Natural Resources Specialist – City of Mercer Island ( Job # 15-0037)
Minimum Salary: $24.00 per hour
Maximum Salary: $28.00 per hour
Employment Type: Part Time
Department: Parks & Recreation
Closes: January 15, 2016 at 5:00 PM
(Open to current employees and the general public.)
Summary
GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES
The Natural Resources Specialist assists in all phases of natural resource management for the Parks and Recreation department. This includes: managing all aspects of the Open Space Vegetation program; programming volunteerism into natural resource project work; performing tree inspections and hazard tree analysis; developing and implementing wayfinding, interpretation and service learning programs; and assisting with property management, including acquisitions and encroachments.
This is a .75 FTE /Non-Exempt position – with Great Benefits!
General Responsibilities
The Natural Resource Specialist is responsible for the coordination of contractors, volunteers, employees and resources to carry out project work under the direction of the Natural Resources Manager. Primary duties include:
• scoping all restoration work in natural areas, creating bid materials and leading bid process
• pricing and ordering plants and other materials
• designing, planning, and maintaining Department Open Space nursery
• communicating with contractors and employees about the scope, specifications, schedule and pricing of projects
• inspecting project work to determine whether scope and specifications are being achieved
• communicating with contractor and employees to insure that deficiencies are corrected
• mapping all restoration work in City’s GIS system
• scoping, coordinating and attending volunteer projects
• tracking and processing invoices and payment forms
• applying for relevant grant opportunities and administering awarded natural resources grants
• mapping invasive and noxious weed species, obtaining necessary herbicide permits, and documenting all treatment methods
• training and working with seasonal and temporary employees in carrying out natural resource duties
• communicating with the Natural Resources Manager about crew operations, and contract and personnel issues
• assisting the Parks Superintendent with capital projects as needed
• assisting in the implementation of the City’s 10-year Open Space Management Plan
• making presentations to, and responding to questions from the Open Space Conservancy Trust Board
• assisting the Natural Resources Manager with other tasks as needed.
Work supervised includes removal of invasive plant species, preparation of planting sites, planting trees and shrubs, tree removal and pruning, weeding new plantings, and other landscaping projects. The Natural Resource Specialist also participates centrally in the development of the biennial workplan for the Open Space Vegetation Program and the financial management of the program during the biennium. The Natural Resource Specialist is expected to operate from a solid understanding of the public policy that underlies the work and duties of the position.
This employee must be self-directed, responsible, assertive, trustworthy, and able to deal appropriately with contractors, employees, the public and difficult situations. The Natural Resource Specialist may be required to work evenings, weekends, and holidays. This position manages multiple project sites simultaneously.
Essential Job Functions
• Have a thorough understanding of the Mercer Island Open Space Vegetation Plan, the Pioneer Park Forest Management Plan and best management practices in the fields of ecological restoration, horticulture, arboriculture, and forestry.
• Have detailed knowledge of the contracts the City of Mercer Island uses with contractors for small public works and professional services.
• Assess site conditions and estimate the scope of work for various sites based on the program’s goals and objectives.
• Apply a working knowledge of best management practices to various field situations to achieve the scope and specifications of the contracts.
• Coordinate with contractors prior to the beginning of project work to develop schedules, process paperwork, and review project scope and specifications.
• Develop posters, flyers and website postings for projects and install them at project sites to educate the public about project benefits.
• Respond to concerns and questions from citizens about project work.
• Visit sites where work is occurring on a regular basis.
• Maintain records of work completed, invoices received and other details as requested by the Natural Resources Manager.
• Coordinate with other City staff as needed.
• Report safety or performance issues to the contractor and the Natural Resources Manager as soon as practical.
• Assist the Natural Resources Manager with other projects as requested.
• Ability to drive a City vehicle, possess a current and valid Washington State driver’s license and good driving record.
• Must have regular and predictable work attendance to fulfill the essential functions of the job.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualification Requirements
• Possess a minimum of a BS college degree in horticulture, forestry, restoration or a related field, with an MS degree highly desirable.
• At least 2 years of work experience in the field of horticulture, forestry, restoration or a related field is required.
• Ability to work effectively as a field representative of the City and effectively communicate knowledge of horticulture and forestry to professionals, employees, volunteers and the public.
• Must show an ability to express ideas clearly, both verbally and in writing.
• Must be able to use a computer, including spreadsheet, word processing, email and web-based applications.
• International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborist or Certified Forester qualification is required within one year of hire.
• Washington Department of Agriculture Public Operator pesticide license is required within one year of hire.
• Knowledge of geographic information systems (GIS) and geographic positioning systems (GPS) is desirable.
• Tree Risk Assessor Qualification is desirable.
• Knowledge of basic financial management principles is desirable.
Other City Requirements
• Ability to drive a City vehicle, possess a current and valid Washington Sate driver’s license and good driving record. Evidence of a good driving record is a condition of employment and a complete driving abstract will be required.
• Completion of a Nationwide and Washington State criminal history background check is required in order to determine any past conviction history of crimes against persons, sexual assault or exploitation, and sexual or physical abuse and must be able to pass a thorough background check as required by the Child/Adult Abuse Information Act.
• Completion of an I-9 Form, documenting eligibility to work in the United States.
Tools and Equipment Used
• Job requires knowledge of standard arboricultural diagnostic tools, such as, but not limited to, chainsaws, pruners, loppers, increment bore, resistograph and air spade.
• Experience with Word, Excel, PowerPoint required.
• Experience in GPS and GIS technologies highly preferred.
• Experience with AutoCAD highly desirable.
Working Conditions and Physical Abilities
Work is performed outdoors in forested open space which includes steep slopes, uneven terrain, heavy undergrowth, and contact with thorny or irritating plants. Must be able to work outdoors for 4-8 hours in all kinds of weather conditions, be able to navigate using map and compass, be able to lift 20-40 lbs., be able to operate a telephone for emergency communications with Public Safety staff. Work activities involve combinations of sitting, standing, walking and driving. May work evenings, weekends, and/or holidays.
Attachments
Location
Parks & Recreation Admin Bldg
2040 84th Ave SE
Mercer Island, WA 98040