Natural Resources & Wildland Fire Specialist I

St. Lucie County Florida; Florida; On-site; USD 42,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

St. Lucie County BOCC is seeking an Environmental Resources professional to support land management and wildland fire operations. The role involves prescribed burning, wildfire response, habitat restoration, and stewardship of conservation lands.

The position requires field-based work under demanding conditions, emergency response participation, and coordination with crews and volunteers. A strong background in land resources and safety is essential.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in biology, botany, forestry, or related natural resources field and two (2) years of experience in land management and wildland fire operations; comparable training may substitute; OR four (4) years of relevant land management and wildland fire operations in lieu of education.
• Valid Florida Driver’s License with an acceptable driving record; Florida Class B Commercial Driver’s License required within one (1) year of hire.
• NWCG Wildland Firefighter Type 2 certifications (S-130/190, L-180, I-100, I-700, RT-130) and CPR/First Aid certification required within one (1) year of hire.
• Natural Area/Wetland Herbicide Applicator License preferred.
• Knowledge of land and natural resource management, wildland fire management and prescribed burning, Florida ecosystems, invasive plant control, and applicable environmental regulations.
• Knowledge of equipment operation, safety standards, maintenance practices, and Incident Command System (ICS/NIMS) operations.
• Proficiency with office software, GIS/GPS applications, and field data collection and reporting tools.
• Ability to safely operate County vehicles, boats, light and heavy equipment, machinery, and hand tools.
• Ability to work in physically demanding, high-stress environments, including extended hours, emergency response, and adverse weather conditions.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, including public interaction and preparation of technical reports.
• Ability to plan, prioritize, and manage projects; meet deadlines; work independently or collaboratively; and coordinate volunteers, contractors, and crews.

Responsibilities

• Perform land management activities to preserve and protect County natural resources.
• Conduct habitat enhancement and restoration projects, including invasive plant removal and native replanting.
• Maintain property boundaries, fencing, signage, and conduct regular patrols.
• Collect ecological field data and maintain databases for monitoring and reporting.
• Assist with planning, development, and implementation of land management projects.
• Construct and maintain passive recreational and ecotourism infrastructure on conservation lands.
• Interpret natural and historic resources for public education and outreach.
• Participate as a member of a coordinated Wildland Fire Operations team.
• Conduct prescribed burns and assist with wildfire detection, prevention, suppression, and mitigation.
• Prepare sites and equipment to ensure fire readiness and maintain firebreaks.
• Perform mechanical vegetation treatments (e.g., forestry mowing, roller chopping).
• Educate and notify the public before and after fire operations and support fire prevention events.
• Operate within the Incident Command System (ICS) during fire and all-hazard incidents.
• Operate, coordinate, and maintain light and heavy equipment, including fire engines, bulldozers, tractors, ATVs, chippers, chainsaws, fire pumps, and herbicide applicators.
• Coordinate with helicopter contractors during fire operations (coordination only).
• Safely operate County vehicles, boats, machinery, and specialized field equipment.
• Perform routine inspections, maintenance, and troubleshooting of equipment and tools.
• Assist with project management, including scope development, contractor coordination, bid support, scheduling, and quality control.
• Prepare maps, charts, reports, and other work products using GIS and office software.
• Support volunteer, contractor, and inmate crew supervision.
• Respond to emergency incidents as required.

Skills

Fieldwork

GIS/GPS

Public communication

Team coordination

Education

Associate degree in biology, botany, forestry, or related natural resources field

Two years of land management and wildland fire operations experience

Tools

NWCG certifications (S-130/190, L-180, I-100, I-700, RT-130)

CPR/First Aid certification

Florida Driver’s License / Class B CDL within 1 year

Job description

St. Lucie County BOCC is seeking an Environmental Resources professional to support land management and wildland fire operations. The role involves prescribed burning, wildfire response, habitat restoration, and stewardship of conservation lands.

The position requires field-based work under demanding conditions, emergency response participation, and coordination with crews and volunteers. A strong background in land resources and safety is essential.