Natural Areas Coordinator

Lee County Government BOCC - Estero, FL

Full-time

Estero, FL

About the position

The Natural Areas Coordinator is responsible for managing land resources, planning recreational activities, fostering public relations, and providing educational outreach. This role involves both fieldwork and office tasks, requiring adaptability to various weather conditions.

Responsibilities

• Inspect natural preserves to monitor public use and maintain trails and boundaries.
• Protect threatened species and contribute to habitat restoration and ecosystem monitoring.
• Collaborate with county staff, local/state/federal agencies, contractors, volunteers, and the public.
• Safely operate four-wheel-drive trucks, motorboats, kayaks, ATVs, UTVs, and various tools (chainsaws, pole saws, etc.).
• Use software tools such as GIS, operations management systems, and Office 365 for project tracking and reporting.
• Perform routine maintenance in natural areas, including trail upkeep and managing fire lines and gates.
• Oversee resource management and public use activities on assigned properties.
• Create educational materials and lead public tours and presentations.
• Utilize GPS and GIS for monitoring preserve conditions.
• Manage projects, including writing scopes of work for various restoration and maintenance tasks.
• Inspect contractor work to ensure quality and compliance with contracts.
• Process payment requests and manage purchasing of supplies and equipment.
• Inventory plant and animal communities and develop exotic species control strategies.
• Participate in prescribed burning and maintain equipment and vehicles.
• Write and implement land management plans.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Natural Resources, Environmental Sciences, or a related field.
• At least one year of relevant work experience in South Florida ecosystems.
• Obtain a Natural Areas Weed Management Pesticide Applicator License within one year of hire.
• Complete S-130 Basic Wildland Firefighter Training and S-190 Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior within one year of hire.
• Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.

Nice-to-haves

• Strong writing and public speaking abilities.
• Familiarity with Lee County conservation policies and procedures.
• Proficiency in software such as Microsoft Office, ArcGIS, and Cartegraph.
• Ability to achieve Arborist certification from the International Society of Arboriculture.
• Knowledge of burn plans and conducting prescribed burns.
• Strong interpersonal skills to maintain effective relationships with team members, contractors, and the public.
• Familiarity with data collection and report preparation.