Natural Resources Specialist

This position is an integrated member of the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve Education and Outreach Team. The role and responsibility of this team is to develop programming and community engagement services that interpret the function and values of the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve and the Habitat Conservation Plan. Our goal is to ensure that community members feel connected to nature, are aware of the Preserve, understand its importance, and how their actions may benefit habitat and natural resource conservation.

This position will work closely with the Volunteer Coordinator and internal and external partners to recruit and lead volunteers for habitat restoration workdays, citizen science, and biological monitoring. Duties also include planning and leading guided hikes, supporting school outreach and programming, and participating in other educational and community engagement activities including night sky events, open houses, and educational seminars and workshops.

Other responsibilities include supporting the Community Liaison to develop and deliver content (web-based resources, printed and in-person resources) for BCP neighbors and the community at-large.

• Plans and conducts natural resources management protection and enhancement projects on lands owned or managed by Travis County, including monitoring and maintaining projects, conducting biological rare species monitoring, directing and implementing problem species control programs, collecting baseline survey data on plant and animal species, coordinating habitat restoration for endangered species, and maintaining preserve infrastructure. Maintains applicable state and federal permits, as required.
• Provides technical geographic information system (GIS) mapping support for management. Creates and maintains GIS databases for land management activities. Maintains and updates maps.
• Researches and develops methods and protocols, or improves methods for natural resources management. Researches issues pertaining to natural resource protection and coordinates or works with other agencies or professionals to improve methods and project management for development and enforcement of statewide regulations.
• Manages, compiles, analyzes and presents field data in the form of public presentations, technical written reports, special materials, annual reports, land management plans, protocols and checklists for the general public. Evaluates data results with regard to impact on natural resources management.
• Conducts education and outreach to the general public. Provides public with information on natural resources protection and preserves. Disseminates information to landowners, managers, and other public agencies that uses the preserves and parks as research sites.
• Coordinates, leads and trains parks staff and others in support of land management activities. Serves as an advisor and consultant for County parks and staff on a variety of natural resources issues.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

This is the second in a series of three natural resources-related job classifications within the Professional Support job family. This classification is distinguished from other classifications by the computer knowledge required. This classification may require a flexible work schedule in order to meet the needs of the department.

Bachelor's degree in Natural Resources, Environmental Science, Ecology, Biology or a directly related field AND one (1) year of 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.

• Pesticide Applicator License or must obtain license within six (6) months of date of hire.
• Valid Texas Driver's License.

• Spanish language skills (speaking and writing)
• GIS
• Experience facilitating professional development…