Natural Resources Specialist III Grade 28

The Department of Parks and Recreation is seeking a Natural Resource Specialist III to provide county-wide specialized research and education programming throughout Prince George’s County. This position will work within the Department, with other environmentally based organizations, and with other County agencies to deliver Bio Blitzes, research, engagement, outreach programs and lead other specialists in this work. . With a growing population of almost a million people within the County, it is critical to ensure our agency is meeting patrons where they are, and engaging them in unique and innovative ways.

Individuals applying for this position should have a strong foundation in research practices, educational program development, and staff management of both career and non-career staff.

This position will also be responsible for running day-to-day operations of an urban nature center that is open to the public 6 days a week- 362 days out of the year. This site provides important services to the community. This will require budget and personnel management experience, animal care, development and implementation of public programs, community engagement, developing volunteer opportunities, rentals and a variety of other related tasks.

This position is a hybrid position that has broad county-wide responsibilities as well as management of an urban nature center. Qualified candidates must have the ability to multi-task, have strong management and budget background and be able to execute programs, projects, events and research effectively and in a timely manner.

Work is assigned in terms of functions, priorities, requirements of specific assignments, known or suspected problems. Incumbent independently leads, plans and carries out the work in conformance with these parameters, established policies, procedures and accepted practices of the field of work, and resolves commonly encountered problems by selecting and applying, or implementing and adjusting, the applicable guides. Incumbent keeps the supervisor informed and seeks assistance only for highly complex or very sensitive matters.

Work is expected to meet objectives highly effectively – the incumbent is held responsible for results; work is evaluated in terms of quality, quantity, timeliness, teamwork, customer service and such other related factors as use of skill and ingenuity in overcoming technical and non-technical problems

This position will represent the Department as subject matter expert on all related committees, boards, internal working groups, and other panels for plants, wildlife, community engagement, and partnerships broadening the publics knowledge of nature and the environment.

• Develop, coordinate, and oversee countywide environmental and natural resource research initiatives.
• Design and implement studies related to ecology, wildlife, habitat management, water quality, forestry, and conservation planning.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret environmental data to support informed decision-making and policy development.
• Prepare technical reports, presentations, recommendations, and grant proposals based on research findings.
• Maintain partnerships with universities, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and community stakeholders.
• Monitor emerging environmental trends, regulations, and best practices affecting county natural resources.
• Provide expertise and recommendations to County leadership regarding conservation initiatives and environmental programs.
• Identify and pursue grant funding opportunities to support research, education, and conservation efforts.

• Direct all aspects of Nature Center operations, including visitor services, exhibits, educational programming, and facility management.
• Develop and implement strategic…