Invasive Plant Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

Requisition No: 882906
Agency: Environmental Protection
Working Title: OPS BIOLOGICAL TECHNICIAN - 37940291
Pay Plan: Temp
Position Number: 37940291
Salary: $15/hr, commensurate with experience
Posting Closing Date: 09/16/2026
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OPS Biological Technician (37970291)
State of Florida
Department of Environmental Protection
This position is located in White Springs, FL
Position Overview and Responsibilities:
A challenging opportunity is available for self-motivated, hardworking, team player to fill an OPS Biological Technician position at Ichetucknee Springs State Park. This work includes restoring native ecosystems through integrated vegetarian management, including chemical and mechanical invasive plant removal, prescribed fire and re-vegetation.
The successful candidate will have experience driving tractors and the implements associated with it; along with mechanical skills in repairing machinery.
This position is 40hrs a week, Monday - Friday 8am to 4pm. No medical benefits are available with this position.
NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT - Works to accomplish annual burn goals for Ichetucknee Springs State Park. Operation of tractors and heavy equipment and the use of all implements. Learning burn zones, maintaining all fire lines, performing mechanical treatment in areas of needs, management directives, environmentally safe techniques and practices when performing duties in sensitive areas. This includes direct efforts as well as ongoing training and surveying to meet the demands of a constantly evolving workplace. May include other resource management activities including restoration and exotic removal. Communicates and coordinates treatments with park team.
MAINTENANCE - Performs preventative and correct maintenance on all heavy equipment such as tractors, trailers, mowers, vehicles and all implements. Communicates equipment maintenance needs to management as needed.
ADMINISTRATION - This includes accurate reporting of gross acreage covers, burned, treated, treatment amount, hours, location, species, and species coverage.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
KNOWLEDGE OF:
Florida natural communities, including both native and non-native plants
Land management techniques used to control invasive species
Advanced equipment operation and safety
Natural systems management
Prescribed fire
SKILLED IN:
Familiarity with tools and equipment used in natural resource surveys (e.g. GPS devices, Avenza maps and other survey applications) and invasive plant control, including hand, power/ gas tools, herbicide sprayers, all-wheel drive equipment, and tractors
Operating heavy equipment within its operational limits
Strong trailering experience and skills with equipment maintenance and repair
Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing
ABILITY TO:
Perform assigned field work despite excessive heat, cold, biting insects, and other adverse environmental conditions while walking across uneven terrain
Identify native plant species and invasive plant species
Operate 4x4 trucks and tractors in variable terrain
Work as a team or independently
Follow verbal and written instructions
Read and follow a map
Communicate with others in a positive manner and maintain good public relations
Work in remote and isolated locations independently
Perform physical labor with minimal supervision
Operate and maintain vehicles, tools, and equipment
Minimum Qualifications:
Valid Driver's License
Position of Special Trust Requirement:
This position is designated as a Position of Special Trust in accordance with DEP Directive 422, Positions of Special Trust or Responsibility. Successful completion of background screening will be required for this position.
Pay:
$15 per hour, commensurate with experience
40hrs a week
Our Organization and Mission:
Ichetucknee Springs State Park
12087 SW HWY 27
Fort White, FL 32038
Traveling the pristine waters of the Ichetucknee River is the perfect outing, whether you're looking for a vigorous adventure or a relaxing day on the water.
Although well-known for its warm weather tubing, Icehtucknee Springs State Park is a 2,669-acre wildlife haven where heaver, otter, gar, softshell turtle, wild turkey, wood duck and limpkin all find a home. The main draw is the park's eight major crystal-clear springs that join to create the 6-mile Ichetucknee River.
The Benefits of Working for the State of Florida:
Working for the State of Florida is more than a paycheck. The State's benefits package for eligible OPS employees includes:

• Participation in state group insurance (must meet eligibility requirements*).
• State of Florida 401(a) FICA Alternative Plan (tax deferred Retirement Savings Plan, for more information, please visit Corebridge Financial).
• Flexible Spending Accounts;
• And more!

For a complete list of benefits, visit www.mybenefits.myflorida.com.
*Seasonal and part-time OPS employees (less than 30 hours average per week) refer to the links above for detailed eligibility requirements.
Special Notes:
DEP is committed to successfully recruiting and onboarding talented and skilled individuals into its workforce. We recognize the extensive training, experience, and transferable 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.
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.
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