Senior Natural Resources Specialist

Flagler County is dedicated to enriching the lives of those we serve and strives to deliver a vibrant and prosperous community with a focus on providing exceptional quality of life.  As we work together to put the needs of our community first, we are also dedicated to our employees, investing in competitive compensation and comprehensive benefit plans – to take care of you and your family now, and in the future.  And with continuing education and advancement opportunities, you can build a long, successful career with us.  You’ll thrive in an environment where we build a culture of innovation by encouraging collaboration and empowering staff to facilitate positive outcomes. We understand the importance of work/life balance, having flexible work schedules and the ability to be able to afford health insurance.  That’s why our benefits are known to be some of the best around!  We offer a robust benefit package that includes low-cost health insurance, no cost onsite wellness center and gym, retirement in the Florida Retirement System, County paid basic life insurance, 13 paid holidays, generous personal leave, tuition reimbursement, longevity pay, and wellness programs to support a happier, healthier you. At Flagler County we aspire to be the catalyst that makes us an employer of choice.Position Summary
This is a technical position responsible for the development and implementation of natural resource management plans for the Flagler County Environmentally Sensitive Lands Program. The Natural Resource Specialist will work under the direction of the County’s Public Lands and Natural Resources Manager and be responsible for writing and updating resource management plans, writing grant reports and applications, conducting biological surveys, overseeing the work of contractors, and facilitating the completion of a variety of projects and activities in Flagler County preserves, parks, and natural areas. 

Essential Functions

• Assist in the development and revision of land management plans for County-owned preserves, parks and natural areas 
• Develop technical reports, grant reports, memos, letters and records
• Implement land management plans and contracts by developing scopes of work and overseeing contractors 
• Conducts biological monitoring including but not limited to plant and wildlife surveys and natural communities to establishing management needs as well as short and long-term effects of management activities 
• Assists the Public Lands Manager by evaluating land use requests, managing approved requests, evaluating potential real estate acquisitions and other related duties 
• Assists in the development of natural resource restoration, forest management, mitigation, invasive species removal and fire management plans 
• Assists with prescribed burning 
• Assist with invasive species removal, habitat maintenance and enhancement.
• Assists in the development of RFPs and RFQs needed to meet land management needs
• Loads and operates boats, trucks, ATVs and trailers  
• Operates chain saws and small hand tools 
• Performs related work as required.
• In the event of an emergency, all employees are considered essential personnel and may be required to perform alternate duties.

These essential functions are not to be construed as a complete statement of all duties performed. All employees will be required to perform other job-related duties as required.Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Natural or Physical Sciences, Biology, Forestry, Zoology, Wildlife Management, Geology, or related field from an accredited college or university.  
• 4-years’ experience in environmental or resource land management.   
• Possess or have ability to obtain herbicide applicator’s license within one year from date of hire.
• Possess or have ability to complete the Florida Division of Forestry controlled burn training within one year from date of hire.  
• Must possess a valid Florida driver’s license. Class “C” Florida commercial driver’s license preferred. 

Flagler County is a drug free workplace, some positions may require a pre-employment drug screen.

Flagler County, Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Flagler County, Florida will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of local flora and fauna 
• Knowledge of biological monitoring principles
• Proficient in technical report writing 
• Knowledge of ArcPro and/or other GIS and GPS software
• Knowledge of computers and job-related software programs
• Knowledge of forest and land management techniques
• Knowledge of invasive species identification and management techniques
• Familiarity with state and federal environmental regulations
• Possess or ability to obtain a herbicide applicator’s license during the first year of employment
• Complete the S-130/S-180/S-190 
• Ability to work independently 
• Skill in planning, organizing, directing and coordinating the work of contractors
• Skill in the preparation of clear and precise administrative reports.
• Skill in oral and written communication.

Physical Demands: 
Physical demand: Moderate

• Physical requirements include: Sitting, standing, walking, bending, stooping, lifting and moving of approximately 50 lbs.
• Employee is frequently required to reach with hands and arms; climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• Position requires good hand dexterity for operating equipment; ability to hear, comprehend and respond to patrons, co-workers and supervisors both orally and in writing.
• Subject to working in adverse weather conditions.   

Salary : $61,422 - $83,481