Works individually or with a crew to assist with Park Land Management projects and activities for land owned or managed by Travis County Parks Division. Assists in the maintenance of facilities, vehicles, and equipment and the implementation of prescribed burning, mechanical thinning, invasive species control, trail maintenance, vegetation monitoring, and other land management activities.

Distinguishing Characteristics

This is the first in a series of three Park Land Management related job classifications within the Professional Support job family. This classification is distinguished from other classifications by entry level of work required. This classification may require a flexible work schedule to meet the needs of the department

• Assists with fire management projects including planning, monitoring, preparation, coordination, and implementation; maintains fire qualifications.
• Participates in the Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aide System (TIFMAS) for mutual aid response to statewide disasters such as wildfires, severe weather, and floods.
• Coordinates and supports local disaster response including wildfires, severe weather, and floods in cooperation with local response agencies and other stakeholders.
• Assists with 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.
• Collaborates with contractors, park staff, and partners in the planning and implementation of land management activities.
• Operates heavy equipment, 4-WD vehicles, utility vehicles, chainsaws, power tools, and hand tools.
• Maintains facilities, vehicles, and equipment. Assists with the development of policies and procedures. Maintains inventories and assists with purchasing.
• Assists in the collection, management, and display of data through work order systems, GIS applications, and other platforms. Maintains and updates maps, spreadsheets, and related work products.
• Assists with the development of work plans, prescribed burn plans, land management plans, and other planning projects.
• Assists with the development and presentation of training, safety and outreach programs to park 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 or directly related increasingly responsible demonstrated experience in natural resource management;
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:
Valid Texas Driver’s License.
Individuals in this job will be required to wear a uniform.
Individuals in this job 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.).

Preferred:
Pesticide Applicator License.
Wildland Firefighter Certification (Red Card Certification).
NWCG Firefighter Type 1 Qualification or higher.
Certified Arborist Qualification and/or experience
ARC View Geographic Information (GIS) Certification and/or experience.
Emergency Medical Technician (or similar) Qualification.
Unmanned Aerial System (UAV) Qualification and/or experience.

Knowledge of:

• Standard theory, principles, practices and techniques of land management protection and enhancement projects.
• Policies, practices, procedures, and terminology related to assigned function and land management protection.
• Federal, State, Local and County applicable laws, rules, regulations, and guidelines.
• 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.
• Emergency procedures, including medical, fire suppression and other procedures.
• Applicable safety practices and procedures in the proper use of land management equipment and methodology.
• Computer software or programs to include word processing, windows, spreadsheets and databases, ArcView Geographic Information System (GIS) hardware and software, and related applications.
• Business letter writing, grammar and punctuation, and report preparation.

• Using ArcView Geographic Information System (GIS).
• Fire management practices and procedures.
• Understanding wildland fire behavior.
• Tree inspection and treatment for diseases, parasites, etc.
• 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.
• Handling and prioritizing multiple tasks.

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, vision to monitor, pushing, reaching, bending, stooping, crouching, crawling, kneeling, pushing, pulling, reaching, twisting, balancing, and squatting to perform the essential functions. Subject to extreme temperatures, outside elements, smoke on prescribed or wild fires, 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: 8 am - 5 pm, Monday-Friday.
Location: 700 Lavaca, Austin, Texas
Department: TNR (Trans & Natrl Resrc)
Criminal, Driving, and Employment Background Checks 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.