Land Management Specialist

Land Management Specialist 

Bureau of Land Resources 

Job Summary: This is professional work assisting in the development, implementation, and management of SJRWMD's land management programs. 

Job duties include: 

• Monitors natural communities for management needs and effects of management activities; assists in the development and implementation of the Area Management Plans by providing firsthand knowledge of properties and ground investigations; ensures proper implementation of restoration projects, forestry operations, and other activities through supervision of contractors, volunteers, and direct participation; create scopes of work and manages various Land Management related contracts. Assists in the support and development of Land Management Database. Assists with herbicide application as needed.
• Participates in controlled burning activities for natural resource enhancement, restoration, and fuel reduction. Develops plans, prescriptions, and resource needs related to fire control. Participates in fire suppression activities. Supervise and participate in establishment and maintenance of fire lines. Coordinates fire activities with coworkers, neighbors, and other agencies.  Monitors short and long-term effects of fire management and helps support fire management database.
• Coordinates with other agencies and local governments on development and implementation of land management agreements; encourages public support for the land management program by supervising the installation of public access points and facilities and managing their use; responding to public inquiries; supervising public use; conducting tours; making presentations; and attending meetings.
• Protects District lands and facilities by assisting in the development of security plans, observing and reporting activities such as vandalism, poaching and wildfires, and maintaining good relations with local law enforcement personnel.
• Assist with monitoring, mapping, banding, and general management of listed bird species, as needed.  Provide knowledge and assist in the management of other listed flora and fauna.
• Assists the coordination of the land management program with other departments, agencies, and lessees by assisting in the formulation of agreements and licenses, managing leases, ensuring compliance with agreements and licenses, and maintaining contracts with cooperators and lessees.

Ability to:  

Communicate with supervisors, co-workers, members of the public, volunteers and other agency personnel. Read and interpret maps. Handle various tasks and projects with minimal supervision. 

Preferred candidate with basic fire management and terrestrial herbicide application experience. 

Skilled In:  

Natural communities, flora, and fauna identification; basic forest management activities: marking, cruising, reforestation small equipment operation; basic computer programs, GPS, GIS. 

Physical Requirements/Working Environment: 

Endure harsh outdoor environments in uncomfortable/extreme temperatures, inclement weather, rough terrain, venomous animals, rain, and other potential hazards. Participate in prescribed fire and wildfire management activities; drive trucks, ATVs, tractors, (other equipment), trailering of equipment, operate or learn to operate airboats, participates with invasive plant management activities as needed 

Occasional overnight travel required. 

Minimum Qualifications: 

A Bachelor of Science degree from an accredited college or university with a major in forestry, ecology, natural resources, wildlife management, natural science, or related field; or an associate degree from an accredited college in biology, environmental science, forest technology or related natural resource field and two years of progressively responsible natural resource management experience. Progressively responsible experience in natural resource management can substitute on a year-for-year basis for the required education.  

SJRWMD has determined this to be a mandatory-testing position as described in Section 440.102, Florida Statutes. Any offer of employment for a mandatory-testing position and will be contingent upon successfully passing a drug screening paid by SJRWMD. The SJRWMD Drug Free Workplace Policy is available for review in the Careers section at www.sjrwmd.com. 

Licenses: 

Valid State of Florida Driver’s License. 

Additional Details: 

Starting Salary Range: $45,864.00 - $57,324.80 

Starting salary is based on qualifications and experience. 

Benefits include Florida Retirement System, health insurance, dental insurance, life insurance, long-term disability, paid leave and holidays, professional development, wellness program, telework options and eligible for public service student loan forgiveness program. 

Your application will receive careful consideration, and if selected for an interview, you will be contacted to schedule an appointment. St. Johns River Water Management District participates in E-Verify. E-Verify is an internet-based system that allows businesses to determine the eligibility of their employees to work in the United States.  

Certain service members and veterans, and the spouses and family members of such service members and veterans will receive preference in employment and are encouraged to apply.  

Equal Employment Opportunity/Veterans’ Preference/Drug-Free and Tobacco-Free Workplace 

Location: Apopka Field Station, 25633 County Road 448A, Mount Dora, FL 32757 

Closing Date: Open until filled