Habitat Conservation Coordinator

Hays County•Wimberley, TX

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Under limited supervision, the Habitat Conservation Coordinator performs a wide variety of environmental functions protecting the natural resources in Hays County, including but not limited to, program delivery of the Hays County Regional Habitat Conservation Plan. This position will be required to perform complex work in wildlife and natural resource conservation and management, including biological and environmental surveys, investigative research, studies and inspections on rare species populations and habitats. This position also collects baseline survey data on plant and animal species, coordinates habitat restoration plans for endangered species, and develops wildlife and brush management plans for public and private properties.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in biology, Wildlife Management, Natural Resource Management, or related field.
Minimum three years’ experience conducting wildlife and/or habitat surveys.
Class C driver’s license.
Must hold or be able to obtain within one year a USFWS permit to survey golden-cheeked warblers.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree preferred.
Certified Wildlife Biologist preferred.

Responsibilities

Ensures compliance with the Hays County Regional Habitat Conservation Plan, to include, but not limited to: annual reporting, site inspections, citizen communication, issuance of permits, mitigation, and property and easement acquisition.
Performs baseline preserve evaluations and writes land management plans.
Conducts territory mapping surveys, habitat occupancy surveys, and habitat monitoring surveys for threatened and endangered species such as the golden-cheeked warbler.
Conducts light land management work such as fence and sign repairs, brush management, and invasive species control.
Assists the Director of Parks and Natural Resources in developing procedures that result in effective operations as it relates to natural resource conservation and protection.
Coordinates field inspections and interacts with citizens, property owners, businesses, and contractors to answer questions and resolve problems while ensuring development projects comply with environmental regulations.
Develops, coordinates, and implements countywide environmental policies, procedures, and programs with Commissioners Court, Parks and Natural Resources Director, and legal staff.
Monitors existing County programs to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
Coordinates County activities and projects with local and regional watershed and environmental groups.
Identifies locations of environmentally sensitive resources.
Provides technical assistance and education to citizens, community residents, special interest groups, and land developers on environmental requirements and regulations.
Issues directives for non-compliance with environmental, trespassing, encroachment, and easement regulations.
Communicates with state and county agencies in reference to regulatory matters.
Establishes and maintains a positive working relationship with landowners and surrounding communities.
Works directly with the Budget and Parks Manager in the preparation of the annual budget as it relates to natural resource projects.
Researches and works directly with County Grant Writers to secure grant funding for natural resource related projects.
Attends and/or conducts public meetings or hearings that require a high level of representation to address issues or to present sensitive material.
Represents Hays County and the Commissioners Court when interacting with Federal, State, and Municipal officials.
Performs all other duties as assigned.