Ecological Technician

Job Overview

The Environmental Technician is responsible for executing field, laboratory, and office tasks related to the systematic collection of air and water samples. This role involves engaging in technical fieldwork, which includes environmental landscaping, planting, nurturing, and maintaining desired vegetation while removing unwanted species through manual and herbicide techniques at designated locations.

This position will actively participate in various initiatives within wetland regions, focusing on controlling invasive and nuisance plant species, conducting trash clean-up operations, performing site evaluations, and facilitating the re-vegetation of affected areas. The majority of the work is conducted in the field, often in and around wetland environments, which may require entering water that can reach chest height, with wildlife present. A Florida Pesticide Applicator License (Aquatic) is required to be obtained during the probationary period.

Salary

Minimum: $35,796.80 annually

Midpoint: $49,795.20 annually

Benefits

• Comprehensive PTO & Holiday Plan
• Health Insurance Options
• Health Savings Account
• Dental & Vision Coverage
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Flexible Spending Accounts for Healthcare and Dependent Care
• Tuition Reimbursement Opportunities
• Cafeteria Benefit Options
• Life Insurance Coverage
• Short & Long-Term Disability Insurance

Core Competencies

• Customer Commitment - Actively seeks to understand and meet the needs of customers while delivering exceptional service.
• Professionalism and Integrity - Exhibits and promotes ethical behavior, fostering trust within the organization and the community.
• Organizational Excellence - Takes responsibility for personal effectiveness and is dedicated to continuous operational improvement.
• Team Collaboration - Works cooperatively with others, sharing diverse ideas and perspectives to achieve common goals.

Duties and Responsibilities

The following duties are illustrative and not exhaustive. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position if they are similar or related. Depending on the assigned area of responsibility, incumbents may perform one or more of the activities described below:

• Oversees and coordinates the collection and management of field and/or laboratory environmental data.
• Monitors incoming solid waste at disposal facilities to ensure compliance and reports any hazardous waste violations.
• Inspects solid waste at landfills and compiles reports detailing the type, volume, and composition of waste.
• Initiates the removal of hazardous or undesirable materials from landfills.
• Prepares various reports and data summaries for departmental distribution.
• Reviews data from different departments and recommends or takes necessary actions.
• May operate, maintain, and calibrate environmental monitoring equipment and provide general technical assistance as needed.
• Supervises subordinate staff by scheduling, assigning, and reviewing work, providing training and guidance, and evaluating performance.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Job Specifications

• Knowledge of environmental inspection, sampling, and collection techniques.
• Familiarity with environmental data collection, recording, and laboratory equipment.
• Proficiency in operating and maintaining laboratory equipment.
• Ability to identify and differentiate between hazardous, non-hazardous, and recyclable solid waste materials.
• Competence in using computers and related software.
• Capability to plan, organize, and supervise the work of others.
• Skill in collecting, organizing, and evaluating data to draw logical conclusions.
• Ability to work effectively with others.

Physical Requirements

• Work is typically performed in an office or laboratory setting.
• May require prolonged periods of sitting.
• Physical activities include walking, standing, stooping, and bending.

Work Category

• Medium work - Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

Minimum Qualifications Required

• Associate's degree in Natural Science; AND
• Two years of experience in environmental inspection or evaluation, or in operating environmental monitoring equipment; OR
• An equivalent combination of education (at least a High School diploma/GED), training, and experience that would reasonably be expected to provide the job-related competencies noted above; AND
• Possession of a valid Florida Driver's License.

Emergency Management Responsibilities

In the event of an emergency or disaster, employees may be required to promptly respond to duties assigned by their department, the County's Office of Emergency Management, or County Administration. Such assignments may occur before, during, or after the emergency/disaster.

Career Progression

Employees in this classification who acquire the necessary competencies and minimum qualifications for the next tier will be eligible to apply for promotional opportunities through a competitive selection process. Promotion is not automatic and is based on business needs and financial considerations, not solely on the competencies or qualifications of the incumbent.