Natural Resources Supervisor

Mecklenburg County•Huntersville, NC

21h•Onsite

About The Position

Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation is hiring a full-time Natural Resources Supervisor for its Nature Preserves and Natural Resources Division. The position leads or participates in natural community management, prescribed burns, boundary protection, invasive species management, biological data collection and interpretation, and endangered species management. The supervisor collaborates with internal staff and external partners, including community interest groups, professional organizations, and government entities. The preferred candidate has a forest ecology background and experience with grassland restoration and management. The work involves significant time outdoors year-round in wooded natural settings where wildlife is protected. The role supports management of County-owned land using the Department Master Plan and the Section’s Resource Management Plan. Duties include natural resource restoration and monitoring, property management, biological assessments, contractor and staff supervision, and GIS-related work. The position may also be considered for similar openings at other Park and Recreation locations if the candidate meets their minimum qualifications.

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) and a North Carolina Pesticide Applicator’s License within the first year of employment.
Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, ArcGIS Pro, and GIS Online.
Knowledge of supervisory principles, Piedmont-region flora and fauna, educational programming and instruction, and instruction in an area of specialization.
Skills in managing multiple tasks concurrently, organizing and presenting demonstrations in an area of specialization, and natural resources field work.
Ability to adapt to changes in work responsibilities or environment; collaborate and maintain effective working relationships; communicate clearly to individuals and groups; focus on customer needs; make decisions using relevant information and constraints; and manage time and resources effectively.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Work as part of a team to accomplish the Division’s mission and Natural Resources Section goals.
Use the Department Master Plan and Section Resource Management Plan to prioritize and guide management of County-owned land.
Lead or assist with initiatives that improve natural resource health and diversity, 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.
Manage property issues, including encroachment, trail planning and restoration, and boundary marking; manage contracts and supervise contractors as needed.
Conduct biological assessments and prepare reports for properties under consideration for acquisition or to guide planning on County-owned land.
Provide natural resource technical support for other park properties and collaborate with government cooperators and nonprofit partners.
Collaborate with federal, state, and local agency personnel, environmental groups, journalists, and the general public.
Use GPS, ArcMap, Microsoft Office, and other applications for administrative and technical tasks, reports, presentations, and data storage and analysis.
Use and maintain trucks, power tools, farm tractors, and other equipment; keep equipment clean and ready for use.
Maintain office, work, and storage areas appropriately.
Follow FLSA work standards and County work policy, and maintain administrative records such as timesheets, attendance, pesticide-use records, 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 GIS field application design and development, 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.
A 5% employer match on retirement savings plan contributions and a defined benefit retirement plan.