Natural Resources Specialist

Mecklenburg County•Huntersville, NC

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation is hiring a full-time Natural Resources Specialist for its Nature Preserves and Natural Resources Division. The role leads or participates in natural community management, prescribed burns, boundary protection, invasive species management, biological data collection and interpretation, and endangered species management. The specialist collaborates with county staff and external partners, including community interest groups, professional organizations, and government entities. The preferred candidate has a background in forest ecology and experience with grassland restoration and management. The work involves significant time outdoors year-round in wooded nature preserves where wildlife is protected. Applicants may also be considered for similar roles at other Park and Recreation locations if they meet those roles’ minimum qualifications. The specialist uses the Department Master Plan and the Section Resource Management Plan to prioritize management on county-owned land. The position includes field work, biological assessments, property management, contractor oversight, data and GIS work, administrative recordkeeping, and, when applicable, recruitment and supervision of staff and work with interns and volunteers. The role requires a master's degree in a relevant field, at least three years of natural resources management experience, and one year of supervisory experience. A valid North Carolina or South Carolina driver's license and County Driving Privileges are required. The employee must be able to obtain and maintain specified fire crew certifications and a North Carolina Pesticide Applicator's License within the first year if not already held. The position works outdoors in varying weather conditions. Mecklenburg County offers a competitive salary and a benefits package that includes insurance, paid leave, retirement benefits, tuition reimbursement, and other programs.

Requirements

At least three years of experience in natural resources management.
At least one year of supervisory experience.
Master's degree in Wildlife Biology, Forestry, Botany, Natural Resources, Ecology, or a closely related field; a combination of relevant experience and education is accepted.
Valid North Carolina or South Carolina driver's license and County Driving Privileges.
If not already obtained, ability to obtain and maintain basic Fire Crew Certification (IS-100, IS-700, L-180, S-130, S-190, RT-130) within the first year of employment.
If not already obtained, ability to obtain and maintain a North Carolina Pesticide Applicator's License within the first year of employment.
Knowledge of computer applications including Microsoft Office Suite, ArcGIS Pro, and GIS Online.
Knowledge of supervisory principles; Piedmont region of North Carolina flora and fauna; educational programming and instruction; and instruction in the area of specialization.
Skills in managing multiple tasks concurrently, organizing and presenting demonstrations in the area of specialization, and natural resources field work.
Ability to adapt to changes in work responsibilities or environment; collaborate effectively; communicate clearly to individuals and groups; maintain a customer focus; make informed decisions; and manage work and resources efficiently.

Nice To Haves

Background in forest ecology to guide monitoring and management of forest resources.
Experience with grassland restoration and management.
Knowledge of local flora and fauna and their management principles and techniques.
Experience organizing and facilitating prescribed burns.

Responsibilities

Work as part of a team to accomplish the Division's mission and the Natural Resources Section's goals.
Use the Department Master Plan and Section Resource Management Plan to guide prioritization and management on county-owned land.
Lead or assist with natural resource initiatives, including invasive species control, prescribed burning, natural community restoration, wildlife population management, and early successional habitat management.
Lead or assist with flora and fauna inventory, monitoring, and management.
Lead or assist with property management, including encroachment, trail planning and restoration, and boundary marking.
Manage contracts and supervise contractors as needed.
Conduct biological assessments and prepare reports for properties considered for acquisition or to guide planning on county-owned land.
Collaborate with natural resource technical support, other governmental cooperators, and nonprofit partners as needed.
Collaborate with federal, state, and local agency personnel, environmental groups, journalists, and the general public.
Use GPS, ArcMap, Microsoft Office, and other applications for reports, presentations, and data storage and analysis.
Use and maintain trucks, power tools, farm tractors, and other equipment for natural and work area management; keep equipment clean and ready for use.
Maintain office, work, and storage areas appropriately.
Adhere to FLSA work standards and county work policy.
Maintain administrative records, including timesheets, attendance, pesticide use, and injury reports.
Recruit and supervise career-service and/or limited part-time staff in accordance with county human resources guidelines.
Work with interns and volunteers when applicable.
Lead or assist with the Natural Resources Section's design, development, and support of GIS field applications, data management and analysis, and maintenance of ESRI-based licenses.

Benefits

Medical, dental, vision, life, short-term disability, and long-term disability insurance.
Accident, cancer, critical illness, medical bridge, and pet insurance.
Dependent care, healthcare, and commuter flexible spending accounts, plus a health savings account.
Paid holidays, vacation days, and sick days.
Near-site clinics for preventive care and illnesses.
Employee discount program for retail, dining, shopping, travel, tickets, and more.
Employee assistance program, including financial and legal counseling.
Access to Mecklenburg County fitness and aquatic facilities.
Paid family leave.
Tuition reimbursement.
5% employer match on retirement savings plan contributions and a defined benefit retirement plan.