Environmental Resources Specialist
About The Position
Reston Association (RA) is seeking an Environmental Resources Specialist to support stewardship of Reston’s parklands, community gardens, and natural habitats. The position is based on-site at RA’s Central Services Facility, Walker Nature Center, and Reston Headquarters in Reston, Virginia. The role is responsible for day-to-day management of the community garden program and hands-on habitat restoration and natural area maintenance throughout Reston’s parklands. Under the general supervision of the Environmental Resources Supervisor, the Specialist helps balance ecological integrity with community use and engagement. The position also provides leadership to seasonal staff and collaborates across departments to support environmental initiatives, volunteer programs, and operational needs.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, horticulture, botany, earth systems, or a related field.
- Two years of relevant experience in environmental management, horticulture, or natural area maintenance.
- Knowledge of native and invasive plant species in Northern Virginia and basic ecological principles.
- Experience performing habitat restoration and natural area maintenance.
- Ability to perform physical outdoor work and operate landscaping and grounds equipment.
- Proficiency in ArcGIS and Microsoft Office applications.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage residents and volunteers.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently, organize work, and manage multiple priorities.
- Registered Technician Pesticide Certification, or ability to obtain it within six months.
Nice To Haves
- Experience supervising or leading staff.
- Experience with or familiarity operating equipment such as woodchippers, tillers, small tractors, and dump-bed trucks.
Responsibilities
- Manage the community garden program on a day-to-day basis.
- Perform hands-on habitat restoration and natural area maintenance throughout Reston’s parklands.
- Help balance ecological integrity with community use and engagement.
- Provide leadership to seasonal staff.
- Collaborate across departments to support environmental initiatives, volunteer programs, and operational needs.
- Engage residents and volunteers.
Benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
- Medical and dependent care flexible spending accounts.
- Employer-paid life insurance.
- Employer-paid short-term and long-term disability coverage.
- 401(k) retirement plan with company match.
- Generous paid time off and federal holidays.
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
- Optional legal resources, critical illness, and accident insurance.
- Free recreation passes for seasonal employees and their dependents.
- Discounted fees for recreation programs and camp programs.
- Discounts in the RA Tennis and Pickleball Pro Shop.
- Free on-site electric car charging.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
