Land Management Specialist chez St. Johns River Water Management District

Land Management Specialist 

Bureau of Land Resources 

Job Summary: This is professional work assisting in the development, implementation, and management of SJRWMD's land management programs. 

Job duties include: 

• Participates in all aspects of the Fire Management Program, including developing burn prescriptions, management plans, and schedules; identifying, planning, and implementing fuels management projects; constructing and maintaining fire lines; and coordinating activities with other regions, agencies, and contractors. Serves in multiple fire crew roles, including Burn Boss during prescribed burns for habitat restoration and fuel reduction; assists with wildfire suppression and resource allocation; and monitors short- and long-term program outcomes while maintaining related data and documentation. Supports other land management regions and agencies with assistance by providing crew and equipment needs during prescribed burns, wildfires, and mop up assignments.
• Monitors natural communities to assess management needs and the effects of management activities through field inventories and site evaluations. Contributes to the development and implementation of Area Management Plans by providing on-the-ground knowledge and oversight of restoration, forestry, and maintenance projects. Supervises and coordinates contractors, volunteers, and staff, manages land management contracts and work orders, and supports data collection for land management and GIS databases. Participates directly in activities such as habitat restoration, reforestation, timber operations, infrastructure maintenance, and invasive species control.
• Coordinates with agencies, local governments, and lessees to develop, implement, and ensure compliance with land management agreements, licenses, easements, and leases. Promotes public engagement by managing access facilities, overseeing recreational use, responding to inquiries, leading tours, giving presentations, and representing the program at meetings. Maintains partnerships and contracts to support effective land management across departments, agencies, and cooperators.
• Protects District lands and facilities by assisting in the development of security plans, observing and reporting activities such as vandalism, poaching and wildfires, and maintaining good relations with local law enforcement personnel.
• Assist with monitoring, mapping, banding, and general management of listed bird species. Provide knowledge and assist in the management of other listed flora and fauna.

Ability to:  

Ability to work in extreme conditions and independently handle diverse tasks and projects. Strong communication skills for interacting with supervisors, coworkers, the public, and other agencies, including giving presentations. Proficient in reading and interpreting maps, leases, and contracts. 

Skilled In:  

Natural communities, flora, and fauna identification; basic forest management activities: marking, cruising, reforestation, small equipment operation; basic computer programs, GPS, GIS. 

Physical Requirements/Working Environment: 

Endure harsh outdoor environments in uncomfortable/extreme temperatures, inclement weather, rough terrain, venomous animals, rain, and other potential hazards. Participate in prescribed fire and wildfire management activities; drive trucks, ATVs, tractors, (other equipment), trailering of equipment, operate or learn to operate airboats, participates with invasive plant management activities as needed.