Natural Resources Specialist

Travis County•Austin, TX

1d•Onsite

About The Position

This position is an integrated member of the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve Education and Outreach Team. The role and responsibility of this team is to develop programming and community engagement services that interpret the function and values of the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve and the Habitat Conservation Plan. Our goal is to ensure that community members feel connected to nature, are aware of the Preserve, understand its importance, and how their actions may benefit habitat and natural resource conservation. This position will work closely with the Volunteer Coordinator and internal and external partners to recruit and lead volunteers for habitat restoration workdays, citizen science, and biological monitoring. Duties also include planning and leading guided hikes, supporting school outreach and programming, and participating in other educational and community engagement activities including night sky events, open houses, and educational seminars and workshops. Other responsibilities include supporting the Community Liaison to develop and deliver content (web-based resources, printed and in-person resources) for BCP neighbors and the community at-large. There will be opportunities to participate in biological monitoring and habitat restoration as time allows. This position will support the development of programming and volunteer engagement for our future Balcones Canyonlands Preserve Visitor Center (anticipated to open in 2028). The ideal candidate will be self-motivated, creative and flexible. They will have demonstrated experience with natural resource interpretation, volunteer coordination, as well as program development, delivery and evaluation.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Natural Resources, Environmental Science, Ecology, Biology or a directly related field AND one (1) year of directly related, increasingly responsible demonstrated experience in natural resource management; OR, Any combination of education and experience that has been achieved and is equivalent to the stated education and experience and required knowledge, skills, and abilities sufficient to successfully perform the duties and responsibilities of this job.
Pesticide Applicator License or must obtain license within six (6) months of date of hire.
Valid Texas Driver's License.
Knowledge of standard theory, principles, practices and techniques of land management protection and enhancement projects.
Knowledge of Federal, State, Local and County applicable laws, rules, regulations and guidelines.
Knowledge of policies, practices, procedures and terminology related to land management protection.
Knowledge of computer equipment to include word processing, spreadsheets, databases and a variety of software applications, such as ArcView Geographic Information System (GIS) hardware and software.
Knowledge of business letter writing, grammar and punctuation, and report preparation.
Skill in using ArcView Geographic Information System (GIS).
Skill in using biological monitoring and censusing, and wildlife control equipment.
Skill in explaining complicated technical problems in simple non-technical language.
Skill in problem-solving and decision-making.
Skill in both verbal and written communication.
Ability to manage time well, perform and prioritize multiple tasks, organize diverse activities, and implement environmental research and projects.
Ability to meet deadlines and produce projects in a timely manner while working on several projects at once.
Ability to manage data in geodatabases.
Ability to work as a team member within a diverse organization.
Ability to use hand and power tools.
Ability to research, compile, analyze, interpret and prepare a variety of memorandums or reports.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with County employees and officials, representatives of outside agencies, and the general public.

Nice To Haves

Spanish language skills (speaking and writing)
GIS Experience facilitating professional development programs for educators.
Experience working in museums, nature centers, or other cultural institutions.
Experience working with a diverse audience and/or navigating different cultures and backgrounds respectfully.

Responsibilities

Plans and conducts natural resources management protection and enhancement projects on lands owned or managed by Travis County, including monitoring and maintaining projects, conducting biological rare species monitoring, directing and implementing problem species control programs, collecting base line survey data on plant and animal species, coordinating habitat restoration for endangered species, and maintaining preserve infrastructure.
Maintains applicable state and federal permits, as required.
Provides technical geographic information system (GIS) mapping support for management.
Creates and maintains GIS databases for land management activities.
Maintains and updates maps.
Researches and develops methods and protocols, or improves methods for natural resources management.
Researches issues pertaining to natural resource protection and coordinates or works with other agencies or professionals to improve methods and project management for development and enforcement of statewide regulations.
Manages, compiles, analyzes and presents field data in the form of public presentations, technical written reports, special materials, annual reports, land management plans, protocols and checklists for the general public.
Evaluates data results with regard to impact on natural resources management.
Conducts education and outreach to the general public.
Provides public with in information on natural resources protection and preserves.
Disseminates information to landowners, managers, and other public agencies that uses the preserves and parks as research sites.
Coordinates, leads and trains parks staff and others in support of land management activities.
Serves as an advisor and consultant for County parks and staff on a variety of natural resources issues.
Performs other job-related duties as assigned.