Environmental Lands Stewardship Coordinator

PARKS AND NATURAL RESOURCES – ENIVORNMENTAL LANDS STEWARDSHIP COORDINATOR 

SALARY

PG-19, $2,352 Biweekly, $61,152.00 Annually, Salaried/Exempt

PRIMARY WORK LOCATION

Polk’s Nature Discovery Center at Circle B Bar Reserve 

4399 Winter Lake Road Lakeland, FL 33803

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

•    Direct Deposit, Bi-Weekly Pay Checks
•    Medical, Dental, Vision
•    Life Insurance
•    FRS Retirement
•    10 Paid Holidays
•    Paid Time Off
•    Tuition Reimbursement
•    Education Incentives
•    Deferred Compensation Plan
•    Wellness Incentives
•    Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
•    Free Employee Gym
•    Free Employee Health Clinic

Must have the physical, developmental and mental ability to perform job tasks, work efforts, responsibilities and duties of the job illustrated below.

MAJOR FUNCTIONS

Responsible staff position involving technical and educational work relating to the Environmental Lands Program (ELP).  Supervises Environmental Lands’ field staff in the management of the sites. Assists the Natural Areas Manager with the preparation and implementation of grants and presentations to enhance Polk County’s Environmental Lands Program.

ILLUSTRATIVE DUTIES

• Assists with the capital improvements on environmental land sites and with developing and implementing the management plans.  Coordinates activities with the public, county staff, and related agencies on issues pertaining to conservation, passive recreation and environmental education.  Performs outreach programs.
• Supervises field staff and coordinates their activities to implement the management plans, including trail development, monitoring, restoration projects, invasive plant and prescribed burning activities, and implementing the Public Use Ordinance.  Assists with public access capital improvement projects such as parking areas, boardwalks, observation platforms, etc.  Prepares updates to management plans and assist with conducting public meets on the plan. Prepares site stewardship reports on an annual basis. Collects data points using Global Positioning System (GPS) equipment and creates maps using ArcView GIS.   Coordinates and implements restoration projects. Oversees special use permit requests. Develops, interprets and implements educational programs involving the (ELP).  Liaison with community agencies and organizations.  Responsible for recruiting and supervising volunteers along with coordinating special volunteer projects.  Works directly with the Natural Areas Manager and staff on development of environmental educational programs that further the ELP goals.  Assists with design of exhibits, trail brochures and other publications.  Assists with production of special events.
• Directs the activities of technical personnel, consultants and contractors working on projects in area of assignment.   Identifies funding sources and prepares grant applications. Coordinates with other agencies, organizations, groups and businesses to develop or enhance partnerships, identify funding sources, exchanging information and implementing environmental educational programs regarding the ELP.
• Travels, as necessary, to site locations.  Meets with the public, both in the office and in the field to explain County procedures, and the various aspects of the ELP.  Assists with presentations to the Board of County Commissioners. Prepares and presents oral and written reports to County staff and operational work units, other agency staff, students, teachers, consultants, and the public.   Prepares and conducts presentations to organizations and schools.  Organizes and leads guided nature walks.
• Assists in the management of Environmental Lands.  Requires outdoor field work and may involve exposure to chemicals, smoke, dust, heat, insects and weather.
• Performs related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS

Knowledge of the principles, practices and theories related to Environmental Lands Management.  Knowledge of activities regarding land management activities of other local, state, and federal agencies.  Knowledge concerning environmental education programs.  Knowledge of and ability to operate a personal computer using software as utilized by the work unit.  Ability to become knowledgeable of County goals, procedures, practices, regulations, policies and ordinances.  Ability to analyze, advise, assist and solve citizen/customer problems or concerns.  Ability to communicate effectively in written and oral formats.  Ability to use good judgment and make independent decisions. Ability to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with employees, officials and the public.  Ability to see, talk, walk, bend, stoop, sit, stand, and drive.  Ability to work in the field under all types of conditions. Ability to lift 40-50 pounds regularly and 80-100 pounds occasionally.  Ability to utilize software and personal computer. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Graduate of an accredited four (4) year college/university with a degree in sciences, such as Natural Sciences, Biology, Botany, Ecology, Forestry, Wildlife Management, or a related field and have a minimum of two (2) years of Environmental Lands Management experience.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and be able to secure a valid Florida driver’s license at the time of employment.
• A comparable amount of related training and experience may be substituted for the minimum qualifications except for the required degree.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must pass the basic firefighting training courses (S130, S190, I100, PMS 416) within one (1) year of employment.
• Weekend & evening work may be required.

This position shall be required to report for work when a declaration of emergency has been declared in Polk County.

SPECIAL PREFERENCES

• Prefer training or experience with identifying Central Florida flora and fauna.
• Prefer experience with word processing, spreadsheets, and databases (such as Word, Quattro/Excel, Presentations/PowerPoint, Illustrator, Microsoft Access and ArcView GIS).  Prefer experience with multi-media presentation software including design and audio visuals.
• Prefer individual with public speaking and/or environmental education experience.
• Prefer individual with Prescribed Fire Burn Boss certification.