Works closely with the Park Land Management Crew Supervisor and the Park Land Management Team to develop and implement land management activities on lands owned or managed by Travis County Parks division. The Specialist Senior will assist in the planning and coordination of projects, the management of equipment and inventory, and the oversight of a crew that is responsible for activities that include, but are not limited to prescribed burning, mechanical thinning, invasive species control, trail maintenance, and vegetation restoration. On occasion the Natural Resource Specialist Senior coordinates activities with other divisions, outside agencies, and the public.

Distinguishing Characteristics:

This is the second in a series of four natural resources-related job classifications within the Professional Support job family. This classification is distinguished from lower classifications by having supervisory responsibilities and a higher level of project complexity. This classification may require a flexible work schedule in order to meet the needs of the department.

• Assists the Land Management Supervisor along with the Park Land Management Team with oversight and mentoring of the land management crew and directs the implementation of land management projects on lands owned or managed by Travis County including prescribed burning, mechanical thinning, invasive species control, trail maintenance, vegetation monitoring, and other land management activities; performs field duties and activities with field crew when needed.
• Assists with fire management projects including planning, monitoring, preparations, coordination, and implementation; maintains fire qualifications.
• Assists Land Management Supervisor with the evaluation of staff job performance, coordination, and prioritization of schedules and assignments, the assignment of staff working and non-working hours, and the onboarding and training of staff.
• Performs as project manager for natural resources, land management, facilities management, and research projects. Develops and implements projects, oversees work, and manages budgets.
• Researches and develops methodology to perform effective natural resources monitoring and management activities. Coordinates with other agencies or professionals conducting similar work.
• Operates heavy equipment, 4-WD vehicles, utility vehicles, chainsaws, power tools, and hand tools.
• Assists with the development of programs and procedures relating to crew management including, but not limited to the management of facilities, vehicles, and equipment.
• Coordinates the collection and display of data, and maintains and updates data through work order systems, GIS applications, and other platforms. Maintains and updates maps, spreadsheets, and related work products.
• Coordinates activities with park staff, partners, contractors, and the public.
• Develops, plans, and implements goals and objectives for the program. Assists with the development of work plans, land management plans, and other planning projects.
• Assist with the development and management of contracts, budgeting and purchasing; develops training, safety, and outreach programs and coordinates delivery to parks staff, partners, and the public.
• Serves as an advisor and consultant for County Parks and staff on a variety of land management issues.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Education and Experience:
Bachelor's degree in Natural Resources, Environmental Science, Ecology, Biology or a directly related field AND three (3) years of directly related, increasingly responsible demonstrated experience in natural resource management, and one (1) year of supervisory or management experience;
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.

Licenses, Registrations, Certifications, or Special Requirements:
Pesticide Applicator License or must obtain license within one (1) year of date of hire.
Valid Texas Driver's License.


Preferred:
Wildland Firefighter Certification (Red Card Certified)
NWCG Single Resource Boss Qualification or higher
Pesticide Applicator License
Certified Arborist qualification and/or experience
ARC View Geographic Information (GIS) certifications and/or experience
Emergency Medical Technician (or similar skill) qualification and/or experience
Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) qualification or experience

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of:

• Fire management practices and procedures in accordance with Federal, State and Local guidelines.
• Characteristics of wildland fire behavior.
• Methods, techniques, and equipment for prescribed fire activities.
• Conducting monitoring, including data collection, analyzing, interpreting and writing a report of results.
• Federal, State, Local and County applicable laws, rules, regulations and guidelines.
• Policies, practices, procedures and terminology related to land management protection.
• Computer equipment to include word processing, spreadsheets, databases and a variety of software applications, such as ArcView Geographic Information System (GIS) hardware and software.
• Business letter writing, grammar and punctuation, and report preparation.

• Fire management practices and procedures.
• Understanding wildland fire behavior.
• Tree inspection and treatment for diseases, parasites, etc.
• Operating ATV’s, pumper trucks, and associated equipment.
• Planning and coordinating work activities.
• Using ArcView Geographic Information System (GIS).
• Using biological monitoring and censusing, and wildlife control equipment.
• Explaining complicated technical problems in simple non-technical language.
• Problem-solving and decision-making.
• Both verbal and written communication.
• Supervisory principles, practices and techniques.

• Understand wildland fire behavior and recognize the characteristics of extreme fire behavior to ensure staff safety.
• Plan and implement prescribed fires on parks and conservation lands.
• Manage time well, perform and prioritize multiple tasks, organize diverse activities, and implement environmental research and projects.
• Meet deadlines and produce projects in a timely manner while working on several projects at once.
• Manage data in geodatabases.
• Work as a team member within a diverse organization.
• Use hand and power tools.
• Plan for, assign, motivate, train, evaluate and lead a technical staff.
• Research, compile, analyze, interpret and prepare a variety of memorandums or reports.
• Manage, plan, assign, motivate, train, evaluate and supervise technical staff.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with County employees and officials, representatives of outside agencies, and the general public.
• Maintain an Arduous fitness rating as described by the National Wildfire Coordinating Group.

Physical requirements include the ability to lift/carry up to 50 pounds occasionally, visual acuity, speech and hearing, hand and eye coordination and manual dexterity necessary to operate a computer and office equipment. Subject to driving, standing, walking/hiking (some rough terrain), good vision and hearing, sitting, repetitive motion, carrying, lifting, crouching/crawling, vision to monitor, pushing, reaching, and stooping, kneeling to perform the essential functions. Subject to extreme temperatures, outside elements, smoke on prescribed or wildfires, dangerous machinery, noise, fumes, vibration, communicable/infectious disease, hazardous chemicals, potential physical harm, contact with dust and insects, and all outdoor hazards, including exposure to poisonous animals and plants. Individuals in this position will be required to maintain an Arduous fitness rating as described by the National Wildfire Coordinating Group (complete 3-mile walk within 45 minutes while carrying 45 lbs.).

Travis County employees play an important role in business continuity. As such, employees can be assigned to business continuity efforts outside of normal job functions.

Work Hours: 4 x 10 Hour Shifts per Week

Department: TNR (Trans & Natrl Resrc)

Location: Various Locations in Austin

Criminal Background Check, Driving Record, Education, and Employment History Check required.

This job description is intended to be generic in nature. It is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The essential duties, functions and responsibilities and overtime eligibility may vary based on the specific tasks assigned to the position.