Invasive Plant Technician

Invasive Plant Technician

Bureau of Land Resources

Job Summary: This is skilled work applying a variety of herbicides to control invasive aquatic and terrestrial vegetation.

Job duties include:

• Measures, mixes, and safely applies herbicide spray mixtures pursuant to label directions to selectively control infestations of aquatic and terrestrial vegetation; calibration and maintenance of herbicide application equipment; posts warning signs in treated areas to inform the public of any water use or re-entry restrictions; operates computerized herbicide delivery system, tractor mounted PTO delivery system, airboats with injection systems and batch systems, ATVs, pickups and Marsh Master with batch systems, and back-pack sprayers; makes on-site decisions on methods of application for control of target vegetation, weather conditions, and other environmental issues.
• Loads and operates boats, trucks, ATVs and trailers with safety gear, herbicides, and other necessary equipment; unloads and cleans vehicles and equipment at the end of the day.
• Assists in the management of District lands by participating in prescribed burning or suppressing wildfires. Operates fire equipment including engines, dozers, airboats, ATVs, and Marsh Masters during prescribed burns and while suppressing wildfires; maintaining firelines; marking boundaries; participating in silvicultural activities; participating in plant community restoration projects including native seed collection and planting.
• Conducts inspections of District Conservation Areas and public water bodies in order to locate infestations of invasive plants and post-treatment inspections for effectiveness of control methods.
• Attends application training and safety classes to learn necessary information to receive certification; attends training and safety classes to maintain necessary certification and remain current on advances in the field technology and changes in state and federal rules and regulations.
• Operates WeeDoo, airboats, kicker boats, chain saws, small hand tools, and portable winch in the mechanical removal of vegetation jams, tussocks, and fallen trees which block navigation, access, and water control structures; enters water to remove snags, debris, or other obstacles when necessary.
• Modifies, and makes field repairs to boats, ATVs, trailers, and application equipment.
• Maintains some public contact to address concerns, explain water use restrictions, and disseminate information about the program.
• Documents amounts and types of herbicides and related chemicals used, areas treated, environmental conditions on required state, federal, and District forms. Forms include associated paperwork and entry of data in District's ArcGIS Database for Invasive Plants. Assist with maintaining herbicide cache storage facility and record keeping.

Ability to:

Read maps and aerial photos; make sound decisions and recommendations; communicate well with a variety of people in all situations; make accurate measurements, calculations, and estimates; make accurate weather-related assessments; transport, set up, operate, and repair pesticide application equipment; launch, load, safely operate, and retrieve airboats, kicker boats and tractors; understand and follow instructions, work as a team leader, and interact effectively with co-workers; and respond to some public inquiries; make accurate entries into District's ArcGIS Database for Invasive Plants. Keep accurate activity records.

Skilled In:

Geospatial tools relating to data capture. Airboat, towboat, and motorboat operation; minor small engine, and pump repair. Operation of 4x4 vehicle, ATV/UTVs, chainsaws, farm tractor, basic fire equipment, and equipment trailering and transport.

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.

Occasional overnight travel required.

Minimum Qualifications:

A high school diploma or G.E.D., two years of natural resource management experience; or formal education in a related field such as natural resource management, agriculture, or weed science may substitute for work experience.

Licenses:

Must have a valid State of Florida Driver's License.

Must have a State of Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Restricted Use Pesticide License with Aquatics and Natural Areas category certificates or obtain it within six months of employment.

SJRWMD has determined this to be a mandatory-testing position as described in Section 440.102, Florida Statutes. Any offer of employment for a mandatory-testing position and will be contingent upon successfully passing a drug screening paid by SJRWMD. The SJRWMD Drug Free Workplace Policy is available for review in the Careers section at www.sjrwmd.com.

Additional Details:

Starting Salary Range: $40,872.00 - $51,084.80

Starting salary is based on qualifications and experience.

Benefits include Florida Retirement System, health insurance, dental insurance, life insurance, long-term disability, paid leave and holidays, professional development, wellness program, and eligible for public service student loan forgiveness program.

Your application will receive careful consideration, and if selected for an interview, you will be contacted to schedule an appointment. St. Johns River Water Management District participates in E-Verify. E-Verify is an internet-based system that allows businesses to determine the eligibility of their employees to work in the United States.

Certain service members and veterans, and the spouses and family members of such service members and veterans will receive preference in employment and are encouraged to apply.

Equal Employment Opportunity/Veterans' Preference/Drug-Free and Tobacco-Free Workplace

Location: Apopka Field Station, 25633 County Road 448A, Mount Dora, FL 32757

Closing Date: June 15, 2026