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Natural Resource Manager (naturalist Ii)

Employer
Fairfax County Government
Location
Alexandria City, Virginia, US
Salary
Competitive
Closing date
Aug 2, 2021

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Sector
Academic / Research
Field
Conservation science
Discipline
Ecology
Salary Type
Salary
Employment Type
Full time
*Job Announcement*

Join the Park Authority and our nationally recognized team of professionals! The Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) is seeking* two Natural Resource Managers *to be a part of one of the most highly regarded park systems in the country. With more than 25,000 acres of parkland, nine RECenters, eight golf courses, three lakefront parks, and more, FCPA is an exciting organization to be a part of and there are many opportunities for staff to make a difference at every level.

*Ellanor C. Lawrence Park* is 650 acres and located in the western section of Fairfax in the Chantilly/Centreville communities. It contains 6 miles of hiking trails, an active recreation complex, Walney pond, Big Rocky Run stream, Walney creek, and multiple meadows and forest tracks of different habitat types. The Park also contains historic homes and a former grist mill all constructed in the mid to late 1700's and improved during the 19th century. In 2022, the park will complete the construction of a Stewardship Education Center that is planned to meet the Living Building Certification. These buildings are used to provide educational and interpretive programs, events, and rentals.

*Huntley Meadows Park* is in the Alexandria/Hybla Valley area in Northern Virginia. At 1,554 acres, Huntley Meadows is one of the largest natural resource parks in the DC area. Situated on the coastal plain, it consists of forest, meadows, streams and a 50-acre non-tidal wetland with a boardwalk and observation tower. Managed as a wildlife sanctuary, center for environmental education and site for passive/nature-related recreation, this public park receives 200,000 visitors a year and is one of the most popular wildlife-watching sites in the area. The 19th Century architectural gem, Historic Huntley, was built for Thomson Francis Mason, the grandson of George Mason. Adorned with main house and outbuildings the site is open for tours, programs and rentals.

Under general supervision of the Park Site Manager (Naturalist III), these positions:
* Research, plan, schedule, coordinate, conduct, and report on natural resource management activities and park operations.
* Each is responsible for natural resource management planning in accordance with the site and/or agency natural resource management plans.
* These positions also coordinate, conduct, and report on natural resource management actions.
* The incumbents will operate and maintain equipment and vehicles; research, write, collect data, and execute resource management plans and procedures; and conduct surveys, assessments, and control actions to reach resource management objectives for vegetation & wildlife.
* Additionally, these positions provide technical support on resource stewardship issues and cooperate with agency resource managers and other county departments to perform management actions throughout county when needed.
* In cooperation with the park's visitor services and operations manager, incumbents will contribute to visitor services and natural resource interpretation.
* Incumbents will be required to obtain Certified Pesticide Applicator license for application of pesticides and herbicides and obtain a Wildland Firefighter certification to assist with the prescribed burn program.
* Under general direction of the park site manager, the positions coordinate and ensure the safe and efficient operation of park facilities and features to include trails, turf, gardens, buildings, and grounds.
* Incumbents directly contribute to visitor services & operations including the oversight of building and ground maintenance, security, safety, and program support and serves as park safety officer.
* Also serves as Emergency Personnel and is on call for alarms.

A realistic job preview will be held on July 29, 2021, 1-2 pm. The session will be recorded and can be accessed here .

To access the live realistic job preview on July 29th from 1-2 pm. Please access via MS teams the link below.

Microsoft Teams meeting
*Join on your computer or mobile app*
Click here to join the meeting
*Or call in (audio only)*
+1 571-429-5982,,52646879# United States, Arlington
Phone Conference ID: 526 468 79#
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*Illustrative Duties*

(The illustrative duties listed in this specification are representative of the class but are not an all-inclusive list. A complete list of position duties and unique physical requirements can be found in the position description.)

* Assists site manager in the research, writing, implementation and evaluation of the site's annual operational plan, project plans, prospectus and interpretive plan, including goals and objectives for delivering programs and services;

* Responds to visitor, telephone and staff inquiries concerning natural and cultural history and conservation matters;

* Investigates and responds to citizen complaints and concerns;

* Assists in the development of and accounting for the site annual budget, including donated funds;

* Recruits, interviews, selects, trains, supervises, sets priorities and work schedules, assigns projects and evaluates paid and volunteer staff;

* Assists section manager and agency by providing professional and technical expertise in natural resource protection to include reviewing development plans, managing natural and cultural resource inventory, providing guidance on land acquisitions, and assisting in the development of the agency's strategic natural resource management plan;

* Provides technical support on resource stewardship issues to include researching, writing and producing educational material, articles for publication, signage, exhibit components, training modules and presentations, updates to environment reference manual, and preparation of standard operating procedures for Park Authority policies addressing natural resource issues.

*Required Knowledge Skills and Abilities*

(The knowledge, skills and abilities listed in this specification are representative of the class but are not an all-inclusive list.)

* Knowledge of nature conservation theory and philosophy;

* Knowledge of conservation program and resource management practices;

* Knowledge of the natural and biological sciences including the theory, principles and practices of interpretation and environmental education;

* Knowledge of native flora, fauna, geology and ecology of the local area;

* Knowledge of local environmental issues and conservation practices;

* Knowledge of the principles, methods and practices of park management;

* Ability to provide technical resource and program leadership to naturalist staff;

* Ability to perform effective administrative work including budgeting, human resource management, purchasing, and the development of short and long range operational plans;

* Ability to manage and operate interpretation/conservation programs at a site;

* Ability to manage paid and volunteer staff engaged in professional naturalist and technical support positions;

* Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing;

* Ability to deal effectively with citizen inquiries and complaints;

* Ability to develop and maintain relationships with the community and organizations concerned with environmental, natural, cultural and wildlife matters;

* Ability to analyze and recommend solutions to environmental problems.

*Employment Standards*

*MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:*

Any combination of education, experience, and training equivalent to the following: (Click on the aforementioned link to learn how Fairfax County interprets equivalencies for "Any combination, experience, and training equivalent to")

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in natural or life sciences, natural history, park management, education or a closely related field; plus two years of progressively responsible experience in conservation management, environmental education, interpretation, park programming, or a closely related field.

*PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:*
Bachelor's Degree and three or more years of progressively responsible work experience in natural resource management at a park site with significant natural resources. Demonstrated knowledge of natural and cultural resource protection. Experience managing volunteers and community projects. Demonstrated ability to: set and maintain program priorities while having the flexibility to adapt to change; collaborate and negotiate with diverse stakeholders; work well with teams, and establish positive relationships with managers, peers, subordinates, customers and stakeholders. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Experience using Microsoft Office software products. For Huntley Meadows, experience maintaining and calibrating remote environmental sensors and equipment.

*CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES REQUIRED:*

* Driver's License (Required)
* CPR/First Aid (Required within 12 months)
* Pesticide/Herbicide Applicator License (Required within 12 months)
* Wildland Fire Fighter (Required within 12 months)

*NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:*
The appointee to this position will be required to complete a criminal background check, child protective services registry check, and driver's license check to the satisfaction of the employer.

*PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:*
Ability to perform physical labor, such as field work on uneven terrain, operate equipment and machinery, and lift 50lbs. All duties may be performed with or without reasonable accommodations.

*SELECTION PROCEDURE:*
Panel interview and may include exercise.

*Fairfax County Government prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetics, political affiliation, or status as a veteran in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce. *

Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. Contact 703-324-4900 for assistance. TTY 703-222-7314. EEO/AA/TTY.

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