Natural Resource Specialist Senior (Austin Parks and Recreation)

Natural Resource Specialist Senior Purpose: Under minimal supervision and using advanced knowledge, this position develops, implements, and maintains approved natural resource management plans to restore and protect vital habitats for native flora and fauna for the City of Austin. Duties, Functions and Responsibilities: Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned. Develops, leads, and implements land management projects on various properties at remote locations. Leads and implements installation, maintenance, and repair of infrastructure and equipment such as vehicles, tractors, small engines, chainsaws, fences, gates, trails, signage, storage areas, and/or work sites. Leads volunteer and education events on various properties at remote locations. Monitors vegetation on natural lands with limited road access. Develops, implements, and approves budget expenditures. Writes management plans, approves management strategies, and establishes program policies and guidelines. Provides annual reports. Liaises and coordinates as needed with Federal, State, and City agencies, as well as conservation and environmental interest groups and the general public. Stays current on issues such as endangered species, habitat management, wildfire risk, and fuel mitigation. Plans, implements and participates in prescription burns and fuel mitigation. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed. Knowledge of leadership techniques. Knowledge of functions and operation of interrelating departments, divisions, and agencies. Knowledge of applicable regulatory agency requirements and of ecological and conservation biology principles. Skill in identifying local native and non-native flora, and fauna. Skill in prescribed burning and fuel mitigation. survey techniques for plants, animals, and avian and karst species. Skill in establishing and maintaining good working relationships with other agencies and City departments. Skill in anticipating and accurately predicting the results of alternate courses of actions. Skill in giving public presentations. Skill in the developing and implementing long-range plans. Skill in using computers and related software such as geographic information systems. Skill in formulating program objectives and prioritizing critical tasks accordingly. Skill in communicating both orally and in writing to professionals and the public. Ability to operate trucks, farm tractors, and other vehicles on the road and off the road, as required, to reach/implement projects. Ability to train and oversee the work of others. Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with other City employees and the public. Ability to meet and maintain driver eligibility standards detailed in the City of Austin Driver Safety Program. Minimum Qualifications: Graduation with a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in the natural sciences, such as Wildlife Management, Ecology, Conservation Biology, Zoology, Botany, Biology, or a related field, plus six (6) years of experience in a related area. Experience directly related to the job duties may substitute for education up to a maximum of four (4) years. Licenses and Certifications Required: Must hold a current pesticide applicators license under Texas Department of Agriculture or obtain license within six (6) months of employment. Valid current Texas Class C Driver License. Preferred Qualifications/Experience: Experience planning, conducting, and leading large-scale fuel mitigation or forest management operations. Experience serving in leadership roles on prescribed burns and/or wildfire response. Experience operating, maintaining, and repairing equipment such as UTVs, tractors, trailers, chainsaws, and small engines; maintaining and repairing facilities such as fences, gates, signage, roads and trails, and work areas. Experience collecting and analyzing data about wildland fuel conditions and/or vegetation communities to guide land management decisions. Experience with desktop and mobile GIS applications for collecting field data, editing, and mapping. Preferred Skills: Knowledge of forest/woodland vegetation and fire ecology as they pertain to central Texas ecosystems. Ability to maintain a schedule of physically demanding activities including hiking over rough terrain and in dense vegetation while carrying loads of up to 45 lbs. Other: Ability to travel to more than one work location. City of Austin, TX