Forestry Maintenance Technician

Salary: $19.65 - $29.84 Hourly
Location : PCB, FL
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 00352
Department: Utilities
Division: Conservation Park
Opening Date: 12/20/2023
Description
This position is responsible for maintaining and improving the Utilities Department wastewater effluent discharge infrastructure, public park features and vegetative ecosystems at Conservation Park. An incumbent in this position may be designed "Technician I," "Technician II," "Technician III" or "Technician Trainee."
Examples of Duties

• With supervision, performs routine maintenance tasks including but not limited to cleaning, inspection and repair of buildings, restrooms, grounds, pavilions, discharge structures, outfalls, boardwalks, trails, catch basins, culverts, ditches, signage, fencing and gates.

• With supervision, operates and maintains equipment including but not limited to blowers, chain saws, woodchippers, all-purpose service vehicles, tractors with associated implements.

• As directed by the Biologist, operates skid-steer with forestry attachment.

• With supervision, maintains facilities and grounds that are accessible to the public in an attractive condition conducive to recreational use and enjoyment. Proactively aids the public in a courteous and professional manner.

• Performs scheduled preventive maintenance of treatment plant equipment.

• Participates in the maintenance of the Conservation Park facilities; maintains trails and boardwalks; cuts grass and weeds; applies herbicide; removes debris from waterway; paints signs, benches, picnic tables, etc.; performs tree removal.

• With supervision, performs preventative maintenance and evaluations on all Conservation Park equipment in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations and specifications.

• With supervision, handles and applies vegetation control chemicals in accordance with manufacturer's recommendations and City policies.

• With supervision, participates in a support role (trainee) or participates (Technician I, II, or III) in the application of prescribed fire at the direction of the "bun boss"
• With supervision, works to clear away obstructions impeding effluent flow through wetland systems.

• With supervision, assists with coordinating public events such as bird walks, cross country runs and school tours.

• With supervision, assists with contractors or local volunteer groups to plant native species as part of the long-term site restoration effort.

• Follows appropriate safety precautions and procedures for all tasks initiated.

• Maintains clear and concise records of work performed.

• Inspects roadways, boardwalks, trails and other infrastructure for damage and erosion.

• Explains and enforces park rules ensuring visitors comply with established safety guidelines and procedures.

• Cleans interior and exterior of buildings and structures as scheduled.

• Performs related work as directed. On occasion and with supervision, may be directed to assist Wastewater Facility Maintenance Mechanics with repairs at the City's Wastewater Treatment Facilities.

• Performs other duties as needed.

Typical Qualifications
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - FORESTRY TECHNICIAN TRAINEE
Trainee--

• Ability to readily obtain a valid driver's license issued by the State of Florida for the type of vehicle or equipment operated.
• Must have graduated from standard high school or have GED equivalency certificate.
• Must be skilled in the use of mechanic's tools and shop equipment; good physical condition; dependable; familiar with computers; ability to be on call 24 hours a day. The employee must present a neat and professional appearance, with friendly, courteous service to the public while performing their duties.
• Ability to make inspections to determine operating conditions and needed repairs of equipment; ability to work from blueprints, pencil sketches or written or oral instructions.
• Must have basic knowledge of small equipment and power tool uses.

Technician I--

1. Minimum one year of experience as a Forestry Technician Trainee at Conservation Park or equivalent.

• Must have computer skills and experience with use of word processing and spreadsheet software.
• Holds current certification/licenses/training in the following:
  1. Successful completion of Applying Pesticides Correctly module offered by IFAS Extension.
  2. Certification/license from NWCG as an entry-level wildland firefighter.
     • Has participated in a minimum of 16 hours of prescribed burns.
• Demonstrated safe and proper use of ATVs/UTVs, farm tractor with implements, Bobcat with implements, chainsaws, power trimmers, and power hand tools.

Technician II--

• Minimum three years of experience at Conservation Park or equivalent.
• 1. Certification/license from NWCG as an Intermediate-level wildland firefighter.
• Demonstrated experience in assisting with and participating in minimum 50 hours prescribed burns within the Conservation Park or on other public or private lands.
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• Proficient in the use of heavy equipment; minimum of 1 year of continuous experience operating various types of heavy equipment.
• Successful completion of Public Pesticide Applicator certification in 'Natural Areas' or 'Aquatics' modules offered by FDACS.

Technician III--

• Minimum five years of experience at Conservation Park or equivalent.
  1. Certification/license from NWCG as an intermediate or advanced wildland firefighter.
  2. Florida Certified Prescribed Burn Manager in good standing
     • Has participated in a minimum of 100 hours of prescribed burns.
• 'Master Naturalist' certification in Wetland Systems and Upland Systems with University of Florida/ IFAS Extension.

Supplemental Information
KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED BY THE POSITION

• Knowledge of the safe operation of industrial tools and heavy equipment.

• Knowledge of carpentry and plumbing principles.

• Knowledge of basic landscaping and forestry management principles.

• Skill in prioritizing and planning.

• Skill in interpersonal relations.

• Skill in oral and written communication.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS
The Biologist assigns work in terms of general instructions. The Biologist spot-checks completed work for compliance with procedures, accuracy, and the nature and propriety of the results.
GUIDELINES
Guidelines include OSHA, DEP, and EPA regulations and city and department policies and procedures. These guidelines require judgment, selection, and interpretation in application.
COMPLEXITY/SCOPE OF WORK

• The work consists of related facility and park maintenance duties. Inclement weather and unexpected equipment breakdowns contribute to the complexity of the position.

• The purpose of this position is to participate in the maintenance of the wastewater treatment plant and Conservation Park. Successful performance results in the safe and regulatory compliant treatment of wastewater.

CONTACTS

• Contacts are typically with coworkers, other city personnel, vendors, contractors, and members of the general public.

• Contacts are typically to exchange information, resolve problems, and provide services.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ WORK ENVIRONMENT

• The work is typically performed while intermittently sitting, standing, walking, bending, crouching, or stooping. The employee frequently lifts light and heavy objects, climbs ladders, uses tools or equipment requiring a high degree of dexterity, distinguishes between shades of color, and utilizes the sense of smell.

• The employee must frequently lift and move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and move more than 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

• The work is typically performed outdoors, occasionally in cold or inclement weather. The employee is exposed to noise, dust, dirt, grease, machinery with moving parts, noxious wildlife, contagious or infectious diseases, and irritating chemicals. The work requires the use of personal protective equipment.

• This is an essential position that requires performance of emergency duties and action to prepare, repair, and recover the City before, during, and after any adverse storm events (hurricane, tornado, ice storm, etc.) or other conditions (natural or man- made).

SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY
None
**These are intended only as illustrations of various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position.
PTO Leave: Leave begins accruing immediately; however, cannot be used until three (3) months of service has been completed: The schedule varies slighter for Fire Fighters.
Years Of Service Completed Annual Leave Cap Available
less than 5 years: 152 hours
5 to 9 years: 176 hours
10 to 14 years: 200 hours
15 to 19 years: 224 hours
20 + years: 248 hours
At the end of the year, any unused PTO leave will be placed in your PTO bank (up to 380 total hours). Time will be accrued bi-weekly & shown on each paycheck. After the 380 hours are filled, any unused PTO leave will be lost and cannot be used the following year.
RETIREMENT: General employees are fully vested after 10 years of employment. Employees can become partially vested at five (5) years of service. Partial vesting at five (5) years is 50%, six (6) years 60%, seven (7) years 70%, eight (8) years 80%, and nine (9) years 90%. General Employees are eligible for normal retirement upon the earlier of reaching age 55 and the completion of 10 years of credited service or reaching age 50 and the completion of 20 years of credited service. The amount of normal retirement benefit is based on your credited service and average final compensation. See General Employees' Pension Plan Summary for more details.
HOLIDAYS: Employees receive 14 holidays per year. The holidays are:

• New Year's Day
• Martin Luther King Jr. Day
• Presidents' Day
• Memorial Day
• Juneteenth
• July 4th
• Labor Day
• Veterans' Day
• Thanksgiving Day
• Friday After Thanksgiving
• Christmas Eve
• Christmas Day
• New Year's Eve
• Employee's Birthday

INSURANCE:* Florida Blue Health, Humana Dental & Securian Disability, Basic Life, and AD&D Insurance premiums are paid in full by the City for the Employee. Florida Blue Tiered Family Coverage available but paid by Employee via paycheck. (Blue Option LG Plan 03559 Spouse only $630/month; Child/Children $540/month; and Family $1,200/month) (Blue Option LG Plan HDHP Spouse only $508/month; Child/Children $244/month; and Family $767/month).
Spouse Dental Coverage only $34.85/month; Child/Children $49.31/month; Family Dental Coverage $87.48/month. Vision Coverage available: Employee only: $5.24/month; Spouse only $10.50/month; Child/Children $9.97/month; and Family $15.67/month). Both are covered by Humana. The City also offers a suite of Allstate Worksite products available for purchase.
Note: Insurance coverage takes effect on the 1st of the month 60 days after employment.
*Rough estimates are not necessarily exact.
https://www.floridablue.com/members/tools-resources/transparency
457 Plan Corebridge Financical: Optional 457 Deferred Compensation Plan - See Human Resources for more details.