Natural Resources Specialist

POSITION SUMMARY
Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation is excited to add a Natural Resources Specialist to our team! This position will participate in natural resource management including invasive species removal, prescribed burning and boundary/encroachment management throughout the nature preserve system. The incumbent will also perform a variety of technical tasks in support of habitat restoration, natural resource management, and flora and fauna inventory. In addition, they will be a key member of the Natural Resources team in managing and improving the nature preserves and natural communities. The preferred candidate would have experience in natural resource land management and familiarity with ArcGIS software. This full-time position will primarily work Monday through Friday, 7:30am to 4:00pm and weekends only as needed based on business needs.

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

• At least 3 years of experience in natural resource management
• Fireline Safety Training
• Proficiency with power tools and/or heavy equipment
• Valid NC Pesticide Applicator’s License

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Follow established protocols to perform flora and fauna inventory and monitoring projects
• Assist with the operation of a curated herbarium and/or zoological collection
• Hand cut vegetation and apply herbicides to control invasive exotic plant species
• Mark and maintain property boundaries
• Assist with white-tailed deer management operations and annual deer census
• Utilize chainsaws, brush-cutters, tractors, tractor implements, seed drill, pole-saws, bush hogs, and other equipment to maintain and restore early successional habitats
• Utilize and maintain hand tools and power tools to perform various maintenance and management functions
• Operate 4-wheel drive truck, tractor, ATV, and boat
• Work as part of a team managing natural resources throughout Mecklenburg County
• Traverse rigorous terrain and endure difficult field conditions

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Experience: One (1) year of experience in natural resources management.

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Wildlife, Biology, Botany, Conservation Biology, Natural Resource Management or a related field

Combination of relevant education and relevant experience accepted?: Yes

Licenses/Certifications: Requires a valid North Carolina or South Carolina Driver’s License and County Driving Privileges.; Must be able to obtain and maintain basic Fire Crew certification (IS-100, IS-700, L-180, S-130, S-190, RT-130) within first year of employment; Must be able to obtain and maintain NC Pesticide Applicators License within first year of employment

Computer Skills: General knowledge of applicable various computer programs, including Microsoft Office Suite; ArcGIS

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge:

• Educational programming and instruction
• Instruction in area of specialist
• Knowledge of local flora and fauna and their management principles and techniques

Skills:

• Applying classroom knowledge through hands-on activities
• Developing and enforcing classroom rules and safety procedure
• Managing multiple tasks concurrently
• Organizing and presenting demonstrations in area of specialization
• Natural resource 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
• Managing Work: Effectively managing one’s time and resources to ensure that work is completed efficiently

WORK ENVIRONMENT
Works outside exposed to varying weather condition

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. 

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.