Natural Resource Crew Member

PRIMARY PURPOSE OF POSITION:
The Natural Resource Crew Technician participates in operations, restoration, maintenance, and management of park properties. 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. 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, 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 and/or co-workers with complex issues.
• Resolve management problems independently or as delegated by natural resource staff.
• Make day-to-day decisions affecting individual work and the work of the natural resource crew.
• May work under close supervision or infrequent supervision.
• Conducts & supports duties such as routine maintenance of equipment with the help of supervision.
• Consults with supervisor in event of any unusual circumstance, problem or question that falls outside of general park management realm.
• Ability to develop and complete tasks within designated time frames.
• Ability to perform physical work, sometimes under adverse conditions or in inclement weather with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to navigate remote sites with maps, written directions, and GPS.
• Qualified as, or able to meet qualifications, for Fire Fighter Type 2.
• Must have or be able to obtain and maintain a valid NC driver’s license within 90 days of employment.
• 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.
• 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:

• Ability, and willingness to handle herbicides during vegetation management.
• Ability to mix, handle, and apply herbicides in accordance with label directions and crew supervisor instructions.
• 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.
• Ability to operate various types of hand and power tools and machinery in a safe and efficient manner.
• Ability to handle and maintain tools, equipment, and supplies in good working order for daily operations.
• Ability to record and maintain data and keep monitoring records.
• Qualified as Fire Fighter Type 2 or able to quickly meet the qualifications.