Entry Level Forestry Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

Description This position is responsible for maintaining and improving the Utilities Department wastewater effluent discharge infrastructure, public park features, and vegetative ecosystems at Conservation Park. This is a flexibly staffed series. Positions will be filled at the appropriate level based on directly related experience.

Forestry Maintenance Technician Trainee: Under immediate supervision, this is the entry-level class in the Forestry Maintenance Technician. Incumbents are required to have little to no directly related work experience and perform routine tasks while developing familiarity with the Conservation Park. Work is observed and reviewed both during performance and upon completion.

Instructions or changes in procedures or exceptions to rules are explained in detail as required. Forestry Maintenance Technician I: Under general supervision, this is the intermediate-level class in the Forestry Maintenance Technician series. Incumbents assigned to this class are expected to perform almost the full range of duties assigned to this class.

Incumbents receive some instruction or assistance in the performance of the duties assigned to this class. Examples of Duties Performs routine maintenance tasks, including but not limited to cleaning, inspection and repair of buildings, restrooms, grounds, pavilions, discharge structures, outfalls, boardwalks, trails, catch basins, culverts, ditches, signage, fencing, and gates. Operates and maintains equipment, including but not limited, to blowers, chain saws, woodchippers, all-purpose service vehicles, tractors with associated implements, etc.

Basic operation of skid-steer as directed. Maintains facilities and grounds that are accessible to the public in an attractive condition conducive to recreational use and enjoyment. Proactively aids the public in a courteous and professional manner.

Participates in the maintenance of the Conservation Park facilities; maintains trails and boardwalks; cuts grass and weeds; applies herbicide; removes debris from waterway; paints signs, benches, picnic tables, etc.; performs tree removal. Performs preventative maintenance and evaluations on all Conservation Park equipment in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations and specifications. Handles and applies vegetation control chemicals in accordance with manufacturer's recommendations and City policies as assigned and directed

Works to clear away obstructions impeding effluent flow through wetland systems. Assists with coordinating public events such as bird walks, cross country runs, and school tours. Assists with planting native species as part of the long-term site restoration effort.

Assists with biological and hydrological monitoring, including but not limited to, the following: vegetation transects, canopy density measurements, threatened and endangered species surveys, fish sampling, surface flow data logging, etc. Follows appropriate safety precautions and procedures for all tasks initiated. Maintains clear and concise records of work performed.

Inspects roadways, boardwalks, trails and other infrastructure for damage and erosion. Explains and enforces park rules ensuring visitors comply with established safety guidelines and procedures. Cleans interior and exterior of buildings and structures as scheduled.

Provides customer service as needed and reports problems to supervisor May be required to work a varied schedule and overtime. Performs other duties as needed. Forestry Maintenance Technician I: In addition to the previous duties: Operates skid-steer with forestry attachment as directed.

Typical Qualifications MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Forestry Maintenance Technician Trainee: High school diploma or GED. Possession of or the ability to readily obtain a valid driver's license issued by the State of Florida for the type of vehicle or equipment operated. Familiar with computers.

Previous experience using mechanic tools, power tools, shop equipment, and small equipment. Forestry Maintenance Technician I: One year of natural resources experience, preferably in local, state, or national park system. One year of previous experience using ATVs/UTVs, machinery, and equipment with implements, chainsaws, power trimmers, and power hand tools.

Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered. Supplemental Information KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED BY THE POSITION Forestry Maintenance Trainee: Knowledge of the safe operation of industrial tools and heavy equipment associated with forestry maintenance. Knowledge of carpentry and plumbing principles.

Knowledge of basic landscaping and forestry management principles. Knowledge of computers and job-related software programs. Skill in the safe and lawful operation of a motor vehicle.

Skill in using ATVs/UTVs, equipment with implements, chainsaws, power trimmers, and power hand tools. Skill in listening well and communicating effectively orally and writing with various audiences. Ability to work from blueprints, pencil sketches or written or oral instructions.

Ability to read, interpret, and comply with a variety of policies and procedures. Ability to use standard office equipment, personal computer and job-related computer applications including e-mail. Ability to consistently follow safety instructions.

Ability to respond to field conditions, customers, and emergencies professionally. Ability to keep accurate records. Ability to prioritize work and meet deadlines.

Ability to work independently and as part of a team, Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with City employees, other agencies, and the general public. Forestry Maintenance Technician I: In addition to the previous KSAs: Skill in operating all assigned equipment, including hand tools, power tools, and equipment in a safe and appropriate manner. Skill in use of word processing and spreadsheet software.

Skill in troubleshooting basic mechanical issues. Skill in ensuring compliance with technical standards and safety regulations. Skill in interpersonal relations.

Ability to achieve timeliness, completeness and assuring proper quality control. Ability to adapt to interruptions, equipment failures, unusual demands or changing priorities. Ability to make inspections to determine operating conditions and needed repairs of equipment.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS The Biologist assigns work in terms of general instructions. The Biologist spot-checks completed work for compliance with safety, procedure, accuracy, timeliness, quality, and the nature and propriety of the results. GUIDELINES Guidelines include OSHA, DEP, FWC, USFWS, FDACS, and EPA regulations and City and Department policies and procedures.

These guidelines require judgment, selection, and interpretation in application. COMPLEXITY/SCOPE OF WORK The work consists of related facility and park maintenance duties. Inclement weather and unexpected equipment breakdowns contribute to the complexity of the position.

The purpose of this position is to participate in the maintenance and restoration of Conservation Park and its associated receiving wetland functions. Successful performance results in the safe and regulatory compliant ecosystem management of a receiving wetland, conservation area, and public recreation area. Provides corresponding support to other City departments related to conservation responsibilities.

CONTACTS Contacts are typically with coworkers, other City personnel, vendors, contractors, and members of the general public. Contacts are typically to exchange information, resolve problems, and provide services. PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ WORK ENVIRONMENT While performing the essential duties of this job, the employee is required to talk, hear, see, walk, stand, grasp and reach.

The work is typically performed while intermittently sitting, kneeling, bending, crouching, or stooping. The employee frequently climbs ladders, uses tools or equipment requiring a high degree of dexterity, distinguishes between shades of color, and utilizes the sense of smell. The employee must frequently lift, push and pull up to 25 pounds, regularly up to 50 pounds, and occasionally up to 100 pounds.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. The work is typically performed outdoors, occasionally in cold or inclement weather. The employee is exposed to water, high heat and humidity, noise, dust, dirt, grease, machinery with moving parts, noxious wildlife, vegetation, contagious or infectious diseases, and irritating chemicals.

The work requires the use of personal protective equipment. SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY None These are intended only as illustrations of various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position.