Preserve Ranger

**SALARY: $39,083.20 Annually**

Associate degree in environmental or natural science, forestry, recreation or related field and one year of conservation lands operations and/or nature preserve programs experience; or any equivalent combination of related training and experience. Applicants within six months of meeting the education/experience requirement may be considered for trainee status.

A Valid Florida Class “A” Commercial Driver License with air brakes is required and a Motor Vehicle Record that meets the requirements of Alachua County policy #6-7; Motor Vehicle Records will be reviewed prior to employment. If, in the past 24-month period, the applicants Motor Vehicle Record has more than three (3) moving traffic infractions or three (3) or more at fault motor vehicle accidents (or combination of both and /or a conviction/pending charge for driving under the influence) or is in violation of any standard mandated by Federal or State Law or Regulation, the minimum qualifications are not met for the position. Must obtain an "N" endorsement within thirty days of employment.

Successful completion of a pre-employment drug screen & physical examination and successful completion of all applicable background checks pre-hire and ongoing are required.
- Must obtain and maintain CPR certification and First Aid and Safety certification within one year of employment in this classification.
- Must complete National Wildlife Coordinating Group (NWCG) Moderate (or Arduous) Work Capacity Test within one year of hire in this classification and annually prior to February 1st each calendar year.
- Must successfully complete National Wildlife Coordinating Group (NWCG) S-130/S-190 within eighteen months of hire in this classification.
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- High School diploma or equivalent and 3 years of conservation lands operations and/or nature preserve programs experience be acceptable or
- Associate degree in environmental or natural science, forestry, recreation or related field and one year of conservation lands operations and/or nature preserve programs experience or
- Bachelor degree in environmental or natural science, forestry, recreation or related field (no experience required).

**Pending Board Approval**

Position Summary:
This is highly skilled technical work in the stewardship, maintenance, security and protection of preserve patrons, facilities, infrastructure, and natural resources at the County's conservation lands.

An employee assigned to this classification performs a variety of tasks including maintaining habitat, firelines, service roads, and trails using mechanical means such as heavy equipment, power equipment and handheld tools, constructing and maintaining conservation land facilities and equipment, protecting threatened and endangered species, wildfire protection and assisting with the operation of County conservation lands.

Work is performed under the direction of a higher-level supervisor and is reviewed through conferences, reports, and observation of results obtained.

Examples of Duties:
This is an emergency essential classification. Upon declaration of a disaster and/or emergency, all employees in this classification are required to work.

Exudes a positive customer service focus.

Advocates building organizational culture through aligning decisions with core values including: integrity, honesty, respect, diversity, innovation, accountability and communication.

Patrols and inspects County conservation lands for potential violations of County codes, ordinances, rules, laws, etc. which have been reported, encountered, or witnessed during the course of duties.

Ensures compliance with all rules and procedures of the County conservation lands and facilities and reports problems beyond the scope of the position to supervisor and law enforcement agencies.

Identifies and prioritizes conservation land facility maintenance through routine, preventative and corrective maintenance practices including infrastructure repair, basic carpentry, including but not limited to, boardwalk and fence repairs, mowing, weed eating, painting, etc.

Constructs, installs, and maintains public use infrastructure on County nature preserve, including but not limited to benches, kiosks, bike racks, boardwalks, footbridges, interpretive and wayfinding signs, fences, trailheads, parking lots, etc.

Operates and assists in basic maintenance of multiple off-road vehicles including, but not limited to 4WD trucks, ATVs, UTVs, wildland fire engines, skid steers and tractors.

Maintains habitat and trails using mechanical means such as tractors, discs, mowers, and other tractor implements, chainsaws, weed eaters, and other power equipment, with constant sensitivity to natural and cultural resource protection needs.

Participates in conservation land management efforts within the County, including tasks such as tree planting, timber marking and inventory, boundary marking and upkeep, protection of endangered species, wildfire preventio