Polk County Invasive Plant Management Position

There is an invasive plant management position open in Polk County, Florida.  

 

The e-mail link is

 

http://ejob.bz/ATS/PortalViewRequirement.do?reqGK=948327

 

The job description is below.

 

 

 

 

ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNICIAN I-II-III
(Natural Resources - Invasive Plant Management)
 
 
* This position is recruited and staffed under Source2 for the probationary period of one year*  
 
 
Must have the physical, developmental and mental ability to perform job tasks, work efforts, responsibilities and duties of the job illustrated below:

 
MAJOR FUNCTION
 
Skilled technical work within a comprehensive environmental control program.  Field work primarily assisting in spraying herbicides and operating mechanical equipment for the control of nuisance and invasive vegetation.  Secondarily participating in all aspects of prescribed fire in natural areas.
 
ILLUSTRATIVE DUTIES
 
Primarily will be applying herbicides from an airboat to invasive plants on lakes and creeks.  Operates automotive trucks, all-terrain vehicles, airboats, outboard motor boats, tractors mowers and related herbicide application equipment.  Provides general and preventive maintenance of spray equipment, boats and assigned vehicles, (i.e.: washes, cleans, polishes and makes minor repairs to equipment and spray apparatus, including welding, brazing, minor engine repairs, fiberglass repairs, etc., as directed by the Invasive Plant Manager).  Keeps records of work performed and chemicals used.  Enters data into computerized database.
 
Secondarily responsible for assisting with management activities on County owned Environmental Lands property.  Participate in the execution of all facets of prescribed fire.  Other management activities include but are not limited to the following: removal of debris, trash, tree stands, internal fencing, etc.; mechanical and chemical control of exotic plant species; control of various invasive animal species; creating and marking trails; creating parking areas and walk through gates; maintaining fences; mechanical and chemical  maintenance of roads, property lines, and fire breaks; assist with preparation work prior to prescribed burns; construction of benches and picnic shelters; plant surveys; and re-vegetation activities.  The operation of various equipment and hand tools are necessary to complete many of these tasks.  Performs related duties as required.
 
KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS
 
Ability to learn to operate and provide maintenance and emergency repairs on airboats, outboard motor boats, automotive and spray equipment.  Ability to learn the occupational hazards and safety precautions applicable in the operation of herbicides and assigned equipment.  Ability to work with and around various chemicals.   Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.  Ability to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with others.  Ability to see, ambulate independently, drive, bend, stoop, sit and stand.  Ability to sit for long periods.  Ability to drive from work site to work site to look at and provide operational spraying assignments.  Ability to perform tasks that require eye and hand coordination.  Steadiness of hand.  Ability to think and react calmly and responsively to emergency situations.
 
Ability and agility to perform various labor tasks in all weather conditions.  Ability to push and/or pull airboats while loading or unloading and while in shallow areas near the shoreline. Ability to swim.  Ability to lift 40-50 pounds regularly and 80-100 pounds occasionally. 
 
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
 
Graduate of an accredited high school or possess an acceptable equivalency diploma and have some experience in the operation of trucks and boats.
 
Must have a valid driver's license and be able to secure a valid Florida Class "D" driver's license at the time of employment within this classification.
 
A comparable amount of training and experience may be substituted for the minimum qualifications.
 
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
 
Must be able to swim.
 
An employee in this class must pass and obtain a Florida Department and Consumer Services Aquatic Pesticide Public Applicator's License within one (1) year of employment within this classification.
 

 
Location:  Bartow Florida
Work Schedule:  Monday-Friday 6AM-2:30PM
Rate of pay:  $12.92-$15.55 (Depending on experience, education and Licenses)
Closing-Pending-Will close without notice
 

 

 

Gaye Sharpe

Natural Areas Manager

Polk County Parks and Natural Resources

4177 Ben Durrance Rd

Bartow, FL  33830

Phone 863-534-7377

E-mail gayesharpe@polk-county.net