Natural Resource Specialist (Austin Parks and Recreation)

City of Austin

3d•$57,970 - $70,720•Onsite

About The Position

Under general supervision, this position develops, implements, and maintains approved natural resource management plans to restore and protect vital habitats for native flora and fauna for the City of Austin. The City of Austin Parks and Recreation (APR) provides, protects and preserves a park system that promotes quality recreational, cultural and outdoor experiences for the Austin community. This Natural Resource Specialist will work within the Austin Parks and Recreation Department (APR) Land Management Program. The mission of the Program is to restore parkland natural areas to mitigate risk, improve resilience, and provide ecosystem services to Austin residents in perpetuity. The Program is responsible for implementing restoration activities across 10,000+ acres of parkland natural areas with the goals of improving climate resilience and reducing wildfire risk as well as operating the Austin Nature Preserve System. The purpose of this Natural Resource Specialist position is to assist with the Land Management Program’s operations by coordinating, overseeing, and implementing large-scale land management activities on City of Austin parkland. This will include overseeing fuel mitigation projects, assisting with the preparation and implementation of prescribed burns, and maintaining related facilities, infrastructure, and equipment.

Requirements

Knowledge of survey techniques for plants, animals, avian and karst species.
Knowledge of local native and non-native flora, and fauna.
Knowledge of control species methods for non-native plants, red imported fire ant, and cowbirds.
Knowledge of prescription burning and fuel mitigation.
Knowledge of functions and operations of interrelating departments and of applicable regulatory requirements.
Knowledge of Federal, State, and Local laws.
Knowledge of City practices, policies, and procedures.
Skill in oral and written communication.
Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
Skill in using computers and related software such as geographic information systems.
Skill in data analysis and problem solving.
Skill in planning and organizing.
Ability to operate trucks, farm tractors, and other vehicles on the road and off the road, as required, to reach and implement projects.
Ability to train and oversee the work of others.
Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with other City employees and the public.
Ability to meet and maintain driver eligibility standards detailed in the City of Austin Driver Safety Program.
Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in a field related to Natural Sciences such as Wildlife Management, Ecology, Conservation Biology, Botany, Zoology, or another related field.
Experience directly related to the job duties may substitute for education up to a maximum of four (4) years.
Must hold a current pesticide applicators license under Texas Department of Agriculture or obtain license within six (6) months of employment.
Valid current Texas Class C Driver License.
Tasks may involve bending, lifting, walking, carrying or using a force equal to lifting up to lifting up to thirty-five (35) pounds.
Must be physically and mentally able to communicate, respond, and work with participant’s needs and safety issues.

Nice To Haves

Experience conducting and leading large-scale fuel mitigation or forest management operations.
Extensive experience with prescribed burning or wildfire response.
Experience operating, maintaining, and repairing equipment such as UTVs, tractors, trailers, chainsaws, and small engines; maintaining and repairing facilities such as fences, gates, signage, roads and trails, and work areas.
Experience collecting data about wildland fuel conditions and/or vegetation communities to guide land management decisions.
Experience with GIS applications for collecting field data, editing, and mapping.
Knowledge of forest/woodland vegetation and fire ecology as they pertain to central Texas ecosystems
Ability to maintain a schedule of physically demanding activities including hiking over rough terrain and in dense vegetation, carrying loads of up to 45 lbs.

Responsibilities

Responsible for the day-to-day management of assigned areas.
Directs and implements problem and invasive species management programs.
Plans, implements and participates in prescription burns and fuel mitigation.
Conducts habitat restoration activities.
Conducts cave restorations and cave gate data design and installation oversight.
Monitors habitats and their impact on rare flora and endangered species.
Analyzes data on changes in habitat caused by manipulation of vegetation.
Develops and implements public education and outreach programs.
Conducts surveys and records assessments utilizing geographic information systems.
Writes technical papers and reports.
Maintains implementation records.
Conducts miscellaneous maintenance and repairs on facilities such as work areas, fences, gates, signage, trails, and erosion controls as needed.
May supervise and train others.
Implementing work plans in conjunction with other workgroups, City departments, and community organizations
Overseeing contractors
Obtaining and maintaining at least a National Wildfire Coordinating Group Firefighter Type 1 certification.
Collecting data following environmental monitoring plans
Maintaining and repairing facilities and equipment such as fences, gates, signage, work areas, UTVs, trailers, and small motorized equipment.