Alachua COUNTY – Environmental Specialist – Land Conservation Program Alachua County Board of C

NOTE: TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THIS VACANCY, ALL APPLICANTS MUST APPLY ONLINE AT:

CLOSE DATE/TIME: Tue. 02/27/26 11:59 PM Eastern Time

SALARY: $50,116.98 Annually

This is a professional conservation land management position in the Environmental Protection Department – Land Conservation and Management Program. The position will conduct land stewardship activities on Alachua County preserves and natural areas under higher-level supervision, including: invasive plant control, prescribed burning, forestry, data collection, site development, maintenance, security, and other duties. Depending on the skills of the selected candidate, the position may also assist with land management plan development, establishing new public access, contractor oversight, and public outreach.

Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, environmental engineering, biology, forestry, wildlife ecology, land/recreation management, natural science, or a related field, and one year of related environmental 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 driver’s license 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.

Successful completion of a pre‑employment drug screen & physical examination and successful completion of all applicable background checks pre‑hire and ongoing are required.

Post-hire requirements for this classification include:
Must successfully complete the Annual Fireline Refresher training (RT‑130) within the first 6 months of hire in this classification, and annually prior to February 1st each calendar year.
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.

This is entry‑level professional work protecting, restoring, and managing Alachua County Nature Preserves and implementing land management activities for Alachua County.

The employee assigned to this classification is responsible for conducting various field monitoring and land management activities, including prescribed burning, invasive species treatment and management, site evaluations, operating and maintaining equipment, engaging in public outreach activities, monitoring and maintaining public access infrastructure, collecting and reviewing data, and monitoring and managing natural areas.

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

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 the County’s core values.

Implements land stewardship activities on Alachua County natural areas under higher‑level supervision, including invasive plant control, prescribed burning, forestry, data collection, public access site development, monitoring, maintenance and security.

Actively participates in all aspects of prescribed fire operations including fire line preparation, burn unit scouting, prescription writing, day of burn operations,…