidentiality in the performance of duties.
• Ability to perform routine mathematical computations and tabulations accurately and efficiently.
• Ability to access, operate and maintain various software applications.
• Ability to operate four-wheel drive and other off road/all-terrain vehicles.

• 50 pounds maximum lifting.
• Frequent (up to 2/3 of the work time) lifting, carrying up to 10 lbs.
• Expressing or exchanging ideas by spoken word or perceiving sound by ear.
• Good eyesight for production or safety of self and others.
• Physical agility is required in kneeling, bending, stooping, and reaching