Natural Resources Specialist II (15278, Grade 24)

Description Montgomery Parks is currently seeking a dedicated, organized, and skilled natural resource professional to assist in project review and environmental restoration. If you have a passion for environmental work and thrive in a dynamic work environment, then Montgomery Parks is the place you want to be! Description Montgomery Parks is currently seeking a dedicated, organized, and skilled natural resource professional to assist in project review and environmental restoration. If you have a passion for environmental work and thrive in a dynamic work environment, then Montgomery Parks is the place you want to be! The Natural Resource Specialist II will work in the Environmental Review and Restoration Unit of the Park Planning and Stewardship Division at Montgomery Parks. The position involves conducting Concept Review of projects that may impact the natural, recreational, and cultural resources of the Parks Department. They will work with engineers, planners, natural resource staff, consultants, and design teams to ensure that the project is beneficial and feasible; environmental impacts are avoided where possible; and if necessary, develop an appropriate mitigation plan. The successful candidate will assist in preparing presentations outlining Parks’ recommendations to the Montgomery County Planning Board through the Mandatory Referral Process, attend public meetings, and respond to citizen questions regarding the project. The position also involves supporting environmental restoration projects from design to construction, which includes natural resource assessments, GIS analysis, and construction oversight. The successful candidate will have experience in reviewing design plans, collecting environmental field data, and construction oversight. Qualified applicants will exhibit strong communication and interpersonal skills and demonstrate an ability to work effectively with a wide variety of agencies, special interest groups, Parks staff, consultants, contractors, and the general public. The successful candidate will have experience in the review of stream restoration, stormwater management creation and retrofit, wetland creation, transportation, utility, and/or other development projects – specifically for natural resource impacts. They will also have extensive knowledge in one or more of the following fields: freshwater ecology, natural resource management, environmental engineering, wetland delineation, forest ecology, land use planning, and/or GIS. About the Resource Analysis Unit The Resource Analysis Section serves as Montgomery Parks' primary steward of aquatic resources, overseeing more than 600 miles of streams and their associated floodplains and wetlands across the park system. Through science based management, environmental restoration, regulatory compliance, and long-term monitoring, the section works to protect and enhance water quality, aquatic habitat, and watershed health for current and future generations. The section is comprised of three specialized branches. The NPDES Permit Program works to regulate, reduce, and eliminate sources of stormwater pollution through a variety of best management practices and minimum control measures. The program administers the Department’s National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits, including the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit and Industrial Stormwater permits, helping ensure compliance with federal and state water quality regulations. The Environmental Review and Restoration Unit identifies and helps implement projects that improve water quality and riparian habitat across parkland. The unit advances environmental restoration initiatives such as riparian forest restoration, stormwater outfall repair, stream restoration, and habitat creation. It also reviews proposed external development and infrastructure projects to ensure protection of park natural, cultural, and recreational resources. The Biological Monitoring Program evaluates the health of Montgomery Parks' streams and watersheds. Using aquatic macroinvertebrate and fish sampling alongside habitat assessments and water quality measurements, the program develops a comprehensive understanding of stream condition, tracks ecological trends over time, and helps guide restoration and management priorities. Together, these three branches provide an integrated approach to protecting, restoring, and monitoring Montgomery Parks' aquatic resources, ensuring that streams, wetlands, and floodplains continue to provide vital ecological functions and benefits to the community. About Montgomery Parks Montgomery Parks is an award-winning park system and part of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC). Supported by more than 1,000 dedicated employees, we care for 416 parks, including trails, and natural spaces across Montgomery County, with team members working in a wide range of roles including park operations, public programs, park planning, public safety, and administration. Our work is visible in everyday moments, from safe, well-maintained trails to welcoming parks and community programs. Careers with Montgomery Parks offer purpose, stability, and the opportunity to make a visible, lasting impact where people live, work, and connect. Learn More About Montgomery Parks: Examples of Important Duties Concept Review Coordinate the Concept Review of external projects to evaluate the impacts to Park resources from development plans being proposed to occur on or adjacent to parkland. Attend review meetings with agency staff, agency consultants, and other stakeholders. Lead internal stakeholder reviews of projects and update directorate on project status. Identify project constraints, resource impacts, and opportunities to avoid or minimize impacts. Coordinate proposed mitigation for approved natural resource impacts. Prepare technical reports, recommendations, maps, graphics, and presentations for the Mandatory Referral process, the Montgomery County Planning Board, department leadership, and other decision-makers. Environmental Restoration Planning Provide natural resource expertise for the identification and planning of stream restoration, stormwater management, wetland creation, riparian restoration, habitat enhancement, and related environmental restoration projects. Conduct baseline monitoring and site assessments to evaluate project alternatives, design approaches, and measures to minimize construction impacts to park resources. Assist with developing scopes of work, technical requirements, project schedules, and recommendations that support effective restoration and resource protection. Environmental Restoration Implementation Provide natural resource expertise for the design, coordination, and implementation of stream restoration, stormwater management, wetland creation, riparian restoration and tree planting, habitat enhancement, and related environmental projects. Coordinate environmental restoration work with project managers, designers, regulatory agencies, consultants, contractors, park managers, and other stakeholders from initial investigation through project completion. Track historical, current, and future environmental projects on parkland through a GIS database Important Skills and Characteristics Strong written, verbal, presentation, organizational, creative-thinking, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate technical information clearly to staff, partner agencies, community members, and the general public. Ability to gather, organize, analyze, interpret, and report scientific, technical, and project information to develop sound findings and recommendations. Ability to independently prioritize and manage multiple projects, assignments, meetings, and deadlines while maintaining accurate records and consistent communication. Collaborative and service-oriented approach, strong work ethic, and cooperative spirit, with the ability to establish effective working relationships and interact respectfully with people of varied backgrounds across departments and disciplines. Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Excel, SharePoint, OneDrive, and other enterprise or specialized software used for planning, scheduling, communication, research, presentations, data collection, documentation, and reporting. Ability to organize, review, process, and maintain reports, procedures, guidelines, project records, correspondence, and permit documentation received from multiple sources. Ability to develop and manage accessible website content and other digital information in accordance with applicable ADA requirements. Preferred Qualifications: The ability to read and understand technical engineering drawings. Experience reviewing design plans for development, stream restoration, stormwater management, wetland creation, transportation infrastructure, utility improvements, or similar projects for natural resource impacts. Knowledge of Federal, State, and County environmental laws, policies, permitting requirements, and land use review processes. Knowledge of stream restoration, stormwater management, wetland, and/or habitat restoration design and construction methods. Experience with GIS applications and environmental project databases, including mapping, spatial analysis, and project tracking. Experience conducting natural resource field assessments using established protocols, such as habitat assessments, vegetation monitoring, wetland delineation, groundwater monitoring, and stream sampling. Working Conditions: Works in office and the field. Exposed to weather and outdoor hazards requiring special safety precautions or protective clothing and equipment. Incumbents in this class must frequently: remain in a stationary position, move from place to place, stoop, reach, push and pull while performing duties to operate vehicles, tools and equipment, communicate and exchange information with internal staff and the public, be able to view objects from a distance, distinguish between colors, and handle live and dead wildlife, equipment, tools and supplies weighing up to 100 pounds. May be subject to close proximity of frequent weapons discharge. Occasionally required to work on nights, weekends, extended hours and periods of severe weather. Additional Details The salary range shown reflects the approved pay range for this position. Starting salary will be determined based on qualifications and experience. Bilingual candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. We offer a flexible and competitive benefits package. This position is eligible for a Hybrid Work Schedule. Minimum Qualifications Bachelor’s Degree in Natural Resources Management, Environmental Science, Forestry, Ecology, Wildlife Management, Fisheries Management or any related field. Three (3) years of progressively responsible natural resources or wildlife management experience or related experience. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted, which together total seven (7) years. Valid driver’s license in accordance with both State and Commission rules and regulations. Driver’s license must be unencumbered by restrictions, revocations, suspensions, or points that could limit the employee’s ability to drive Commission vehicles or perform driving duties required by the position of assignment. Pass Commission medical examination. Depending on area of assignment, the ability to acquire related program certification (e.g., pesticide certification, trapping license, boating license). Supplemental Information Classification Specification Natural Resources Specialist II May be subject to medical, drug and alcohol testing. The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate a workplace culture of diversity, equity and inclusion without discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, gender identity, or any other non-merit factor. Applicants with Disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require accommodations or special arrangements due to a qualifying disability, please notify the Recruitment & Selections Services Unit at the time of applications at or View phone number on click.appcast.io (Maryland Relay 7-1-1) M-NCPPC will make all efforts to reasonably accommodate you. THE MARYLAND-NATIONAL CAPITAL PARK AND PLANNING COMMISSION 2026 Benefit Summary For Merit System Employees The following benefit summary is provided for informational purposes only and is not, nor should be construed as an employment agreement with the M-NCPPC, implied or actual. It is not all-inclusive and is subject to change. Benefits listed are extended to all Merit System employees of the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC). All plans are optional except the Defined Benefit and Long-Term Disability plans. Eligibility You have 45 days from your hire date to elect your benefits. Your coverage begins on the first of the month following receipt of your enrollment forms and required documentation. Retirement Programs Defined Benefit Plan (Mandatory Participation) – Plan E excludes FOP members. Plan Employee Contribution Plan C 9.5%* of base salary (FOP members only) Plan E 4% of base salary up to maximum Social Security Wage Base (SSWB) and 8% in excess of SSWB. 457 (b) Plan (Optional) [Pre-tax and Roth] Traditional and Roth IRAs (Optional) Retiree Healthcare – Eligibility requires, at least 10 years of eligible service and continuous enrollment in M-NCPPC plans (or proof of continuous enrollment in comparable plans) during the 36 months immediately preceding your retirement date. Premium cost share based on years of service Health Insurance Plans (FOP Members Pay 23% for Medical, Prescription and Dental and same as all other employees for Vision.) All other employees pay percentage below.* Medical Kaiser Permanente Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) – (15%) UnitedHealthcare Select Exclusive Provider Organization Health Plan (EPO) – (20%) UnitedHealthcare Choice Plus Point of Service (POS) – (20%) Prescription – CVS Caremark – (15%) Dental – Delta Dental PPO and DeltaCare USA HMO – (20%) Vision – EyeMed – (80% of Low Option plan paid by Commission. Any balance paid by employee.) Low, moderate, and high options are available. Frequency of covered services differs. Flexible Spending Accounts (Employee Pays 100%) Medical Account – Maximum annual contribution: $3,300 Dependent Care Account – Maximum annual contribution: $7,500 Long-Term Disability Insurance (Mandatory Participation) Employee Pays 20%: Commission Pays 80% (FOP Members Pay 100%) Benefits paid at 66 2/3% of base salary, maximum of $6,000/month Supplemental Long-Term Disability Insurance (Employee Pays 100%) Benefits paid at 66 2/3% of base salary that exceeds $108,000; capped at $216,000 Basic Life and AD&D Insurance (Employee Pays 20%: Commission Pays 80%) Two (2) times base salary; maximum benefit is $200,000 for each Automatic coverage with opt-out provision Supplemental and Spouse/Dependent Life Insurance (Employee Pays 100%) Supplemental – 1,2,3,4, or 5 times base salary; maximum benefit is $750,000 Spouse/Dependent Combination - $10,000/$5,000, $20,000/$10,000, or $30,000/$15,000 Sick Leave Bank (Contribution and Benefit hours prorated for part-time employees) Employees have 60 days from date of hire to enroll. Employee contributes 8 leave hours each year Annually covers up to 688 hours for own serious medical condition, and 480 hours for parental responsibilities (birth, adoption or foster care), and 80-160 hours for serious medical condition of an immediate family member Leave Programs Annual: 15 days per year Personal: 3 days per year (12-month waiting period) Sick: 15 days per year Holidays: 11 days per year Other Benefits Credit Union Employee Assistance Plan Legal Services Plan Tuition Assistance Program Wellness Program Work-Life Program For a more detailed description of benefits, please contact the Commission’s Health and Benefits Office at View email address on click.appcast.io or View phone number on click.appcast.io. 01 Describe your experience reviewing designs plans for development, stream restoration, stormwater management, or other projects. 02 Describe your experience with natural resources field data collection and with using GIS for environmental projects. Required Question #J-18808-Ljbffr Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission