Natural Resource Specialist

The City of Fort Worth Park and Recreation Department is looking to fill the position of a hard-working, energetic Natural Resource Specialist at the Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge.

This position requires a minimum of 40 hours per week and is subject to a 6-month probationary period. This position receives benefits. The selected candidate will be scheduled to work some weekends, holidays, and evening hours.

Job Description

The Park & Recreation Department maintains more than 200 parks and public spaces citywide as well as providing recreational activities and educational programming that makes Fort Worth a great place to live, work and play. Within the 200 parks is the largest city-owned property, the Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge (FWNC&R), a 3,621-acre natural area.

Duties will include, but are not limited to:

• Assist the Natural Resource Manager with the planning & implementation of natural resource management activities such as prescribed burning, herbicide application, wildlife monitoring, invasive species removal, native vegetation management, trail maintenance, and bison management.
• Manage the FWNC&R native plant greenhouse program which includes; recruit, train, and retain volunteers specific to the program; provide plant material for restoration projects; implement educational programs such as Native Neighborhood, public outreach events, and large volunteer groups; maintain data and submit reports.
• Provide written information/articles for newsletters, professional journals, and monthly/annual reports.
• Assist the FWNC&R education team with organizing and implementing natural resource educational public outreach programs; assist with developing and implementing workshops; assist with special events.
• Assist with and conduct various levels of data collection and research throughout the FWNC&R on the local flora and fauna; use programs/systems such as GIS, GPS, MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher, and Outlook for data analysis and reporting.
• Operate various types of equipment to include mowers, trimmers, power tools, tractors, skid steer, UTV’s, welders, and other equipment as needed; as well as conducting maintenance and cleaning of equipment.
• Adhere to assigned work schedule as outlined in the Department and City attendance policies and procedures; ensures all behaviors comply with the City’s Personnel Rules and Regulations.

Minimum Qualifications:

B.S from an accredited college or university with major course work in natural or physical science, such as wildlife management, biology, geology, botany, range management, environmental science, forestry, or a related field.

Or a related field and one (1) year of professional experience working in a natural science field providing group insruction and/or developing and implementing natural resource managament plans.

Possession of a valid Class “C” driver’s license and be able to maintain an acceptable driving record during the length of employment.

Job Preferences:

Possession of, or the ability to obtain, a Pesticide Applicator’s License within twelve (12) months of employment and maintain during the length of employment.

Must be able to secure and maintain a valid First Aid and CPR certification within six (6) months of hire and maintain certification during the length of employment.

Preference will be given to applicants with demonstrated experience with data collection and analysis pertaining to local flora and fauna.

Preference will be given to applicants with the ability to identify native flora and fauna of the Cross Timbers and Prairies Ecoregion.

Preferred experience in performing tasks pertinent to maintaining and constructing trails and facilities; land management and restoration including brush clearing, tree felling, herbicide application and prescribed burning.

Resume and professional references are preferred to be included but will not take the place of the online application.

WORKING CONDITIONS

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Depending on assignment, positions in this class typically require touching, talking, hearing, seeing, grasping, standing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, walking, repetitive motions, climbing, balancing, pushing, pulling and lifting; depending on assignment. Incumbents may be exposed to moving mechanical parts, odors, dusts, poor ventilation, chemicals, oils, extreme temperatures, inadequate lighting, intense noises, gases, vibrations, and workspace restrictions.

PHYSICAL CONDITIONS

Essential and marginal functions may require maintaining physical condition necessary for sitting, standing, or walking for an extended period of time; climbing using both arms and legs; adequate speech, vision, and eyesight required; perform manual labor including, lifting supplies and materials up to 50lbs.