Land Managment Specialist

The Land Management Specialist is expected to perform conservation and operational duties at the Ordway-Swisher Biological Station (OSBS) in Melrose, FL, a research and education unit of the University of Florida. This position will participate in conservation projects related to prescribed burning, exotic-invasive species control, habitat restoration, groundcover harvesting, geospatial mapping, and basic operational duties such as road, equipment, fence maintenance and security patrolling. This position participates in day-to-day field supervision of Student

Conservation Association (SCA) interns and volunteers interested in participating in conservation and management. They should expect to work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances. This position will serve as a staff member of OSBS and is expected to both work in a team environment and to be capable of carrying out instructions and projects with minimal supervision. 

Conservation Management Duties.
Including but not limited to:

• Works independently and jointly with other OSBS staff on conservation projects that will primarily involve habitat restoration, groundcover harvesting, fire management, exotic invasive species control, and monitoring.
• Serves as a fire crew member in the Station’s wildland fire management program on prescribed burns and wildfires for the purpose of natural resource enhancement, restoration, fuel reduction, research, and training.
• Participates in fire suppression activities that may require working non-normal work schedule (infrequent)
• Participates in off-site controlled burns with cooperators (ex, FL Park Service, SJRWMD, etc.).
• Prepares management units for burning as directed by Land Manager.
• Attends to pre and post fire operational needs, including preparing fire breaks, burn unit fuel treatments.
• Maintains fire equipment and fire cache in ready status; maintain, clean and organize trucks, UTVs, ATVs and work areas.
• Participates in fire effects monitoring projects.
• Provides leadership and field supervision to seasonal SCA interns on fire and land management tasks.
• Works alongside cooperators and contractors of OSBS when needed
• Works with other Conservation program staff in scouting, documenting, and controlling of exotic-invasive species on OSBS.
• Collects data on identified conservation projects and serves as a backup data collector on selected projects. Monitors natural communities for management needs and effects of management activities.
• Ensures proper implementation of restoration projects, forestry operations, and other activities through field supervision of contractors, volunteers, interns and direct participation.

Operations Management Duties.
Including but not limited to:

• Maintains Station roads and fire breaks through mowing, trimming, disking, rolling, and grading.
• Participates with other staff in maintaining Station equipment and building facilities.
• Enforces OSBS and UF policies with Station visitors, including natural resources protection, in a tactful manner on the lands comprising OSBS. This part of the job requires regular patrol driving of Station. Contact with local law enforcement representatives may be required when dealing with trespassers. Scheduled patrolling on weekends will be required: 2-6 hrs/month. (See NORMAL WORK SCHEDULE section).
• Prepares purchase requests and work order requests.
• Assist on outreach and education events and tours. Some events may also occur on weekends.
• Remove & repair fencing.

Computer/Geospatial Duties:
Including but not limited to:

• Collects GPS data related to resource management and other identified needs.
• Participates in mapping exotic-invasive species, insect/disease outbreaks, fire effects, timber harvesting, restoration, etc. and transferring into GIS
• Assists Station users in use of Trimble GPS equipment and downloading GPS data when needed.
• Ensures Trimble unit’s data are backed-up and updates GPS software periodically.
• Enters data into spreadsheets, databases, and word documents.