Ecological Field Technician (Ops)

General Information

Work Location: Robinson Preserve @ Valentine House, 1704 99th Street Northwest, Bradenton, Florida 34209
Work Hours: Monday - Friday 7:30 am - 3:00 pm (up to an average of 27 hours per week)

Expected Starting Hourly Range: $17.36 - $21.70

As an Ecological Field Technician, you will assist your team with management of coastal wetlands and uplands, and you will perform wildlife surveys. This position will support stakeholder engagement events, volunteer activities, and will include ecological-focused projects, such as native vegetation plantings, nuisance species management, habitat restoration, ecological resource surveys, and contractor oversight. The work environment will involve work on and in water, over coastal uplands, and in office assistance with administrative tasks.

Working Conditions
Indoor office and outdoor field environment. Performs strenuous work in varying and adverse weather conditions. Traverses uneven or rugged terrain. High noise environment while performing certain responsibilities. Lifting and carrying equipment up to 25 lbs. alone and up to 50 lbs. with assistance. Regularly required to operate county vehicles, including trucks, trailers, mowers, and boats, as part of the duties of the job. Able to climb and descend equipment and ladders. Able to climb and descend equipment and ladders. Able to bend, stoop, crawl and reach. Position requires visual acuity and depth perception, as well as ability to hear and identify sounds. Occasionally required to work other than normal business hours, including nights and weekends. Position will include in water work and requires the ability to swim.

Job Description

Performs on-the-ground ecological restoration tasks including tidal resource enhancements and monitoring (e.g., seagrass, oysters, mangroves), and upland and freshwater wetland vegetation management (e.g., mowing, seeding, application of herbicides, manual removal of weeds, planting, and watering).

Assists staff with managing ecological restoration volunteers in the performance of habitat restoration tasks.

May occasionally assist the Marine Resources Program as needed.

Follows all established safety standards and procedures in order to protect self, other employees, and the general public.

Performs other related work (including weather or other extreme emergency duties) as required.

Minimum Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalent.

One (1) or more years of experience in environmental science, natural resource management, habitat restoration or other field science discipline.

Valid driver license required, with valid Florida driver license required within 30 days of hire.

Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.

More

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Able to comprehend and follow oral and written instructions.

Organizes own work and completes tasks within assigned time frames.

Able to resolve routine situations and solve problems.

General knowledge and understanding of current principles and practices in ecological restoration and natural resources management, conservation, and protection.

Ability to work in outdoor environments performing habitat related activities (e.g., SAV surveys, coastal vegetation monitoring, native plantings, oyster deployments, wildlife surveys, etc.)

Good knowledge and understanding of local flora and fauna in southwest Florida and/or a solid foundation in botany.

Able to read work specifications, site plans, and schematic drawings.

General knowledge and understanding of computer applications and software programs required to perform job duties, including Microsoft Office Suite, GPS, and Esri GIS software.

Willingness to support community outreach and educations (e.g., planting events, nuisance and exotic species eradication, etc.), engage with citizens and agency partners (e.g., National Estuary Programs and other nonprofit organizations).

Good written and verbal communication skills and interpersonal skills in order to interact professionally and effectively with co-workers, supervisor, volunteers, and stakeholders.

Able to communicate routine information.

Able to use tact and diplomacy in situations that may involve angry or frustrated citizens.

Capable of working under moderate supervision.

Veterans Preference

In accordance with Florida Statute 295.07, F.S., Chapter 55A-7, priority consideration in employment will be given to eligible veterans and spouses of disabled veterans. Applicants claiming preference must provide a DD Form 214 or other acceptable documentation with their application. We are committed to honoring the service and sacrifices of our veterans and their families.

EEO/ADA Statement

Manatee County Government is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you require any accommodations to participate in the recruitment process, please contact Human Resources at 941-748-4501 x 3865.

Drug-Free Workplace

Manatee County Government is a drug-free workplace in accordance with Federal and Florida Law.

Emergency Response/Recovery Activities

All employees may be required to work before, during, or after an emergency. During an emergency, employees may temporarily be assigned to work and perform duties outside the normal scope of their position, location, and work schedule to fit the needs of the County and its citizens.