Natural Resources Specialist

About the Job

POSITION SUMMARY:

Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation is excited to welcome a Natural Resources Supervisor to their Nature Preserves and Natural Resources Division! This full-time position will lead and/or participate in natural community management, prescribed burns, boundary protection, invasive species management, biological data collection and interpretation as well as endangered species management. This role will also collaborate with internal staff as well as external partners such as community interest groups, professional organizations, and other government entities. The preferred candidate would possess a background in forest ecology to guide monitoring and management of our forest resources as well as grassland restoration and management experience. Additionally, the selected candidate should be comfortable in outdoor settings year-round as significant time will be spent in wooded, natural settings of nature preserves where wildlife is a valued and protected resource.

By applying to this position, you are eligible to be considered for a similar role, in which you meet the minimum qualifications for, at other Park and Recreation locations should they become available. If you are looking to grow in your career, or transition laterally into a new role, don't miss this opportunity to apply!

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Knowledge of local flora and fauna and their management principles and techniques.
• Experience organizing and facilitating prescribed burns highly preferred.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Effectively work as part of a team to accomplish mission of the Division and goals of the Natural Resources Section. Use the Department Master Plan and the Section's Resource Management Plan as a guide for prioritization and management on county-owned land.
• Lead or assist with natural resource health and diversity-enhancing initiatives, including non-native invasive species control, prescribed burning, natural community restoration, wildlife population management, and early successional habitat management.
• Lead or assist with flora and fauna inventory, monitoring, and management.
• Lead or assist with property management including encroachment, trail planning and restoration, and boundary marking. Manage contracts and supervise contractors as needed.
• Conduct biological assessments and reports on properties considered for acquisition or to help guide planning on County-owned land.
• Collaborate as needed with natural resource technical support regarding other park property, other governmental cooperators, and non-profit partners.
• Collaborate effectively with federal, state and local agency personnel, environmental groups, journalists, and the general public.
• Use GPS, ArcMap, and Microsoft Office suite and other applications to accomplish daily administrative and technical tasks such as reports, presentations, and data storage/analysis. Use trucks, power tools, farm tractors, and other equipment to manage and maintain natural and work areas as needed.
• Use and maintain trucks, power tools and other equipment by keeping them clean and ready for use at all times. Maintain office, work, and storage areas in an appropriate manner.
• Adhere to FLSA work standards and the county's work policy. Maintain administrative records including time sheet, attendance, pesticide use, injury reports, etc.
• Recruit and effectively supervise career-service and/or limited part-time staff in accordance with Mecklenburg County human resources guidelines. Work with interns and volunteers when applicable.
• Lead or assist with the NR Section's design, development and support of GIS field applications, data management/analysis, and maintenance of ESRI-based licenses.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience: Minimum of three (3) years of experience in natural resources management; One (1) year of supervisory experience.
• Education: Masters degree in Wildlife Biology, Forestry, Botany, Natural Resources, Ecology or closely related field.

Combination of relevant experience and relevant education accepted?: Yes

Licenses/Certifications:

Requires a valid North Carolina or South Carolina Driver's License and County Driving Privileges. If not already obtained, must be able to obtain and maintain basic Fire Crew Certification (IS-100, IS-700, L-180, S-130, S-190, RT-130) and NC Pesticide Applicator's License within first year of employment.

Computer Skills:

Knowledge of various computer applications including Microsoft Office Suite; ArcGIS Pro and GIS Online

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge:

• Supervisory principles.
• Flora and fauna of the Piedmont region of North Carolina.
• Educational programming and instruction.
• Instruction in area of specialist.

Skills:

• Managing multiple tasks concurrently.
• Organizing and presenting demonstrations in area of specialization.
• Natural Resources Field Work.

Abilities:

• Adaptability: Maintaining effectiveness when experiencing major changes in work responsibilities or environment; adjusting effectively to work within new work structures, processes, requirements or cultures.
• Collaboration: Working effectively and cooperatively with others; establishing and maintaining good working relationships.
• Communication: Clearly conveying information and ideas through a variety of media to individuals or groups in a manner that engages the audience and helps them understand and retain the information provided
• Customer Focus: Ensuring that the customer perspective is a driving force behind business decisions and activities; crafting and implementing service practices that meet customers' and own organization's needs
• Decision Making: Identifying and understanding issues, problems, and opportunities; comparing data from different sources to draw conclusions; using effective approaches for choosing a course of action or developing appropriate solutions; taking action that is consistent with available facts, constraints, and probable consequences
• Managing Work: Effectively managing one's time and resources to ensure that work is completed efficiently

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

In addition to a competitive salary, Mecklenburg County offers a generous benefits package which greatly increases your total compensation. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, life, short term disability, long term disability, accident, cancer, critical illness, medical bridge and pet insurance; dependent care, healthcare and commuter flexible spending accounts; health savings account; paid holiday, vacation and sick days; near site clinics for preventive care and illnesses; an employee discount program which provides discounts for retail, dining, shopping, travel, tickets and more; an employee assistance program including financial and legal counseling; access to Mecklenburg County fitness and aquatic facilities; paid family leave; tuition reimbursement; a 5% employer match on retirement savings plan contributions and a defined benefit plan for retirement.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Works outdoors exposed to varying weather conditions.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS STATEMENT:

To accomplish this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation, each essential function satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to help enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

DISCLAIMER STATEMENT:

This is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of job-related responsibilities, duties, skills, requirements or working conditions. Other duties may be assigned based on business need and the supervisor's request. Mecklenburg County reserves the right to revise the job description at any time. Designated positions may be required to assist in emergency and/or disaster situations.