Environmental Resources Specialist

Reston Association•Reston, VA

6h•Onsite

About The Position

Are you passionate about making a difference in the community? At Reston Association (RA), we’re committed to enhancing the quality of life for Reston residents through outstanding programs, exceptional services, and dedicated stewardship of the community’s natural and recreational resources. As the community's steward, RA is responsible for maintaining the quality of life in Reston, chiefly by caring for and administering the community's most precious asset - its real property. At RA, our people are at the heart of everything we do—and so is our commitment to preserving and enhancing Reston’s natural spaces. We are seeking an Environmental Resources Specialist to join our team and support the stewardship of Reston’s parklands, community gardens, and natural habitats. This role is responsible for the day‑to‑day management of our community garden program and for performing hands‑on habitat restoration and natural area maintenance throughout Reston’s parklands. Working under the general supervision of the Environmental Resources Supervisor, this position plays a key role in balancing ecological integrity with community use and engagement. The Environmental Resources Specialist 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 managing community garden programs, 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 within six months.

Nice To Haves

Experience supervising or leading staff.
Experience with or familiarity operating equipment such as wood chippers, tillers, small tractors and dump-bed trucks.

Responsibilities

Day-to-day management of the community garden program.
Performing hands-on habitat restoration and natural area maintenance throughout Reston’s parklands.
Balancing ecological integrity with community use and engagement.
Providing leadership to seasonal staff.
Collaborating across departments to support environmental initiatives, volunteer programs, and operational needs.