Natural Resources Specialist III (14283, Grade 28)

Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission

Mount Vernon (VA)

Hybrid

USD 70,000 - 98,000

Full time

30 hours ago

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Job summary

Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission seeks a Natural Resource Specialist III to lead countywide environmental research and education programs, including BioBlitzes, outreach, and managing an urban Nature Center. The role requires strong research, program development, and staff management skills, with day-to-day operations oversight and collaboration across agencies.

Hybrid work arrangement, with budget and personnel management responsibilities, partnerships with universities

Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree in Natural Resources Management, Environmental Science, Forestry, Ecology, Wildlife Management, Fisheries Management, or related field.
Four (4) years of progressively responsible natural resources or wildlife management experience or related experience.
An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted, which together total eight (8) years.
Valid driver’s license in accordance with State and Commission rules and regulations.
Pass Commission medical examination.
Depending on area of assignment, the ability to acquire related program certification (e.g., Maryland Deer Cooperator License, Maryland Wildlife Damage Control Operators Permit, Maryland Biological Stream Survey Fish and Macroinvertebrate Certification).

Responsibilities

Develop 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 decision-making.
Prepare technical reports, presentations, and grant proposals based on research findings.
Maintain partnerships with universities, government agencies, nonprofits, and community stakeholders.
Monitor environmental trends, regulations, and best practices affecting county natural resources.

Skills

Research design

Program development

Staff supervision

Budget management

Public outreach

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Natural Resources Management

Job description

Description

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 BioBlitzes, 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.

Examples of Important Duties

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 plans, goals, and performance measures for Nature Center programs and activities.
Supervise, train, and evaluate full-time, part-time, seasonal staff, interns, and volunteers.
Ensure facilities, exhibits, grounds, and natural areas are maintained in a safe, attractive, and educational manner.
Coordinate educational programs, interpretive services, special events, workshops, and outreach activities for diverse audiences.
Manage the Nature Center budget, purchasing activities, contracts, and operational resources.
Promote visitation and community engagement through partnerships, marketing efforts, and public outreach initiatives.
Ensure compliance with all applicable safety, environmental, and operational regulations.
Serve as a public representative for the County's environmental education and conservation initiatives.
Develop and maintain relationships with schools, community groups, environmental organizations, and local stakeholders.
Create opportunities for citizen science, volunteer participation, and community-based research projects.
Deliver presentations and educational programs to residents, elected officials, and professional organizations.
Foster environmental stewardship through innovative educational and interpretive programming.

Work Conditions

Works in office and the field. Exposed to weather and outdoor hazards requiring special safety precautions or protective clothing and equipment. Incumbents in this class must frequently: remain in a stationary position, move from place to place, stoop, reach, push and pull while performing duties to operate vehicles, tools and equipment, communicate and exchange information with internal staff and the public, be able to view objects from a distance, distinguish between colors, and handle live and dead wildlife, equipment, tools and supplies weighing up to 100 pounds. May be subject to close proximity of frequent weapons discharge. Occasionally required to work on nights, weekends, and extended hours and during periods of severe weather.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree in Natural Resources Management, Environmental Science, Forestry, Ecology, Wildlife Management, Fisheries Management, or any related field.
Four (4) years of progressively responsible natural resources or wildlife management experience or related experience.
An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted, which together total eight (8) years.
Valid driver’s license in accordance with both State and Commission rules and regulations. Driver’s license must be unencumbered by restrictions, revocations, suspensions, or points that could limit the employee’s ability to drive Commission vehicles or perform driving duties required by the position of assignment.
Pass Commission medical examination.
Depending on area of assignment, the ability to acquire related program certification (e.g., Maryland Deer Cooperator License, Maryland Wildlife Damage Control Operators Permit, Maryland Biological Stream Survey Fish and Macroinvertebrate Certification).

Supplemental Information

Classification Specification Natural Resources Specialist III.

May be subject to medical, drug and alcohol testing

Working Conditions

Works primarily in an office or approved remote-work setting. Work is predominantly sedentary and requires light physical effort. Work must be performed accurately and may require occasional overtime, after-hours, weekend, release-window, incident-response, or on-call support. The position may be subject to high work volume, tight deadlines, competing priorities, production incidents, audit requests, and handling of confidential or sensitive information.

The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate a workplace culture of diversity, equity and inclusion without discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, gender identity, or any other non-merit factor.

Applicants with Disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

If you require accommodations or special arrangements due to a qualifying disability, please notify the Recruitment & Selections Services Unit at the time of applications at or 301-454-1411 (Maryland Relay 7-1-1).

M-NCPPC will make all efforts to reasonably accommodate you.

THE MARYLAND-NATIONAL CAPITAL PARK AND PLANNING COMMISSION

2026 Benefit Summary For Merit System Employees

The following benefit summary is provided for informational purposes only and is not, nor should be construed as an employment agreement with the M-NCPPC, implied or actual. It is not all-inclusive and is subject to change. Benefits listed are extended to all Merit System employees of the M-NCPPC. All plans are optional except the Defined Benefit and Long-Term Disability plans.

Eligibility

You have 45 days from your hire date to elect your benefits. Your coverage begins on the first of the month following receipt of your enrollment forms and required documentation.

Retirement Programs

Defined Benefit Plan (Mandatory Participation) – Plan E excludes FOP members.

Plan Employee Contribution: Plan C 9.5% of base salary (FOP members only). Plan E 4% of base salary up to maximum Social Security Wage Base (SSWB) and 8% in excess of SSWB.

457 (b) Plan (Optional) [Pre-tax and Roth]
Traditional and Roth IRAs (Optional)
Retiree Healthcare – Eligibility requires, at least 10 years of eligible service and continuous enrollment in M-NCPPC plans (or proof of continuous enrollment in comparable plans) during the 36 months immediately preceding your retirement date. Premium cost share based on years of service.

Health Insurance Plans (FOP Members Pay 23% for Medical, Prescription and Dental and same as all other employees for Vision.) All other employees pay percentage below.

Medical
- Kaiser Permanente Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) – 15%
- UnitedHealthcare Select Exclusive Provider Organization Health Plan (EPO) – 20%
- UnitedHealthcare Choice Plus Point of Service (POS) – 20%
Prescription – CVS Caremark – 15%
Dental – Delta Dental PPO and DeltaCare USA HMO – 20%
Vision – EyeMed – 80% of Low Option plan paid by Commission. Any balance paid by employee.
- Low, moderate, and high options are available. Frequency of covered services differs.

Medical Account – Maximum annual contribution: $3,300
Dependent Care Account – Maximum annual contribution: $7,500

Employee Pays 20%: Commission Pays 80% (FOP Members Pay 100%)
Benefits paid at 66 2/3% of base salary, maximum of $6,000/month

Benefits paid at 66 2/3% of base salary that exceeds $108,000; capped at $216,000

Two (2) times base salary; maximum benefit is $200,000 for each
Automatic coverage with opt-out provision

Supplemental – 1,2,3,4, or 5 times base salary; maximum benefit is $750,000
Spouse/Dependent Combination - 10,000/5,000, 20,000/10,000, or 30,000/15,000

Employees have 60 days from date of hire to enroll.
Employee contributes 8 leave hours each year
Annually covers up to 688 hours for own serious medical condition, and 480 hours for parental responsibilities (birth, adoption or foster care), and 80-160 hours for serious medical condition of an immediate family member

Annual: 15 days per year
Personal: 3 days per year (12-month waiting period)
Sick: 15 days per year
Holidays: 11 days per year