Job Announcements
Vegetation Management Specialist (0241)
Job Category: Skilled Trade
Requisition Number: VEGET002578
Job Details
Description
Work for Our Water Resources.
Help protect one of Florida’s most vital resources — water — with a career at the Southwest Florida Water Management District (District).
The District is a government agency whose mission is to protect water resources, minimize flood risks, and ensure the public’s water needs are met. We serve a population of nearly 6 million people in west-central Florida as directed by state law.
Join our Operations Bureau
Support the District’s Operations Bureau in this fun and rewarding role. As the Vegetation Management Specialist, you will locate, identify, and treat invasive plant infestations on District managed waterbodies, canal systems and properties to fulfill the District’s Natural System Management Area of Responsibility. This opportunity offers an ability to make an impact on the organization and provides flexibility and a true work-life balance. You’ll have the chance to work with a wide range of teams in this promising position, each of which plays a vital role in our efforts to preserve our most valuable natural resources. Using your expertise, you’ll play an important role in enhancing the results to ensure a brighter future for the environment of Florida.
District employees are offered an excellent total rewards package that includes:
- Florida Retirement System (FRS) (employer 13% contribution + employee 3%)
- 9 paid holidays (+ 1 floating holiday)
- Generous vacation and sick leave
- Paid Parental Leave, including Maternity, Bonding and Family Supportive Work Program
- Medical and dental insurance (91- 97% District paid)
- Vision insurance
- Deferred compensation Program
- Basic and voluntary life and AD&D insurance
- Long-term disability (District Paid)
- Prescription drug coverage & mail order program
- Health savings & flexible spending accounts
- Flexible schedule for Work-life balance
- Legal and Identity Theft protection
- Wellness program
- Public service loan forgiveness qualified employer
- Tuition reimbursement ($5,250/year)
- State adoption benefit qualified employer
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Transfer in years of service for other public sector work – towards the FRS program and sick time
Starting Compensation:
Maintenance and Trades Technician 2: $15.20 – $19.38
Maintenance and Trades Technician 3: $16.19 – $20.64The starting hourly range is included for the Maintenance and Trades Technician profile which reflects the minimum to approximately 50% of the respective pay grade. The starting salary will be based on the education and experience of the successful candidate. The District conducts annual performance evaluations that may award applicable pay increases based on positive employee performance.
Essential Functions
- Treat invasive plant infestations on District managed waterbodies, canal systems and properties using airboat, truck, UTV and backpack sprayers.
- Mixes, measures, loads and safely applies herbicide products pursuant to label directions, calibrates application equipment, checks environmental conditions to prevent adversely affecting non-target species including fish and wildlife, and accurately documents required treatment data on work orders and other required forms.
- Work independently and communicate directly with the public to explain and answer question concerning the Districts vegetation management activities.
- Communicate with staff/contractors/other governmental agencies.
- Conduct plant surveys to detect and identify infestations requiring treatment and develop treatment plans.
- Assist with debris removal efforts or other tasks following hurricanes or other climatic events.
- Operate computers and be familiar with Microsoft Products (Outlook, Word and Excel).
- Safely operate and maintain assigned field equipment including airboats, spray equipment and vehicles.
- Complete required equipment/safety training and attend professional training classes to earn required continuing education unit credits to renew pesticide applicator license.
Working Conditions
Physical, Visual Acuity Requirements: Medium to Heavy Work, Vehicle, Climbing, Balancing, Stooping, Kneeling, Crouching, Crawling, Reaching, Standing, Walking, Pushing, Pulling, Lifting, Fingering, Grasping, Talking, Hearing
Working Environmental Conditions: Both Inside and Outside, Noise, Vibration, Hazards, Hiking, Herbicides, Bites, Remote, Weather, Power Tools, Wading, Boat, Feral
Work is performed in the field (85% field / 15% office), on managed waterbodies and occasionally in remote and undeveloped areas of the District. May be exposed to extremely hot, humid weather conditions, mosquitoes and other pests. Work activity consists of continuous repetitive tasks using hands and feet (such as operating a handheld spray gun, chopping trails with a machete, dragging up to 300’ of spray hose through various terrain, wading in water while wearing chest/hip waders, loading/unloading an airboat and UTV, walking long distances, and operating a backpack sprayer). Must be able to lift and carry 30-pound objects such as backpack sprayer, with an occasional requirement to lift and carry objects weighing up to 60 pounds. Work may be conducted independently or as a crew.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Employee may be subject to call-in outside of regularly scheduled work hours, or required to be on call, including on nights, weekends or holidays, to respond to emergency management activities or other incidents requiring rapid response in support of District operations.
Required Credentials for Vegetation Management Specialist
Maintenance and Trades Technician 2
- High School Diploma or Equivalent
- Two (2) years related work experience
- Willingness and ability to obtain Florida Pesticide Applicator License in the Aquatics or Natural Areas Weed Management category within six (6) months of date of hire
- Valid driver’s license
Maintenance and Trades Technician 3
- High School Diploma or Equivalent
- Three (3) years related work experience
- Willingness and ability to obtain Florida Pesticide Applicator License in the Aquatics or Natural Areas Weed Management category within six (6) months of date of hire
- Valid driver’s license
Preferred Credentials for Vegetation Management Specialist
- Florida Pesticide Applicator License in either Aquatics or Natural Areas Weed Management category
- Airboat Operator Certification
- First Aid & CPR
- Defensive driving
- Advanced Chainsaw
- Fire Extinguisher certification
Application Process
The District will determine eligibility for employment solely from the information provided on a District employment application. All applicants are required to complete, in full, the District employment application. Incomplete applications will not be considered. A resume will not be considered as a substitute for the required District application for the purpose of qualification. Applicants who are within 30 days of graduation, if selected are not allowed to start until all minimum qualifications are met.
Additional Details
This position is typically scheduled to work 40 hours per week, Monday to Thursday, out of the Brooksville, FL office. This position is non-exempt and is eligible for overtime for hours worked over 40 hours, in a week.
Travel Required
Yes. Some travel, using District vehicle, within District’s coverage area.
Accepting applications until February 17, 2025 at 4:00 PM
About Us
Managing the water resources for west-central Florida, our district includes approximately 10,000 square miles of territory spanning 16 counties and serving more than 6 million residents. Established in 1961 as a flood-protection agency, our objective is to meet the needs of current and future water users, protect and preserve our water resources, manage the water supply, protect water quality, and preserve water-related functions.
Apply Now
The District prides itself on providing a positive work flexible environment that engages and supports our employees. This could be the opportunity of a lifetime. Click on the link to apply and put yourself to work for our water resources.
#WorkForOurWater
Equal Employment Opportunity/Veterans Preference/Drug-Free Workplace/Tobacco Free Campuses.
All applicants shall receive equal consideration and treatment in employment without regard to race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, age, sex, marital status, familial status, or medical condition. All recruitment, hiring, placements, transfers and promotions will be on the basis of individual skills, knowledge and abilities, and the feasibility of any necessary job accommodation(s).
The Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) does not discriminate on the basis of disability in regard to job application procedures, hiring, and other terms and conditions of employment. It is further the policy of the District to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in all aspects of the employment process. If you require reasonable accommodation in completing an application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to (352) 796-7211 or 1-800-423-1476 (FL only), ext. 4747; or email [email protected]. If you are hearing or speech impaired, please contact the agency using the Florida Relay Service, 1-800-955-8771 (TDD) or 1-800-955-8770 (Voice). In the event of a complaint, please follow the grievance procedure located at WaterMatters.org/ADA.
The District participates in E-Verify employment eligibility verification. We will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each new employee’s Form I-9 to confirm work authorization.
The District does not sponsor applicants for work visas.
Parks and Natural Resources. Environmental Technician I, II, III
Job Description
- Environmental Technician I
- Environmental Technician II
- Environmental Technician III
For more information and to apply, please visit: POLK_BoCC_Career Site
Environmental Specialist I/II or Sr Environmental Specialist - Lake Management Program
Job Description
For more information and to apply, please visit: mycareers.ocfl.net
Environmental Specialist II or Sr Environmental Specialist - Lake Management Program
Job Description
Aquatic Vegetation Technician South Florida Water Management District Western Palm Beach County
Job Description
This position reports to the S5A Field Office, located in Western Palm Beach County (near Wellington, FL)
The primary responsibility of this position is to direct, oversee and monitor aquatic and terrestrial vegetation management measures in the Everglades Stormwater Treatment Areas (STAs) and other constructed wetlands managed by the District. Management measures are employed to ensure establishment and maintenance of desired vegetation communities and control plant species that impact water quality treatment capabilities of wetlands.
The incumbent will instruct and direct District contractors in aerial and ground application of herbicides, mechanical removal of undesirable vegetation, and measures to promote establishment of desired plant species, including supplemental plantings. The incumbent will also be responsible for monitoring and evaluating the progress of these vegetation management efforts.
For more information and to apply, please visit: sfwmd.gov
Lehigh Acres Municipal Services Improvement District
Plant Control Technician
Job Description
The Lehigh Acres Municipal Services Improvement District is hiring a full-time Plant Control Technician to operate vehicles and equipment while spraying herbicides on canals, ditches, easements, sloughs, etc. This is a full-time, benefit earning position. The District is looking for someone with previous experience with pesticide application and holds or has held an applicator’s license previously. If you are interested, please fill out the application and return it to the District office or email it to Alexis at [email protected]. Please visit www.la-msid.com/jobs for more information on open positions.
South Florida Water Management District Position Announcement STA Vegetation Management Technician
Location: West Palm Beach
Job Description
The primary responsibility of this position is to direct, oversee and monitor vegetation management measures in the Everglades Stormwater Treatment Areas (STAs) and other constructed wetlands managed by the District. Management measures are employed to ensure establishment and maintenance of desired vegetation communities and control plant species that impact water quality treatment capabilities.
The incumbent will instruct and direct District contractors in aerial and ground application of herbicides, mechanical removal of undesirable vegetation, and measures to promote establishment of desired plant species, including supplemental plantings. The incumbent will also be responsible for monitoring and evaluating the progress of these vegetation management efforts.
The incumbent will report to the STA Senior Supervising Scientist and will work closely with other Section staff in coordinating STA vegetation management activities in a timely and efficient manner. The incumbent will conduct routine inspections of contractors engaged in vegetation management measures, complete inspection reports, and assist with preparation of vegetation management plans and statements of work. The incumbent will also provide logistical support to Section staff engaged in vegetation management field studies and occasionally perform herbicide applications for smaller projects.
Applicants must have an education background and practical work experience in vegetation management, good verbal and written communication skills, ability to plan and manage heavy workloads, enthusiasm and temperament for dealing with harsh wetland field conditions, and willingness and commitment to actively contribute to a collaborative team work effort. Florida wetland plant identification and airboat operation skills are preferred.
Employment Guidelines
Bachelor’s Degree in Natural Sciences and 2+ years of experience in vegetation management work. Or, an Associate’s Degree in Natural or Physical Science or related field and 4+ years of experience in vegetation management work.
Equivalent combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.
Licenses
Valid State of Florida Driver’s License. Possession or ability to acquire within 180 days State of Florida pesticide applicators license with Aquatic certification. District airboat certification will be required within 180 days of hire.
Physical Requirements/Working Environment
The work environment is a combination of field work (80%) and office work (20%), with regular exposure to a hot and humid environment in remote and heavy vegetative areas, with exposure to stinging/biting insects, snakes, and alligators. May be required to lift up to 60 lbs.
Additional physical requirements include agility, balancing, basic water skills and ability to swim, driving vehicles, kneeling, moving/transporting equipment, walking through rough terrain, working in, on, or near water.
Due to the District’s response role and in the total scope of emergency management, this position may at times, be required to provide support before, during and after major storm events and emergency situations, such as hurricanes or other declared emergencies. This position is a member of the Emergency Debris Operations Team.
Veterans’ Preference
Pursuant to Chapter 295, Florida Statutes, candidates eligible for Veteran’s Preference will receive preference in employment for vacancies and are encouraged to apply. Candidates claiming Veterans’ preference must attach supporting documentation with each submission that includes character of service (for example, DD Form 214 Member Copy #4) along with any other documentation as required by Rule 55A-7, Florida Administrative Code. All documentation is due by the close of the job posting.
Vegetation Management Technician
South Florida Water Management District
West Palm Beach & Clewiston, FL
May, 2023
Controls aquatic and terrestrial vegetation to support the District’s water management and natural resource protection missions using a variety of control techniques. These techniques include the proper mixing, calculating, and applying of a variety of approved herbicides according to product label directions and in accordance with the rules and regulations as set forth by Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), State and County regulations and policies governing the application of herbicides.
Vegetation management activities will also include operation of mechanical harvesting equipment. Operates powered and manual equipment relative to vegetation management such as airboats, all-terrain vehicles, midsize tractors, outboard motorboats, aquatic vegetation harvesters (e.g., Truxor® amphibious machine, Conver® harvester, tow boats) chemical spray trucks, backpack sprayers including transporting, loading, and offloading of equipment.
Fills sprayer tanks with water and chemicals, according to formulas. Mixes herbicides and/or algaecides for application to vegetation or algae. Connects hoses and nozzles selected according to terrain, distribution pattern requirements, types of infestations, and velocities. Starts motors and engages machinery, such as sprayer agitators or pumps or portable spray equipment. Lifts, pushes, and swings nozzles, hoses, and tubes to direct spray over designated areas.
Maintains awareness of weather conditions, environmentally sensitive areas, drift potential, obstructions, and herbicide label restrictions when planning and implementing control activities.
Inspects and monitors District owned rights of ways, canals, levees, easements and other properties for undesirable vegetation growth and invasive/nuisance plant species, including species identified as priorities for rapid response control.
Prepares and maintains vegetation management reports and daily logs using District data collection software including, but not limited to treatment schedules and mapping of planned control activities.
Posts warning signs in treated areas to inform the public of any water use or re-entry restrictions.
Uses a map and/or GPS to identify location and record, reference or retrieve vegetation management data.
Incumbent must have a background and practical work experience in vegetation management, good verbal and written communication skills, ability to plan and manage workloads, enthusiasm, and temperament for dealing with harsh wetland field conditions, and willingness and commitment to actively contribute to a collaborative teamwork effort.
Working hours are Monday – Thursday from 6:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
All other duties as assigned.
Aquatic Spray Technician
(Pasco County, FL)
Ongoing - 2023
American Ecosystems, Inc. is a successful and growing company that maintains lakes, ponds and canals for a wide variety of clients. We primarily control nuisance aquatic vegetation through the use of aquatic herbicides. These materials all are safe for fish and wildlife and possess what is called an aquatic label for use in aquatic environments. Other services that we provide our clients are construction and installation of floating fountains,
aeration systems, beneficial aquatic plant installation, game-fish, tripod grass carp stocking and environmental consulting. As a result of our constant contact with the aquatic environment; we are routinely in contact with a wide variety of Florida fish and wildlife. This includes, but is not limited to the following: snakes, alligators, large insects, etc.
The person we are looking for to fill this position MUST possess the following qualities:
1) Should like the outdoors; able to tolerate the high temperatures; want to work in the
profession.
2) Be able to responsibly take care of lakes and ponds consistently each and every month for
his/her assigned clients after training is complete.
3) The ability to drive a standard transmission truck, back up, and maneuver a boat trailer.
4) Maintain assigned equipment to company standards.
5) Work independently.
6) Tolerate and learn from constructive criticism from supervisors.
7) Clean driving record. DUI is immediate disqualification.
8) Good grooming standards.
9) Polite and helpful demeanor. Excellent customer service skills.
10) Reading, writing and math abilities should be at least High School level.
We offer competitive salaries, benefits and super challenging work environment for a qualified
person. Hiring Bonus May Apply!
Please call Daniel, Regional Supervisor,
at 813-210-1203 or 727-545-4404.
Email resume to: [email protected].