Location: Fort Myers,FL, USA
Description
We are seeking a dedicated Natural Areas Coordinator to join our team. This role involves managing land resources, planning recreational activities, fostering public relations, and providing educational outreach. Work will take place both in the field and in the office, regardless of weather conditions.
Duties and Responsibilities
Key Responsibilities:
* Inspect natural preserves to monitor public use and maintain trails and boundaries.
* Protect threatened species and contribute to habitat restoration and ecosystem monitoring.
* Collaborate with county staff, local/state/federal agencies, contractors, volunteers, and the public.
* Safely operate four-wheel-drive trucks, motorboats, kayaks, ATVs, UTVs, and various tools (chainsaws, pole saws, etc.).
* Use software tools such as GIS, operations management systems, and Office 365 for project tracking and reporting.
Essential Duties:
* Perform routine maintenance in natural areas, including trail upkeep and managing fire lines and gates.
* Oversee resource management and public use activities on assigned properties.
* Create educational materials and lead public tours and presentations.
* Utilize GPS and GIS for monitoring preserve conditions.
* Manage projects, including writing scopes of work for various restoration and maintenance tasks.
* Inspect contractor work to ensure quality and compliance with contracts.
* Process payment requests and manage purchasing of supplies and equipment.
* Inventory plant and animal communities and develop exotic species control strategies.
* Participate in prescribed burning and maintain equipment and vehicles.
* Write and implement land management plans.
Education, Experience, Licensing
* Requires any combination of education and/or experience equivalent to graduation from a four-year college or university with aBachelor's degree in Natural Resources, Environmental Sciences, or a related field, plus at least one year of relevant work experience in South Florida ecosystems.
* Obtain a Natural Areas Weed Management Pesticide Applicator License within one year of hire.
* Complete S-130 Basic Wildland Firefighter Training and S-190 Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior within one year of hire.
* Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
Supplemental Information
* Strong writing and public speaking abilities.
* Familiarity with Lee County conservation policies and procedures is a plus.
* Proficiency in software such as Microsoft Office, ArcGIS, and Cartegraph.
* Ability to achieve Arborist certification from the International Society of Arboriculture.
* Knowledge of burn plans and conducting prescribed burns.
* Strong interpersonal skills to maintain effective relationships with team members, contractors, and the public.
* Familiarity with data collection and report preparation.
* Work Schedule:Hours may vary, including weekends, evenings, and holidays. A typical schedule is either five 8-hour days or four 10-hour days per week.