Conservation Management duties include, but are 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 controlled fires 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.
• 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.
florida
Job: Fire Management Program Assistant, Florida Park Service
The Florida Park Service is accepting applications for a Fire Management Program Assistant based out of Tallahassee’s central office at the Bureau of Natural and Cultural Resources. The majority of the work will be detail oriented administrative work, but there will be opportunities for participating in the fire program with boots on the ground. Duties will include, but are not limited to: tracking and purchasing for the fabrication, building and outfitting Type 5 Fire Engines, logistics for statewide trainings including Southern Area Engine Academy, and help in development and implementation of Collector/Survey 1,2,3 Apps for fire management.
Continue ReadingJob: Biological Scientist III, Florida Forest Service
The anticipated minimum hiring salary for this position is $36,467.60 annually.
JOB DUTIES:
This professional position is responsible to the Forestry Resource Administrator. This person will work to plan, develop, and coordinate land management practices that enhance and protect natural plant communities and animal species on Lake Wales Ridge State Forest and other state lands as needed. Specific examples of work performed include, but are not limited to, the following:
Survey mapped populations of 16 federally listed species at Lake Wales Ridge State Forest (LWRSF); update GPS/GIS (Global Positioning System /Geographic Information) maps of populations (or individuals if n<100) of listed species. Conduct floristic surveys on the state forest and assist in floristic surveys on other public lands as needed.
Develop and implement demography projects (i.e., monitor tagged individuals) for at least half of the 8 species subject to level 3 monitoring in order to determine their management requirements. Small, medium, and large populations should be selected so that trends can be detected. Coordinate with outside researchers to avoid duplication of effort in plant demography projects.
Develop Scrub Maintenance Project by establishing a written monitoring protocol to track the success of the application of high intensity prescribed fire to maintain habitat requirements of scrub endemics.
Assist with the Sand Pine Scrub Co-operative Research Project being conducted in collaboration with ecologists from the Department of Environmental Protection, Archbold Biological Station, and The Nature Conservancy.
Work with the forester on timber harvest planning in sand pine scrub and cutthroat grass. Continue vegetation-monitoring project and coordinate with the forester on effects of logging on listed species in sand pine scrub.
Provide input for burn planning on the state forest and conduct post burn analysis and monitoring of plants.
Conduct field research projects (responses to disturbances, seed viability, etc.) to improve understanding of the effects of management activities on any of the 16 listed species where current knowledge is lacking. Coordinate and collaborate with outside researchers to avoid duplication of effort in these areas.
Assist in the development, administration, and implementation of ecologically sound forest management prescriptions that promote native habitat integrity and protect rare, threatened, and endangered species of plants and animals. Promote the enhancement of these populations through specific habitat controls. Coordinate ecosystem management practices with federal, state, other local agencies and appropriate environmental private organizations to ensure a blended, well-balanced management program for these species. Survey, inventory, and monitor rare, threatened and endangered species of flora and fauna and maintain a permanent record of essential information for future management purposes. Attend and be involved in the Lake Wales Ridge Ecosystem Working Group.
Assist other Florida Forest Service (FFS) biologists in conducting routine field inspections to inventory and monitor condition of forest units, habitats, and plant populations. Assist other state agencies with preparation and update of natural areas inventory as regards rare plants. Coordinate with other FFS biologists in the relocation of threatened and endangered species and evaluation of ecological mitigation projects.
Perform other related duties as assigned including the proper maintenance of all assigned equipment and vehicles
Continue ReadingJob: Wildlife Tech, Longleaf Alliance, Florida
Employment Opportunity Announcement: Wildlife Technician
Application Due Date: June 11th, 2021 The Longleaf Alliance (TLA) is seeking one Wildlife Technician to assist with the recovery of the reticulated flatwoods salamander (Ambystoma bishopi) in the Gulf Coastal Plain Ecosystem Partnership (GCPEP) landscape.
Priority work will center on habitat restoration, population monitoring, and captive rearing. The position is full-time for two years with the possibility of an extension.
Duties: The Wildlife Technician will assist with ongoing projects focusing on the conservation of the federally endangered reticulated flatwoods salamander with work focused primarily on the Escribano Point Wildlife Management Area in Santa Rosa County, Florida.
Field duties for salamander monitoring include construction and maintenance of drift fences and funnel traps, drift fence monitoring, egg searching, larval monitoring, and collection of genetic samples from larval and adult salamanders.
The Wildlife Technician will participate in captive rearing (head-starting), involving the installation and maintenance of “cattle tank” artificial ponds that house larval salamanders (monitoring of water quality variables, collecting and culturing invertebrate prey, and tracking growth and development of larval salamanders).
The selected applicants will restore and monitor wetland habitat through the following activities: removal of woody vegetation and duff/muck through hand clearing using chainsaws and brushcutters, prescribed fire, invasive species control, and monitoring of vegetation and hydrology.
The selected applicant will work with the wildlife biologist to coordinate and occasionally oversee a four-person seasonal restoration crew.
This position will perform detailed data collection, entry, proofing, and database management to support project updates and grant reports.
Qualifications: Applicants should have a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in biology, ecology, or related field and must have field experience and be comfortable working outside for long periods during non-standard hours and in inclement conditions both alone and with a team.
Preferred applicants will have NWCG fire certifications S130 and S190, as well as basic faller S212, however not required. Applicants should also be in good physical condition and comfortable walking long distances in the woods or wading in shallow water while carrying heavy equipment for short distances and hauling cut debris out of wetlands.
They should be familiar with the identification, collection, and handling of reptiles and amphibians, preferably in the southeastern US, including ability to safely remove venomous snakes from traps.
Additional qualifications: competence with 4×4 vehicle operation in challenging terrain, GPS navigation, GIS, field data collection, and data entry (i.e., Microsoft Excel), a desire and ability to maintain harmonious working relationships with others in the office and field, especially under stressful conditions.
Applicants must possess a valid US driver’s license. Salary will range from $33,000 to $34,500 plus benefits and will be commensurate with experience.
A resume, cover letter, and three references (Supervisors) must be received no later than June 11th, 2021 electronically to: Charlie Abeles [email protected] 240-527-8146
Final candidates will be notified by June 18 th for interviews. Position start date is July 26th or sooner if possible.
Continue ReadingJobs: Brevard County Florida Environmentally Endangered Lands Program
Brevard County’s Environmentally Endangered Lands Program we have been working hard on scrub restoration across the region, in hopes of increasing Scrub Jay populations in South Brevard.
In order to support this work, there are now two positions open in the South Region. One for a Land Management Specialist and the other is for a Land Management Technician.
Both positions close May 3.
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Job: Environmental Lands Management Coordinator, Hillsborough County, FL
This position is responsible for coordinating and administering environmental land management and land use services to fulfill parks and conservation management plan requirements and Environmental Lands Acquisition and Protection Program (ELAPP) objectives. This is a supervisory position that will be based out of the Odessa area in the northwest region of Hillsborough County, FL.
The job duties emphasize team leadership, prescribed burning, exotic control, site security, public recreation and ecosystem restoration.
Continue ReadingBasic Wildland Fire Training S-130/S-190/L-180
The Manatee Technical College Michael G. Johnson Fire Academy in Bradenton, FL will host a Basic Wildland Fire Training May 3-7. Tuition costs $225.
Full information and registration can be found here.
Continue ReadingHybrid S-130/S-190/L-180: Basic Wildland Firefighter
The intent of this course is to train new firefighters in basic firefighting skills. It is often required for participation in prescribed burning activities. Participants who complete all course requirements will receive federally-recognized NWCG certificates for S-130, S-190, and L-180.
**This training is presented in a hybrid format. Participants must complete 40 hours of training total, including online material via Canvas and attending an in-person field day in order to earn NWCG certificates for S-130, S-190, L-180.**
PLEASE NOTE: You should expect to devote approximately 33 hours to complete the online material through Canvas; a suggested timeline to keep you on track over the three weeks of online coursework will be provided after registration closes.
Required activities:
Online training, to be completed at your own pace April 14 – May 4:
- S-190 = 7 hours of online learning
- S-130 = 22 hours of online learning
- L-180 = 4 hours of online learning
In-person training, to be completed at one of the following dates/locations:
- May 5 at Apalachicola Bluffs & Ravines Preserve, in Bristol, FL
- May 20 at Ordway-Swisher Biological Preserve, in Melrose, FL
- May 21 at Ordway-Swisher Biological Preserve, in Melrose, FL
- May 21 at Disney Wilderness Preserve, in Poinciana, FL
Register here, space is limited.
Continue ReadingJob: Land Management Technician, Palm Bay, FL
Job Summary:
This is work providing technical assistance to the District’s forest, fire and land management programs.
Job duties include:
• Operates and maintains fire management equipment under a wide variety of conditions to provide support within the Bureau of Land Resources; installs and maintains pre-suppression fire lines; ensures that fire lines are in compliance with the applicable Silvicultural BMP’s; provides dozer/plow equipment stand-by during prescribed fire operations; assists with wildfire suppression operations.
• Assists with forest and land management projects including marking timber, cruising timber, site preparation, and reforestation; conducts wildlife and plant surveys, recreational infrastructure maintenance, road maintenance, boundary maintenance and posting projects; assists with the coordination of contractors to ensure contract specifications are followed.
• Operates and maintains equipment utilized in support of fuels management and restoration projects such as farm tractors with mower, roller choppers, harrows, tillers, mulchers, Marsh Masters, airboats, etc.
Job: Parks Operations Foreperson (Boyd Hill Nature Preserve), Florida
The Boyd Hill Nature Preserve in St. Petersburg, Florida, is looking for a new foreperson!
While this position includes tasks involving landscaping and building maintenance, it’s real mission is managing our 400 acres of uplands, hammocks, and swamps.
Prescribed fire is a critical part of the management, as there are many fire-dependent plants and animals on-site.
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