Natural Resources Supervisor

Mecklenburg County; North Carolina; On-site; USD 53,000 - 68,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Wellness programs

Job summary

Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Department is seeking a Natural Resources Supervisor to lead and participate in management, prescribed burns, invasive species control, and data collection. The role requires forest ecology knowledge and outdoor work in nature preserves, with collaboration across staff and external partners.

The ideal candidate has 3+ years in natural resources and a Master’s in a related field, plus licenses and certifications within one year.

Qualifications

• Minimum of three (3) years of experience in natural resources management; One (1) year of supervisory experience.
• Masters degree in Wildlife Biology, Forestry, Botany, Natural Resources, Ecology or closely related field.
• Valid North Carolina or South Carolina Driver’s License; ability to obtain Fire Crew Certification and NC Pesticide Applicator’s License within first year.

Responsibilities

• Lead or assist with natural resource health and diversity-enhancing initiatives, including non-native invasive species control, prescribed burning, natural community restoration, wildlife population management, and early successional habitat management.
• Lead or assist with flora and fauna inventory, monitoring, and management.
• Manage contracts and supervise contractors as needed; collaborate with internal/external partners.
• Prepare biological assessments and reports to guide planning on County-owned land.
• Use GIS field applications, ESRI licenses, and data management tools; maintain equipment as needed.

Skills

Knowledge of local flora and fauna

Prescribed burns experience

Education

Masters degree in Wildlife Biology, Forestry, Botany, Natural Resources, Ecology or closely related field

Tools

ArcGIS Pro

GIS Online

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Follow Your Calling, Find Your Career

Hiring Range: $53,102.40/yr - $68,423.25/yr

At Mecklenburg County, you’ll have the chance to build a career as unique as you are with support, inclusive culture and technology to become the best version of you. We’re counting on YOUR unique voice and perspective to help Mecklenburg County become even better, too. Join us and build an exceptional experience for yourself, and a better working world for all. Did you know that Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation proudly hosts many community events each year? Hummingbird Festival, The Senior Games and Festival in the Park are just a few that our employees and residents look forward to every year! Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Department (MCPRD) strives to enrich the lives of our residents. We do this by providing exciting and safe recreational amenities and programs, change to improve our resident’s fitness levels and decrease health care costs. This contributes to a sense of community through events and spaces for the public to socialize, thereby increasing property values and providing tourism venues. We protect open space, natural areas, and our treasured tree canopy through stewardship. We play a critical role in ensuring Mecklenburg County achieves its vision that the county “will be a community of pride and choice for people to LIVE, WORK and RECREATE.” The department serves a population exceeding one million residents and serves the City of Charlotte, six towns, and the unincorporated areas of the county covering 523 square miles. In addition, the department manages over 21,000 acres and 230+ parks, nature preserves, greenways and facilities. The Mecklenburg County Park & Recreation Department is continually recognized for its cutting-edge programs, state-of-the-art facilities and unique partnerships. Our success is rooted in our staff. If you are interested in joining a dynamic team, dedicated to building a better community, and being recognized as leaders both in our community and across the country, then Mecklenburg County has great opportunities for you.

Position Summary

Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation is excited to welcome a Natural Resources Supervisor to their Nature Preserves and Natural Resources Division! This full-time position will lead and/or participate in natural community management, prescribed burns, boundary protection, invasive species management, biological data collection and interpretation as well as endangered species management. This role will also collaborate with internal staff as well as external partners such as community interest groups, professional organizations, and other government entities. The preferred candidate would possess a background in forest ecology to guide monitoring and management of our forest resources as well as grassland restoration and management experience. Additionally, the selected candidate should be comfortable in outdoor settings year-round as significant time will be spent in wooded, natural settings of nature preserves where wildlife is a valued and protected resource.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of local flora and fauna and their management principles and techniques
• Experience organizing and facilitating prescribed burns highly preferred

Essential Functions

• Effectively work as part of a team to accomplish mission of the Division and goals of the Natural Resources Section. Use the Department Master Plan and the Section’s Resource Management Plan as a guide for prioritization and management on county-owned land.
• Lead or assist with natural resource health and diversity-enhancing initiatives, including non-native invasive species control, prescribed burning, natural community restoration, wildlife population management, and early successional habitat management
• Lead or assist with flora and fauna inventory, monitoring, and management
• Lead or assist with property management including encroachment, trail planning and restoration, and boundary marking. Manage contracts and supervise contractors as needed.
• Conduct biological assessments and reports on properties considered for acquisition or to help guide planning on County-owned land.
• Collaborate as needed with natural resource technical support regarding other park property, other governmental cooperators, and non-profit partners.
• Collaborate effectively with federal, state and local agency personnel, environmental groups, journalists, and the general public.
• Use GPS, ArcMap, and Microsoft Office suite and other applications to accomplish daily administrative and technical tasks such as reports, presentations, and data storage/analysis. Use trucks, power tools, farm tractors, and other equipment to manage and maintain natural and work areas as needed.
• Use and maintain trucks, power tools and other equipment by keeping them clean and ready for use at all times. Maintain office, work, and storage areas in an appropriate manner.
• Adhere to FLSA work standards and the county’s work policy. Maintain administrative records including time sheet, attendance, pesticide use, injury reports, etc.
• Recruit and effectively supervise career-service and/or limited part-time staff in accordance with Mecklenburg County human resources guidelines. Work with interns and volunteers when applicable
• Lead or assist with the NR Section’s design, development and support of GIS field applications, data management/analysis, and maintenance of ESRI-based licenses.

Minimum Qualifications

Experience: Minimum of three (3) years of experience in natural resources management; One (1) year of supervisory experience

Education

Masters degree in Wildlife Biology, Forestry, Botany, Natural Resources, Ecology or closely related field

Combination of relevant experience and relevant education accepted?: Yes

Licenses/Certifications

Requires a valid North Carolina or South Carolina Driver’s License and County Driving Privileges. If not already obtained, must be able to obtain and maintain basic Fire Crew Certification (IS-100, IS-700, L-180, S-130, S-190, RT-130) and NC Pesticide Applicator’s License within first year of employment

Computer Skills

Knowledge of various computer applications including Microsoft Office Suite; ArcGIS Pro and GIS Online

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Supervisory principles
• Flora and fauna of the Piedmont region of North Carolina
• Educational programming and instruction
• Instruction in area of specialist

Skills

• Managing multiple tasks concurrently
• Organizing and presenting demonstrations in area of specialization
• Natural Resources Field Work

Abilities

• Adaptability: Maintaining effectiveness when experiencing major changes in work responsibilities or environment; adjusting effectively to work within new work structures, processes, requirements or cultures.
• Collaboration: Working effectively and cooperatively with others; establishing and maintaining good working relationships.
• Communication: Clearly conveying information and ideas through a variety of media to individuals or groups in a manner that engages the audience and helps them understand and retain the information provided
• Customer Focus: Ensuring that the customer perspective is a driving force behind business decisions and activities; crafting and implementing service practices that meet customers’ and own organization’s needs
• Decision Making: Identifying and understanding issues, problems, and opportunities; comparing data from different sources to draw conclusions; using effective approaches for choosing a course of action or developing appropriate solutions; taking action that is consistent with available facts, constraints, and probable consequences
• Managing Work: Effectively managing one’s time and resources to ensure that work is completed efficiently

Compensation And Benefits

In addition to a competitive salary, Mecklenburg County offers a generous benefits package which greatly increases your total compensation. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, life, short term disability, long term disability, accident, cancer, critical illness, medical bridge and pet insurance; dependent care, healthcare and commuter flexible spending accounts; health savings account; paid holiday, vacation and sick days; near site clinics for preventive care and illnesses; an employee discount program which provides discounts for retail, dining, shopping, travel, tickets and more; an employee assistance program including financial and legal counseling; access to Mecklenburg County fitness and aquatic facilities; paid family leave; tuition reimbursement; a 5% employer match on retirement savings plan contributions and a defined benefit plan for retirement.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Works outdoors exposed to varying weather conditions

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS STATEMENT

To accomplish this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation, each essential function satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to help enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

DISCLAIMER STATEMENT

This is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of job-related responsibilities, duties, skills, requirements or working conditions. Other duties may be assigned based on business need and the supervisor’s request. Mecklenburg County reserves the right to revise the job description at any time. Designated positions may be required to assist in emergency and/or disaster situations.