Environmental Technician

Hillsborough County is hiring an Environmental Technician in Tampa, FL, focused on fieldwork related to environmental gardening, including plant maintenance and removal. The role involves working in wetland areas, conducting site assessments, and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations. Candidates must obtain a Florida Pesticide Applicator License and may supervise lower-level technicians. An associate degree in Natural Science or equivalent experience is required.
About the position

The Environmental Technician position is primarily focused on performing technical fieldwork related to environmental gardening, which includes the planting, care, and maintenance of desired plants, as well as the removal of undesired plants using both manual and herbicide methods at designated sites. This role involves significant participation in activities within wetland areas, such as controlling exotic and nuisance plants, conducting trash clean-up, performing site assessments, and re-vegetating sites. The job is predominantly field-based, with approximately 99% of the work occurring in and around wetland sites. Employees in this role may be required to enter and work in water that can reach chest height, often in the presence of wildlife, which necessitates a strong comfort level with such environments. In addition to the physical demands of the job, the Environmental Technician will be responsible for obtaining a Florida Pesticide Applicator License (Aquatic) within the probationary period. The position requires a proactive approach to environmental management and a commitment to maintaining the ecological integrity of the areas worked in. The technician will also engage in various environmental sampling and collection duties, monitor solid waste at disposal facilities, and ensure compliance with environmental regulations. This role may involve supervising and training lower-level technicians and providing assistance to the public regarding disposal and recycling options available within the county.

Responsibilities
• Perform various field environmental sampling and collection duties.
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• Conduct minor field and/or laboratory maintenance to ensure proper operation of monitoring and recording instruments.
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• Monitor incoming solid waste at disposal facilities for acceptability and presence of hazardous waste, keeping records and reporting violations.
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• Serve violation notices or levy surcharges for noncompliance as applicable.
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• Inspect incoming solid waste at landfills and prepare reports on contents by type, volume, and composition.
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• Initiate actions for the removal of hazardous or undesirable material from landfills.
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• Perform various laboratory and field duties involving routine installation and calibration, minor maintenance, and operation of both instruments and related equipment utilized in an environmental monitoring program.
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• Input, verify, and compile computer-generated data in support of environmental monitoring programs.
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• Supervise the work of and/or train lower-level technicians as needed.
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• Provide assistance and information to the public on disposal and recycling options available within the county.
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• Perform other related duties as required.

Requirements
• Associate degree in Natural Science; OR an equivalent combination of education (not less than possession of a High School diploma/GED), training, and experience that would reasonably be expected to provide the job-related competencies noted above.
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• Possession of a valid Florida Driver's License.
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• Knowledge of environmental sampling and collection methods.
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• Knowledge of environmental data collection and recording procedures.
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• Knowledge of laboratory equipment operation and maintenance.
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• Skill in the use and operation of environmental data collection and recording instruments and equipment.
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• Skill in the operation and maintenance of laboratory equipment.
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• Ability to identify and differentiate hazardous, non-hazardous, and recyclable solid waste material.
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• Ability to use a computer and related software.
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• Ability to follow oral and written instructions.
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• Ability to work effectively with others.
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• Ability to plan, organize, and supervise the work of others.
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• Ability to collect, organize, and evaluate data and to develop logical conclusions.

Nice-to-haves

Benefits
• Generous PTO & Holiday Plan
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• Health Plans
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• Health Savings Account
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• Dental & Vision Plans
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• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
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• Healthcare Flexible Spending Account
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• Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account
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• Tuition Reimbursement
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• Cafeteria Benefit
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• Life Insurance
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• Short & Long-Term Disability Insurance