Environmental Specialist I

Role Overview

• This work is in forest inventory of forestlands in Florida as prescribed under the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service (FS) Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) Program.
• This individual locates and/or relocates forest inventory plots, and assists in data collection using forestry tools such as compass, clinometer, diameter tapes and an increment borer.
• Reviews, inputs, and transmits field data into portable computing devices daily.
• Identifies forest land ownership in each county through various map features, plats, aerial photography, courthouse visits, and site visits.
• Operates motor vehicles including, but not limited to, cars and trucks necessary to transport personnel to forest and non-forest plot locations.
• Produces, develops and incorporates weekly and/or monthly reports, correspondence, verbal communications, records, etc., to the State FIA Coordinator and/or US Forest Service personnel conveying information on the progress, problems, changes and/or other factors affecting the collection of forest resource data.
• Conducts routine maintenance of field equipment to ensure safe and proper working condition.
• Attends periodic training sessions through state, federal and private sources, as determined, to improve and update forest resource data collection techniques and to improve job productivity.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• An associate’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university or Six (6) months of experience in environmental protection, regulation, or health; one of the physical or natural sciences; agriculture; or engineering.
• ALL POSITIONS WITHIN THIS CLASS REQUIRE POSSESSION OF A VALID DRIVER LICENSE.
• Coursework or experience in forestry and any of the following preferred: Silviculture, Dendrology, Forest Mensuration and Forest Management.
• Frequent travel required.
• Must obtain Forest Inventory and Analysis certification from the U.S. Forest Service with an 80% test score within 12 months of appointment.

Benefits

• Participation in state group insurance (must meet eligibility requirements*)
• State of Florida 401(a) FICA Alternative Plan (tax deferred Retirement Savings Plan)
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)