The Operations Supervisor is responsible for planning, coordinating, and supervising the daily operations of the Environmental Program at Fort De Soto Park. This position provides leadership for environmental stewardship, natural resource management, and habitat restoration; oversees mowing of about 200 acres at Fort De Soto Park, integrated vegetation management (IVM), and park maintenance activities while preserving the ecological integrity of one of Pinellas County's most significant coastal parks. 

The Operations Supervisor oversees field personnel, equipment, and operational resources to ensure projects are completed safely, efficiently, and in compliance with County policies and all applicable federal and state environmental regulations. The position regularly operates heavy equipment and collaborates closely with Park Rangers, maintenance personnel, contractors, environmental agencies, and other County departments to support conservation initiatives, infrastructure maintenance, public safety, and visitor services throughout Fort De Soto Park. 

This Operations Supervisor position is located at: Fort De Soto Park 3500 Pinellas Bayway S. Tierra Verde, FL 33715

Work Schedule: Monday – Friday; 6:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

What Will You Do

• Supervise Environmental Program personnel engaged in natural resource management, heavy equipment operation, habitat restoration, vegetation management, horticulture, and park maintenance activities throughout Fort De Soto Park. 
• Plan, prioritize, assign, and evaluate daily, weekly, and seasonal work schedules to meet operational, environmental, and conservation objectives. 
• Supervise the operation, maintenance, calibration, and safe use of heavy equipment, specialized machinery, boats, trailers, utility vehicles, tractors, mowers, sprayers, and other environmental maintenance equipment. 
• Coordinate environmental management projects including invasive species control, native habitat restoration, dune and coastal ecosystem management, shoreline stabilization, prescribed fire activities, and integrated pest management (IPM). 
• Oversee maintenance activities affecting trails, boardwalks, campgrounds, beaches, natural areas, and some park infrastructure while minimizing impacts to natural resources. 
• Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations, County policies, and environmental permitting requirements. 
• Maintain inventories of equipment, chemicals, supplies, and materials while ensuring proper storage, documentation, and regulatory compliance. 
• Review work orders and determines project scope, staffing requirements, equipment needs, materials, and scheduling priorities. 
• Monitor project progress, maintain accurate records, prepare reports, and adjust schedules to meet operational priorities and environmental conditions. 
• Train, mentor, and evaluate subordinate personnel in safe work practices, environmental stewardship, equipment operation, regulatory compliance, and County policies. 
• Approve employee leave requests, reviews time records, manages staffing assignments, and provides coaching and performance feedback. 
• Coordinate work with Park Rangers, maintenance divisions, contractors, public utilities, and other County departments to support park operations and environmental initiatives. 
• Respond to emergency operations, storm preparation, storm recovery, natural disasters, environmental incidents, and other emergency assignments. 
• Communicate with park visitors, residents, contractors, and stakeholders regarding environmental projects, maintenance activities, and operational impacts while providing exceptional customer service. 
• Assist with budget planning, procurement, equipment replacement planning, and long-term operational improvements for the Environmental Program. 
• Perform other related duties as assigned. 

What Do You Need

Experience: Environmental operations, conservation, natural resource management, parks maintenance, public works, utilities, construction, land management, or closely related field, including lead or supervisory experience.

• High School diploma or an acceptable equivalency diploma (GED) with three (3) years as described above.
• Associate’s degree and 1 year of experience as described above.
• Bachelor’s or higher-level degree some experience as described above.
• An equivalent combination of education, training, and/or experience.
• Valid Florida Driver License required.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule including weekends, holidays, emergency events, and disaster response operations. 

Highly Desirable

• Florida Class B Commercial Driver’s License
• FNGLA Certificate
• ISA Certification
• Heavy Equipment Operators Certificate
• Pesticide Applicators License – Core, Right-of-Way, and Ornamental and Turf Pest Control

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 

• Knowledge of coastal ecosystem management, natural resource conservation, marine science, ecology, environmental stewardship, and habitat restoration principles. 
• Knowledge of park operations, infrastructure maintenance, public works practices, and heavy equipment operation. 
• Two (2) years experience in applied integrated pest management (IPM), vegetation management, pesticide application, and environmental regulations. 
• Knowledge of project planning, work scheduling, budgeting, inventory management, and resource allocation. 
• Ability to supervise, motivate, train, mentor, and evaluate diverse field crews. 
• Ability to interpret construction drawings, site plans, maps, environmental reports, and technical documents. 
• Ability to maintain accurate records, prepare reports, and utilize computerized asset management systems. 
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, contractors, regulatory agencies, and the public. 
• Ability to communicate effectively with visitors while promoting environmental awareness and protecting park resources. 
• Ability to make sound operational decisions under changing environmental conditions and emergency situations. 

Working Conditions

Work is performed primarily outdoors throughout Fort De Soto Park, a dynamic coastal barrier island environment. The position routinely encounters changing weather conditions, heat, humidity, rain, tidal influences, wildlife, insects, uneven terrain, and sensitive natural habitats. Employees must be adaptable, environmentally conscious, and responsive to changing operational priorities while ensuring the protection of natural resources and providing exceptional public service.