Environmental Lands Specialist

The Environmental Specialist’s duties involve all aspects of managing the County’s system of designated nature preserves.  Coordination with the Parks Department for facilities maintenance and Planning Department staff for natural resource management in accordance with adopted resource management plans and accepted natural resource practices is required. Coordination with other County Departments and outside agencies is also required.

Emergency Response
County employees are required to report for work during a state of emergency and are subject to recall around the clock for emergency response operations which may include duties other than those specified in this job description.

Minimum Qualifications

Any combination of education and experience that provides equivalent knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered.

• Graduation from and accredited four-year college or university with a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Sciences, Forestry, Wildlife Ecology, Natural Sciences or related, Recreation or a closely related. 
• Five (5) years of experience in land and/or resource management.

A combination of education, training and experience may be substituted at the County’s discretion.

Licenses, Certifications or Registrations

• Chemical applicators license is preferred. 
• Certification as an Authorized Gopher Tortoise Agent will be required within one year of employment.  
•  Must possess and maintain a valid Florida Driver’s License and be insurable by current insurance carrier.

Special Requirements

• Complete necessary certifications for NIMS compliance.

County employees are required to report for work during a state of emergency and are subject to recall around the clock for emergency response operations which may include duties other than those specified in this job description.

Required Competencies

• Ability to read maps, conduct field inspections, and analyze and evaluate data and produce written reports.
• Ability to use highly technical computer applications, such as GIS, ArcMap, and general computer applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Ability to recognize important ecological functions and necessary management tasks.
• Ability to identify flora and fauna in Central Florida.
• Financial Responsibilities: Prepare and/or process purchase orders; and accountable for inventory/property management; make recommendations that impact the budget.
• Ability to investigate, analyze and make recommendations regarding preserve issues, problems, or complaints.
• Ability to follow written and oral instructions with minimum supervision.
• Ability to track and administer grants.
• Ability to effectively communicate with other County employees, public officials, governmental agencies, civic and professional organizations, volunteers and the general public.
• Ability to operate a trailer and load/unload off-road vehicles correctly.

 

Environmental Conditions

• Works outside in field situations.  Also works inside and closely with others.  It may be necessary for this position to receive immunizations/vaccinations as deemed appropriate for the specific job duties.   
• Vaccinations are voluntary.
• Works in an environment where errors on the incumbent’s part can lead to significant physical or mental consequences for themselves or others.
• May be exposed to extremes in elements, temperature and humidity and to a variety of pests, including mosquitoes and ticks.

Physical Demands

• Balancing, climbing, crawling, crouching, use of hands, hearing, kneeling, lifting, mental acuity, pulling, pushing, reaching, repetitive motion, speaking, standing, visual acuity, and walking
• The work is very heavy work: Exerting in excess of 100 pounds of force occasionally and/or in excess of 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or in excess of 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects. 
• Must be able to operate a motorized vehicle for extended periods, some driving may be in off-road (4x4) conditions.
• Should be able to operate all-terrain vehicles (ATV) and watercraft (kayak).
• Must be able to hike relatively long distances carrying equipment in remote and rugged terrain.

Pay Grade: 9

Hernando County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on
the basis of sex, race, color, religion, gender, orientation, national origin, age, marital status, veteran status, genetic
information, pregnancy, disability, or any other protected characteristic as defined by law.

Hernando County is a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to drug testing in accordance with Federal and
Florida State Law.

Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must provide
notification to the BOCC in advance to allow sufficient time to provide an accommodation.

Salary : $55,058 - $77,106