Natural Resources Supervisor

County of Mecklenburg, NC•Huntersville, NC

2d•$53,102 - $68,423

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 role collaborates with county staff and external partners, including community interest groups, professional organizations, government entities, environmental groups, journalists, and the public. The preferred candidate has a background in forest ecology and experience with grassland restoration and management. The work involves significant time outdoors in wooded natural settings throughout the year, where wildlife is a valued and protected resource. The supervisor helps advance the division’s mission and the Natural Resources Section’s goals, using the Department Master Plan and Resource Management Plan to guide priorities on county-owned land. The position also oversees staff and contractors as needed, conducts biological assessments, supports property planning and management, and performs administrative, technical, and equipment-maintenance tasks. The role may also lead or assist with GIS field application design and support, data management and analysis, and ESRI license maintenance.

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 education and experience 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 North Carolina flora and fauna, educational programming and instruction, and instruction in the area of specialization.
Skills in managing multiple concurrent tasks, organizing and presenting demonstrations in the area of specialization, and natural resources field work.
Abilities in adaptability, collaboration, communication, customer focus, decision making, and managing work.
Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Work as part of a team to accomplish the Division’s mission and Natural Resources Section goals, using department and section plans to prioritize management on county-owned land.
Lead or assist 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 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 on 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, including 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 and maintain office, work, and storage areas appropriately.
Follow FLSA work standards and county work policies; maintain administrative records such as 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 GIS field application design, development, and support; 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; 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.