Entry Level Plant Science Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

Requisition No: 881692 

Agency: Environmental Protection

Working Title: OPS RESOURCE MANAGEMENT TECHNICIAN - 3797345 1 1

 Pay Plan: Temp

Position Number: 37971345 

Salary:  $16-$18 per hour commensurate with experience 

Posting Closing Date: 09/07/2026 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

OPS RESOURCE MANAGEMENT TECHNICIAN (37971845)

State of Florida

Department of Environmental Protection

This position is located in Palmetto FL

Position Overview and Responsibilities:

 The Bureau of Parks District 4 is looking for a self-motivated, hardworking team player interested in Natural Resource Management to fill an OPS Resource Management Technician position. In this position, the applicant will travel between District 4 parks to assist with integrated vegetation management, including chemical and mechanical invasive plant removal, protection of imperiled species, habitat surveys, & revegetation. The applicant must be able to work a flexible schedule including some weekends & be able to travel for work-related responsibilities. 

This is a chance to be a part of something exciting- a Florida State Park natural resource management team!

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

with team initiatives and learn proper techniques to address them. Participate in all aspects of invasive species treatments, including targeted post-fire treatments and contract follow-up treatments. Assist with the protection of imperiled species through species identification, monitoring of known populations, and removal of invasive species encroaching on populations. Assist with habitat surveys throughout district. Enable revegetation efforts, including the propagation and planting of native species.

MAINTENANCE - Maintains team structures, equipment, and vehicles through routine, preventative, and corrective maintenance practices. Conducts routine inspections to ensure proper maintenance standards are met. Operates and maintains a variety of equipment including 4x4 vehicles, UTVs, trailers, mowers, chainsaws & other two-stroke engine equipment, etc.

ADMINISTRATION - Prepares forms and reports on a wide range of subjects. Accurate and timely submission of timesheets. Timely completion of training requirements when assigned. Fuel purchasing.  Answers correspondence and maintains team files.

TEAMWORK - Demonstrate, model and/or reinforce the fundamental values of fairness, respect, commitment, excellence, honesty and teamwork. The ability to demonstrate this competency in all interactions with co-workers, supervisors and service recipients, as applicable; in personal contributions to work assignments and projects; and when representing the Division or the State.

Performs related work as required.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

A degree in the Biological Sciences (or a related field) or previous experience related to position responsibilities is preferred, however outstanding applicants without these conditions may be considered. These positions are entry level, all knowledge and skills can be trained for the right applicant, however applicants with the following will be more competitive for these positions.

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Natural Resource Management
• Florida Natural Communities
• Techniques required to manage/restore natural communities
• Plant species identification

SKILL IN:

• Communicating effectively verbally and in writing
• Use of a computer, including but not limited to, software programs such as Microsoft Office
• Accurate and timely preparation and submittal of reports and other documentation
• Use of assorted power/gas tools and equipment to perform physical labor
• Use of 4x4 vehicles, including UTVs

ABILITY TO:

• Work full days outdoors, off-trail in a variety of habitats and vegetation (including thorns), in inclement weather (including extreme heat of Florida's summers), and with biting insects
• Participate in integrated management tasks, including application of herbicide
• Lift 50 pounds & complete assignments while carrying over 25 pounds in a backpack
• Follow verbal and written instructions/directions
• Plan, organize, and coordinate work assignments with team
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships
• Work independently with minimal supervision

Minimum Qualifications: 

• Valid driver license
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including some weekends
• Travel

Pay:

$16-$18 per hour, commensurate with experience

Special Notes:

DEP is committed to successfully recruiting and onboarding talented and skilled individuals into its workforce. We recognize the extensive training, experience, and transferrable skills that veterans and individuals with disabilities bring to the workforce. Veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to contact our recruiter for guidance and answers to questions through the following email addresses:

HR_VeteransPreference@dep.state.fl.us

HR_Recruitment@FloridaDEP.gov

An individual with a disability is qualified if he or she satisfies the skills, experience, and other job-related requirements for a position and can perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation. Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must contact the DEP Human Resources (HR) Office at (850) 245-2511. DEP requests applicants notify HR in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.

The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer, and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace.

Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center (1-866-663-4735). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.

The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act.