(Full-Time) Natural Resources Coordinator

BARGAINING UNIT / LEVEL: Professional Level 08
SALARY RANGE: $78,137 - $86,153 annually DOQ

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES:   Under the direction of the Chief of Natural Resources & Regulatory Compliance, the position is involved in the assessment of park lands and the planning and preparation of reports and studies regarding the condition of the parks natural areas as well as natural resource management and environmental compliance needs. The position will perform a variety of professional and technical duties related to natural resource management, ecological stewardship activities, volunteer coordination, environmental compliance matters, park improvements and assisting in directing the Natural Areas Crew and Natural Resources Volunteer Coordinator.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES: The list below is intended to describe the general nature of duties only. Employees shall perform other duties as assigned.

• Assists with development and implementation of natural resource-based programs to include ecosystems management/restoration projects, natural areas management and stewardship activities, wildlife management, water quality programs, environmental compliance and sustainability initiatives.   Coordinates these activities with park managers, local, state and federal agencies on programs.
• Manages the GIS mapping and geodatabase information for the Natural Resources Department. Gathers, organizes and analyzes field data using GPS and GIS tools.
• Coordinates and assists with community and volunteer workdays in accordance with natural resource stewardship goals and objectives.
• Assist with floristic quality assessments of existing and potential natural areas and monitors changing in floristic quality of sites over time.
• Ensures that species, habitats, and ecosystems are identified and recorded for use in future projects and programs.
• Documents, tracks, monitors and reports on all ecological stewardship activities.
• Develops and implements prescribed burn plans and coordinates with local officials and neighboring properties.
• Coordinates and assists staff with herbicide application and removal of invasive species as needed.  
• Assists with oversight of contractors and supervises projects in the field as needed.
• Assists with preparation of budget, cost estimates, grant applications, and permits as required.
• Establishes and maintains system database, to document/track projects and activities and compiles annual summary of stewardship hours and accomplishments.
• Provides training for Natural Resources staff and volunteers on safe work methods to include proper herbicide handling techniques and equipment use and maintenance.
• Conducts workshops to train volunteers and full-time staff in the fundamentals of invasive species management, prescribed burns, photo-monitoring and the fundamentals of compliance and sustainability processes.
• Promotes public awareness of ecological stewardship and works with Metroparks staff; community organizations; local, state and federal agencies, and the general public on stewardship initiatives.
• May serve on committees as assigned such as Safety Committee, Strategic Planning Committee, etc.

• Bachelor’s degree in natural sciences, natural resources planning, conservation biology, ecology or a related field. Master’s degree preferred. Applicants with 8 or more years of related service will be given credit toward meeting the minimum educational requirements and will be considered for the position.
• Two years of experience in ecological restoration and management and the planning of such activities; or any equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to demonstrate ability to perform the job.
• Experience with supervising seasonal staff and/or volunteers working in the field preferred.
• Experience with fieldwork in the Great Lakes region is preferred.
• Knowledge of computer systems and GIS.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships with the public, outside agencies and employees.
• Ability to travel locally, and statewide.
• May be required to adjust schedule to meet organizational needs, including special events, evenings, weekends & holidays.
• Ability to perform essential duties.

• Working knowledge of native and invasive flora and fauna, geology, and ecology of southern Michigan
• Understanding of the ecological impacts of invasive species on native ecosystems of southern Michigan, the rate at which those impacts occur, and the best management practices to control and minimize those impacts.
• Knowledge of the ecological role of fire in the management of southern Michigan ecosystems, and the techniques employed to use prescribed fire in natural areas.
• Knowledge of contemporary principles and practices of volunteer management and supervision.
• Knowledge of relevant safety procedures, environmental compliance regulations and sustainability issues.
• Knowledge and proficiency with Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and Arc GIS.
• Ability to identify ecological threats to local native ecosystems and recommend appropriate best management practices to mitigate those threats.
• Ability to lead, coordinate, and motivate employees and volunteers to conduct ecological stewardship activities in the field.
• Ability to document and monitor those stewardship activities over time.
• Ability to safely use and maintain (and train others to safely use and maintain) chain saws, brush blades, herbicide applicators, and other field equipment.
• Ability to critically analyze operations, collaboratively design and institute improvements without disruption of existing operations.
• Ability to provide both oral and written communication that is easily understood and direct in its content.

• Possession of certified pesticide applicator license in the State of Michigan or ability to obtain within 6 months of position start date.
• Possession of GIS Basics certification for ESRI products or ability to obtain within 1 year of position start date.
• Possession of Firefighter Type 2 (Crewmember) certification according to standards established by the National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) to direct and perform prescribed burns in the State of Michigan or ability to obtain within 1 year of position start date.