Park Ranger

PAY RATE: $23.15/HR. Position Summary Under general supervision, the incumbent performs semi-skilled and manual work in developing and maintaining an environmentally protected property and occasionally answering questions or providing information on nature preserve topics. Serves as Park Security during after-hours operations. Work is reviewed through oral and written reports, discussion, and results obtained. Essential Duties & Responsibilities Provides maintenance of existing and future access points, trails, and park amenity sites. Conducts exotic plant control using herbicide and other methods. Assists with exotic, invasive, and nuisance animal removal. Assists with prescribed burns by preparing fire lanes and prescribed burn activities. Assists with or gives guided field trips. Assists with water quality monitoring. Assists with restoration activities, including planting of native species. Maintains signs, restroom facilities, and parking areas at nature preserve properties. Document wildlife observed in nature preserve properties. Photographically and otherwise monitor nature preserve properties. Assist with security by conducting patrols, installing signs and fencing. Attend and assist at public meetings concerning the nature preserve properties. Prepare and present public information to school, community groups, and special events. Maintain equipment used during site management activities or report problems to appropriate staff. Assist other agencies and organizations with environmental projects. Work with the Youth Environmental Services program, AmeriCorps, community service workers or volunteers in managing land. Other duties related to the administration of the nature preserve properties. For declared disasters, position is considered “essential”; works with City crews during preparation and recovery operations (road clearing, debris removal from rights of way and city properties, inspection of facilities, etc.). Performs other job duties as assigned. Minimum Qualifications Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Knowledge of nature preserve properties and access points. Ability to work effectively with others. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Skill in operation of tractors and similar heavy equipment. Ability to operate power tools such as chain saws, trimmers, mowers, etc. Skill and knowledge of GPS/GIS equipment and associated software and technology. Knowledge of prescribed fire operations and wildfire suppression techniques/tactics. Knowledge of fire behavior, fire equipment, importance of prescribed burns, and safety issues concerning wildland fire operations. Must attend and pass the Interagency Basic Prescribed Fire Training Course given by the Florida Forest Service. Knowledge of common herbicides, their safe use, and environmental regulations; must obtain Restricted Use Pesticide license/Natural Areas category from the State of Florida and maintain this license throughout employment. Skill in using digital or hard copy aerial photographs to identify natural habitats. Skilled in using various four-wheel drive vehicles including trucks, wildland engines, ATVs/UTVs, and heavy equipment. Skilled in the operation of miscellaneous hand and power equipment, such as mowers, chain saws, pole saw, and trimmers. High degree of adaptability, problem‑solving ability, and ability to work without close supervision yet maintain contact with supervisor. Ability to identify common, nuisance, rare, and listed plant and animal species. Ability to follow technical instructions. Ability to use a computer and word processing programs such as Word, Access, Excel and PowerPoint. Ability to communicate both orally and in writing. Ability to complete accurate and timely reports such as vehicle logs, resource management logs, timesheets, prescribed fire prescriptions and others as needed. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others – has good interpersonal relations skills. Ability to work independently and as a team member. Ability to supervise the work of others as needed. Ability to work outdoors all year, sometimes in unfavorable conditions, including either evening hours or weekends. Ability to push, pull, stoop, bend and carry a 40‑lb backpack sprayer and other equipment of similar weight. Ability to use a camera, binoculars, dissecting microscope and other common technical equipment. Ability to troubleshoot/solve minor mechanical problems related to gasoline and diesel engines. Ability to drive a pickup and trailer combination. Maintain full ability to walk, climb, run, stoop, bend, stand, push, pull, lift 40 pounds and carry heavy items. Education & Experience Graduation from high school or possession of a qualified GED certificate. Two years of field experience in a position related to Ecology, Environmental Science or Natural Resource Management. A combination of education, training, and experience may be substituted at the City Manager’s discretion. Certificates & Licenses Must obtain within 1 year of employment a valid Restricted Use Pesticide License‑Natural Areas Category and maintain throughout employment. Must possess and maintain a valid Florida driver's license and be insurable by the City’s current insurance provider. National Incident Management System (NIMS) training will be required according to the job duties and responsibilities within one year of employment. Supervisory Responsibilities N/A Essential Physical Abilities Heavy lifting (45 lbs. and over) – Constant Moderate lifting (15 to 44 lbs.) – Constant Light lifting (under 15 lbs.) – Constant Heavy carrying (45 lbs. and over) – Constant Moderate carrying (14 to 44 lbs.) – Constant Light carrying (under 15 lbs.) – Constant Reaching above shoulder – Constant Use of fingers – Constant Both hands required – Constant Climbing (use of legs and arms) – Constant Climbing (legs only) – Constant Good near vision – Constant Good distant vision – Constant Both eyes required – Constant Depth perception – Constant Distinguishing basic colors – Constant Distinguishing shades of colors – Constant Good hearing (with or without hearing aid) – Constant Straight pulling – Constant Pulling hand over hand – Constant Pushing – Constant Walking – Constant Standing – Constant Crawling – Constant Kneeling – Constant Bending – Constant Balancing – Constant Stooping – Constant Jumping – Constant Running – Constant Throwing – Constant Driving (cars, small vans, pick‑ups, etc.) – Constant Driving & operating (heavy equip., trucks, etc.) – Constant Other (towing and backing an equipment trailer) – Constant Environmental Conditions Work Inside – Constant Work Outside – Constant In the Heat – Constant In the Cold – Constant In High Humidity – Constant In Dampness or Chilliness – Constant In Dry Conditions – Constant In or with Noisy Conditions – Constant In Darkness – Constant In or with Dusty Conditions – Constant With Silica, Asbestos, etc. – Constant With Fumes or Gases – Constant With Smoke or Flames – Constant With Chemicals – Constant With Solvents – Constant With Grease or Oils – Constant With Radiant Energy – Constant With Electrical Energy – Constant On Slippery Surfaces – Constant On Uneven Surfaces – Constant In or With Moving Objects – Constant In or With Ladders/Scaffolding – Constant At Heights above Ground Level – Constant Below Ground Level – Constant In Water – Constant With Explosives – Constant With Poor Ventilation – Constant With Odors – Constant With Unusual Fatigue Factors – Constant Emergency Responsibilities In the event of an emergency or disaster, an employee may be required to respond promptly to duties and responsibilities as assigned by the employee’s department, Emergency Management or City Administration. Such assignments may be before, during or after the emergency/disaster. Disclaimers This job description is not intended to, and does not, constitute an offer of employment or a contract for employment or the terms and condition of employment. The City of Plant City has the right to revise this job description at any time. #J-18808-Ljbffr