OPS PARK RANGER
Full time, OPS position. $11.37/hour. M-F 8-5; Occasional nights and weekends. This position will be based out of Gainesville.
DESCRIPTION:
This position will report directly to Forestry Resource Administrator in the Waccasassa Forestry Center, Gainesville
The OPS PARK RANGER will work on upland invasive plant species inventory and control on 84,000 acres of state forests around Gainesville. The invasive species biologist will work closely with FFS staff, but also be required to conduct fieldwork independently without direct supervision.
Qualified applicants should have a good general familiarity with the plants, animals, and ecology of Florida; experience surveying and treating exotic upland plants; and must be willing to travel in the Waccasassa district (Alachua, Levy, Gilchrist, Marion and Putnam counties). Other desired experience includes working with contractor crews; good written and verbal communication skills in English and Spanish; and some familiarity with GIS. This is largely a field-oriented position.
DUTIES:
* Plan and conduct fieldwork to find and document invasive plants on state forests, and to process these locations into GIS.
* Plan and execute herbicide and mechanical treatments of upland exotic plants on state forests.
* Coordinate with contractor crews or volunteers for exotic plant control.
* Prepare written reports and participate in meetings as necessary to meet grant requirements.
* Attend FFS staff meetings and training as required. Attend meetings and workshops relevant to performance of position and maintaining CEUs.
REQUIREMENTS:
* High School Diploma. Preferred candidates will have a bachelor's degree in the biological sciences, or equivalent training and experience. Familiarity with exotic and native Florida flora (and fauna).
* Ability to communicate well in person and in writing; ability to work well with FFS staff, cooperators, contractors, and volunteers.
* Good organizational skills; meticulous attention to detail.
* A commitment to conservation goals.
* Experience or familiarity with personal computers, databases, GPS, and GIS.
* Good physical condition and ability to conduct rigorous field work. Willingness to travel throughout five county area.
* Maintain a valid Florida Driver's License.
Additionally, the candidate will have opportunities to build upon their skill-set in other resource and land management projects including but not limited to:
* Prescribed fire.
* Red cockaded woodpecker recovery.
* Plant and animal surveys.
* Recreation and trail maintenance.
* Timber marking and inventory.
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Charlie Pedersen, Biologist
Florida Forest Service
Waccasassa Forestry Center
5353 NE 39th Ave
Gainesville, FL 32609
Office: 352.395.4946
Fax: 352.395.4959
Charles.Pedersen@FreshFromFlorida.com<mailto:Charles.Pedersen@FreshFromFlorida.com>
www.FloridaForestService.com<http://www.FloridaForestService.com>
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