- OPS BIO SCIENTIST I (EXOTIC SPRAY TECH) - 37970656 Okeechobee
- State of Florida in Okeechobee, FL, United States
- jobs
- 1 month ago
jobs description
Requisition No: 835963
Agency: Environmental Protection
Working Title: OPS BIO SCIENTIST I (EXOTIC SPRAY TECH) - 37970656
Pay Plan: Temp
Position Number: 37970656
Salary: $17.00 per hr
Posting Closing Date: 11/15/2024
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OPS BIOLOGICAL SCIENTISTS – INVASIVE PLANT MANAGEMENT
State of Florida
Department of Environmental Protection
Job Vacancy
Open Competitive
Closing Date: 09.19.2024
Our Organization and Mission:
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is the state’s lead agency for environmental management and stewardship - protecting our air, water, and land. The vision of DEP is to create strong community partnerships, safeguard Florida’s natural resources and enhance its ecosystem.
The Work You Will Do:
OPS BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST- 37970656
At over 58,000 acres, Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park is one of the largest land units in the Florida State Parks and contains the largest tract of Florida dry prairie, a globally imperiled ecosystem endemic to the state. The position is centered on the resource management aspect of the parks’ natural resources and will provide much needed support in achieving current and future invasive plant management goals. The work you will do is the most important work at Kissimmee Prairie Preserve and requires a great deal of dedication and passion. You are routinely rewarded by working in a beautiful, serene landscape with stellar sunrises/sunsets, wildlife sightings, and, for those that are interested and qualified, some of the largest and exciting prescribed fire programs in the state.
OPS Biological Scientists work to accomplish annual invasive plant management goals at Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park and Okeechobee Battlefield Historic State Park by surveying and/or removing non-native, invasive plants, through thorough survey techniques, proper plant identification, and mechanical or chemical treatment strategies. Expect weekly natural resource data collection and analysis of information related to invasive plant infestations. Expect daily, safe operation of ATVs, swamp buggies, 4WD trucks, herbicide sprayers, and other equipment. Proper PPE is supplied and required. OPS Biological Scientists communicate and coordinate directly with Park Biologist.
Contact: Karina Nieves; Environmentalist Specialist I
863.462.5360 or Karina.Nieves@FloridaDEP.gov
The Difference You Will Make:
Florida state parks are managed and preserved for enjoyment by all through providing appropriate resource-based recreational opportunities, interpretation and education that help visitors connect to the Real Florida.
How You Will Grow:
DEP encourages its leaders to constantly innovate and seek efficiencies. We believe in supporting and encouraging you as you take on important and often complex projects while offering you the opportunity to gain valuable experience quickly.
Where You Will Work:
This position will largely be working at Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park and Okeechobee Battlefield Historic State Park.
• Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park
33104 NW 192nd Avenue
Okeechobee, FL 34972
• Okeechobee Battlefield Historic State Park
3500 SE 38th Avenue
Okeechobee, FL 34974
Click the attached link to learn more about this beautiful park: https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/kissimmee-prairie-preserve-state-park
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. For more details consult with People First at 877-562-7287 or go to: https://www.mybenefits.myflorida.com/health/eligibility_and_enrollment/ops_employees
• Participation in the Florida Deferred Compensation Plan (457b). For additional details and online enrollment visit MyFloridaDeferredComp.com
• State of Florida 401(a) FICA Alternative Plan (tax deferred Retirement Savings Plan). (For more information, please click Corebridge Financial;
• Flexible Spending Accounts.
For more benefits information, 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.
Pay:
$17.00 per hour
Your Specific Responsibilities:
RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
Understand effects that non-native, invasive species have on native plant communities; collect and analyze natural resource data and information related to invasive plant species (e.g., species, gross acreage, infestation acreage, treatment type, amount herbicide used, etc.); works to accomplish annual invasive plant survey and treatment goals by surveying and correctly identifying non-native, invasive plants (surveys may be conducted by foot, ATV, swamp buggy, air boat, and/or helicopter) and treating identified infestations through appropriate mechanical or chemical means. Additional research and/or monitoring opportunities may be available based on interest and skill set (i.e., imperiled species surveys). Participate in planning and conducting resource management activities by implementing resource management techniques required to manage and restore natural communities which includes but is not limited to prescribed burning.
MAINTENANCE
Performing preventative and basic corrective maintenance on all equipment including park vehicles. Communicates equipment maintenance needs to management. Conducts ongoing safety inspections as part of work assignments. Maintains shop readiness for quick efficient repairs. Maintains herbicide storage shed and herbicide + equipment inventory.
ADMINISTRATION
Tracks daily progress using datasheets and MS Excel databases, ESRI ArcPro and FieldMaps, and the Natural Resource Tracking System.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Knowledge of:
• Florida ecosystems and plant communities, specifically invasive plant species
• Land management techniques for invasive plant control
• Herbicide storage, mixing, and application
• Basic equipment operation, maintenance, and safety
• Basic plant identification
Skills in:
• Plant identification
• Herbicide mixing and application
• Field navigation, map reading, orienteering
• Natural resource survey tools (e.g., GPS devices, Avenza Maps or ESRI FieldMaps)
• Invasive plant control tools (e.g., herbicide sprayers, small pumps, chainsaws, power tools, etc.)
• Computer programs including Microsoft Office products and ESRI mapping software
• Data collection, database management, and reporting
Ability to:
• Work outdoors in extreme field conditions (heat, biting insects, thunderstorms, dangerous wildlife) while maintaining a positive attitude
• Work in remote and isolated locations independently
• Perform physical labor with minimal supervision
• Lift and carry heavy objects (at least 40 lbs) while traversing uneven terrain
• Differentiate between native and non-native plant species
• Operate ATVs, UTVs, 4WD trucks, swamp buggies, and other equipment in variable trail conditions
• Maintain vehicles, tools, and equipment. Communicates equipment maintenance needs to management.
• Safely work with various herbicides (from storage to mixing and spraying while wearing proper PPE)
• Read and follow a map
• Follow verbal and written instructions
• Be self-motivated and hard working
• Work as a team or independently
• Maintain good public relations
• S130/S190 certification preferred.
Minimum Qualifications:
• Valid driver’s license
• Ability to complete annual moderate pack test (walk 2 miles with 25lbs pack in <30 minutes) and fire shelter deployment test.
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_ER@dep.state.fl.us
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.
Okeechobee FL United States