Natural Resource Crew Leader

Natural Resource Crew LEADER

JOB CLASSIFICATION:                               Environmental Specialist I, NC12 (LEAD)

HOURLY RATE OF PAY:                            $15.00 – $23.00 (Based on education and/or years of relevant work experience reflected on the application)

FLSA STATUS:                                              This position is SUBJECT to the Fair Labor Standards Act.

EMPLOYMENT DATES:                              January 5, 2026 – December 5, 2026

HOUSING IS AVAILABLE WITH THIS POSITION AT RAVEN ROCK STATE PARK

Parks & Recreation is recruiting a Full-time Temporary Position to work 11 months

This is a temporary position and there are no leave or retirement benefits offered with this position. Temporary employees who work an annual average of 30 or more hours per week may be eligible for health insurance coverage under the High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP). For more information on Health Benefits offered visit www.shpnc.org.  Visit www.nctemporarysolutions.com for employment information.

Note: Permanent and time-limited NC State Government employees must separate from their permanent or time-limited position in order to work in a temporary position.  All temporaries are limited to one NC State Government temporary assignment at a time.   

This position is located at:
Raven Rock State Park

3009 Raven Rock Road

Lillington, NC 27546

PRIMARY PURPOSE OF POSITION:

The Natural Resource Crew Leader participates in park operations, restoration, maintenance, and management. This crew will be primarily focused on invasive species management but will participate in other natural resource management activities such as prescribed fire, timber stand improvement, monitoring, planting, etc. Assists with the supervision of seasonal natural resource crew of up to three. Responsible for keeping track of crew work. Conducts daily inspection and maintenance of equipment and spray apparatus. Properly completes daily work logs and reporting logs for equipment maintenance hours and ensuring time is submitted weekly. Assumes responsibility for crew safety, navigation, and training. Prescribed fire which may include but not limited to burn unit prep, fire operations, managing staff and volunteers, maintenance of equipment and supplies, mop up, and monitoring. Invasive Species management which may include, but not limited to chemical and mechanical control, mapping/surveys, education, and monitoring project sites.

Restoration activities which may include, but are not limited to planting, mid-story control, timber marking, ant etc.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:

• Ability to operate various types of equipment in a safe and efficient manner (e.g.: chainsaw, ATV, tractor and implements, leaf blower, radio, hand tools, drip torch, backpack sprayer, etc.)

• Ability to consult and/or follow detailed written and verbal instructions from supervisor with complex issues.
• Ability to evaluate inputs in a rapidly changing work environment and make decisions that affect field technicians and operational safety.
• Monitor the progress of Natural Resource Crew Members toward achieving natural resource management goals.
• Ability to perform physical work, sometimes under adverse conditions or in inclement weather with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Ability and willingness to handle herbicides during vegetation management.
• Ability to mix, handle, and apply herbicides in accordance with label and supervisor instructions.
• Ability to develop and complete tasks within designated time frames.
• Ability to navigate remote sites with maps, written directions, and GPS.
• Ability to learn how to correctly identify invasive plants with minimal review, and to differentiate invasive plants from native vegetation of similar appearance.
• Ability to operate and conduct field maintenance of vehicles and to recognize and avoid hazards associated with operating them.
• Operates equipment as needed for the proper application of herbicides and adjuvants or directly supervises crew in the proper use of application equipment.
• Resolve natural resource management or personnel challenges independently as delegated.
• Make day-to-day decisions affecting individual work and the work of the natural resource crew.
• May work under close supervision or infrequent supervision.
• Qualified as, or able to meet qualifications, for Fire Fighter Type 2.
• Ability to obtain a NC pesticide license within 3 months from the date of hire
• The standard work week will be Monday through Friday; 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Work hours can change frequently and on short notice with occasional overtime and weekend hours.
• Must have or be able to obtain and maintain a valid NC driver’s license within 90 days of employment.
• Ability to travel and stay overnight frequently

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

The Natural Resource Crew Technician may work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.

• Present frequent possibility of injury.
• Require long hours in isolated settings.
• Require physical exertion, outdoors, in all weather conditions and on difficult and sometimes hazardous terrain.
• An outdoor environment presents potential exposure to poisonous plants and biting or stinging insects.
• Require the ability to operate heavy machinery.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree in one of the agricultural, biological, engineering, environmental or natural resource sciences or a closely related curriculum from an appropriately accredited institution

OR

• An equivalent combination of education and experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience operating and maintaining various types of equipment.
• Experience supervising people.
• Have a sound academic knowledge of ecological principles as they relate to vegetation management
• Having a working, current knowledge of natural resource management methods.
• Experience working with or knowledge of natural systems.
• Experience recognizing plant and animal species as required to complete preserve management activities.
• CPR certified and training as first responder.

The Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) selects applicants for employment based on required education and experience and job-related knowledge, skills, and abilities without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age (40 or older), disability, National Guard or veteran status, genetic information, political affiliation, or political influence.
 
We are an Employment First state, ensuring that people with disabilities have equal opportunities to succeed in the state government workplace. DNCR supports pay equity for women, establish paid parental leave for birth, adoption, and foster care, and implement fair chance policies. Join a team that welcomes, values, respects and supports all members of our work community.

Information should be provided in the appropriate areas, to include the following: Education, including high school and all degrees obtained, Work Experience, and Certificates & Licenses. It is critical to our screening and salary determination process that applications contain comprehensive candidate information.

Applicants requesting and receiving an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) are eligible to submit paper applications via mail or by fax.  Please call the human resources office for assistance.

It is the policy of the State of North Carolina and the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources that all employees provide proof of employment eligibility (immigration and naturalization) on the first day of employment.

We participate in E-Verify (Employment Eligibility Verificati