The Work You Will Do:

This position serves as a trail assistant and is responsible for providing logistical and field support for the Florida Conservation Corps program participants.

The Florida Conservation Corps (FLCC) currently consists of 6 staff and 65 AmeriCorps national service members who serve in 31 state parks and regional district offices. Members focus on invasive exotic plant management, recreational trail improvement and assessment, and volunteer recruitment and management. Additionally, FLCC members can deploy across Florida and other states in response to natural disasters. The trail assistant will assist in training and supporting disaster response deployment efforts.

The incumbent for this position plays a vital role in assuring the timely submittal of member paperwork, assisting members with program-related questions, and maintaining tools and equipment. Applicants should be advised that this position will require regular travel, approximately 1-2 weeks out of each month. While on travel, accommodations can range from hotels to Florida State Park lodging (cabins, trailers, tents etc.). Additional details shall be provided upon selection for an interview.

Link for more information about the program: https://www.floridastateparks.org/FLCC

Your Specific Responsibilities:

• LEADERSHIP – Lead groups of people with various experience levels. Be able to adapt and overcome rapid changes.
• SAFETY – Making sure members are following all safety guidelines and procedures according to DEP and FLCC standards.  This includes all members wearing appropriate PPE, daily safety meetings being conducted, and safety being a priority throughout every project.
• TEAM TRACKING – accurately tracking team activities and performance measures.  Ensuring the team is meeting the expectations and goals of the projects according to FLCC standards and expectations.
• COMMUNICATION WITH FLCC STAFF – keeping active and open communication with other FLCC staff to ensure project expectations are being met, incidents and accidents are being recorded/ reported appropriately, team members are completing required paperwork and tasks on time, and members have all gear and PPE as needed. 
• COMMUNICATION WITH PROJECT SITES – maintaining open communication with park staff to ensure the needs of the park are being met. Acting as the liaison between FLCC and park staff to ensure understanding of FLCC expectations.
• VEHICLE AND EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE – communicating with the team to make sure the vehicle logs are being filled out completely and accurately, all tool maintenance is being completed each day on the project, tool maintenance logs are being completed and turned in, needs and requests are being submitted to FLCC office promptly.
• TRAINING – training members on FLCC, AmeriCorps, and Florida Park Service expectations and guidelines. Training members on teamwork, communication, equipment use, safety, and other topics as needed.
• DISASTER RESPONSE – Ability to assist in training and leading the FLCC AmeriCorps Disaster Response Team (A-DRT) during deployment for up to 30 days.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of:

• Florida’s natural and cultural resources
• Computer operations including, but not limited to software programs such as Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Adobe Acrobat, Outlook)
• Customer service and public relations

Skill in:

• Interacting with all internal and external customers and the public in a professional, tactful, and courteous manner
• Communicating effectively verbally and in writing
• Use of various hand tools, small engines, power tools, and the operation of vehicles.
• Accurately preparing reports
• Conflict resolution

Ability to:

• Implement disciplinary action to members by following FLCC standards after communicating with office staff
• Speak in public in small and large groups
• Assist in coordinating large week-long events in October, January, and July.
• Follow verbal and written instructions/directions
• Work independently with minimal supervision
• Work rotating shifts including evenings, weekends, and holidays
• Understand and apply rules, directives, laws, regulations, and policies
• Work effectively with others
• Use problem-solving techniques
• Comply with uniform standards
• Maintain a valid driver’s license
• Successfully pass a background check
• Travel for 7-10 day projects multiple times a month with varying accommodations including camping
• Always maintain professional standards
• Deploy for a disaster response deployment up to 30 days
• Work in a fast-paced, constantly changing work environment 

Minimum Qualifications:

Valid Driver’s License

Preferred Qualifications:

Knowledge of:

• Complete tool maintenance including hand tools, chainsaws, and power equipment
• National Service
• Trail creation and maintenance
• Emergency management operations

Skill in:

• Operating a 15- passenger van
• Towing a trailer
• Safely operating a chainsaw
• Quick decision making