Chief Natural Resource Specialist (3421) - Natural Resources Land Management (ID# 162776)

City and County of San Francisco•Sunol, CA

About The Position

The Chief Natural Resource Specialist will supervise staff, interns, and contractors and will work independently to develop, implement, and manage the nonnative invasive plant (NNIP) and pest management program, with the focus on habitat protection. The position will also interact with the division biologists, the Alameda Watershed Forester, the Watershed Resources Manager and the City’s IPM Team. This position will be responsible for documenting the work completed and reporting ongoing progress to management.

Requirements

Four (4) years of professional experience in the conservation and management of natural ecosystems, native plant communities and wildlife habitat.
Possession of a Qualified Applicator's Certificate (QAC) or a Qualified Applicator's License (QAL) from the State of California Department of Pesticide Regulation
Possession of a valid California Driver’s License.
Completion of coursework in Biological Sciences, Natural Resource Management, and Earth Science from an accredited college or university may substitute for up to eighteen (18) months of the required experience. Thirty (30) semester / forty-five (45) quarter units equals one (1) year.
Three (3) years of professional gardening experience may substitute for up to one (1) year of the required experience.

Nice To Haves

Possession of a current Pest Control Advisor (PCA) license with the California Department of Pesticide Regulation (CDPR).

Responsibilities

Supervises staff that surveys and inspects trees, shrubs, grass, rights of way and other vegetation, aquatics and structures for evidence of disease or presence of harmful pests by using visual aids, field observations and history records.
Monitors pest ecosystems to evaluate the presence of pest species, natural pest predators, and conditions that may contribute to pest problems.
Oversees and provides expertise in the development of integrated pest management program strategy to protect city lands in Alameda Watershed, which includes identifying and prioritizing NNIP based on Early Detection and Rapid Response, developing management strategies and annual workplans, enlisting staff and contracts to implement the program, and documenting work completed.
Oversees the safe use of traps, chemical and non-chemical methods to manage pests.
Maintains detailed IPM records in GIS applications (i.e. Field Maps or Survey 123), for site evaluations, recommendations, and work completed.
Provides expertise, assistance, and training to staff, contractors, and the public about pest biology, the IPM approach, new pest management strategies, and toxicology of pesticides for use; corresponds and coordinates with outside agencies as necessary.
Supervises and monitors the mixing and application of various recommended chemicals, fertilizers, compounds, and baits to be used for the treatment, elimination, or control of specific conditions found.
Supervises or provides technical direction and oversight to staff, interns, and contractors.
Implements pest control measures in accordance with the City's Integrated Pest Management Program (Chapter 39 of the San Francisco Administrative Code).
Works with Pest Control Adviser (PCA) consultant, as needed, to provide pest control recommendations for treatment of NNIP on the Alameda Watershed.
Operates and maintains specialized equipment such as sprayers of various types, small boats to spray lakes for algae and weed control, and/or large capacity truck sprayer for surface areas.
Directs the work of a driver in the operation of a spray truck.
Requisitions and evaluates needed supplies and keeps records of chemicals used and recommendations for spray control operations.
Develops contract scopes of work and budgets, oversees contactors, tracks and manages budgets.
Provides monthly pesticide use reports to the County as required by State and Local law; completes incident reports and employee evaluations.
Performs related duties as required for Class 3421 – Chief Natural Resources Specialist.