Natural Resource Specialist (Austin Parks and Recreation)

Job Description:

Natural Resource Specialist (Austin Parks and Recreation)

Description

About This Position

Job Description:

Natural Resource Specialist

Purpose:

Under general supervision, this position develops, implements, and maintains approved natural resource management plans to restore and protect vital habitats for native flora and fauna for the City of Austin.

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities:

Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

• Responsible for the day-to-day management of assigned areas.
  
• Directs and implements problem and invasive species management programs.
  
• Plans, implements and participates in prescription burns and fuel mitigation.
  
• Conducts habitat restoration activities.
  
• Conducts cave restorations and cave gate data design and installation oversight.
  
• Monitors habitats and their impact on rare flora and endangered species.
  
• Analyzes data on changes in habitat caused by manipulation of vegetation.
  
• Develops and implements public education and outreach programs.
  
• Conducts surveys and records assessments utilizing geographic information systems.
  
• Writes technical papers and reports. Maintains implementation records.
  
• Conducts miscellaneous maintenance and repairs on facilities such as work areas, fences, gates, signage, trails, and erosion controls as needed.
  

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:

• May supervise and train others.
  

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

• Knowledge of survey techniques for plants, animals, avian and karst species.
  
• Knowledge of local native and non-native flora, and fauna.
  
• Knowledge of control species methods for non-native plants, red imported fire ant, and cowbirds.
  
• Knowledge of prescription burning and fuel mitigation.
  
• Knowledge of functions and operations of interrelating departments and of applicable regulatory requirements.
  
• Knowledge of Federal, State, and Local laws.
  
• Knowledge of City practices, policies, and procedures.
  
• Skill in oral and written communication.
  
• Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
  
• Skill in using computers and related software such as geographic information systems.
  
• Skill in data analysis and problem solving.
  
• Skill in planning and organizing.
  
• Ability to operate trucks, farm tractors, and other vehicles on the road and off the road, as required, to reach and implement projects.
  
• Ability to train and oversee the work of others.
  
• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with other City employees and the public.
  
• Ability to meet and maintain driver eligibility standards detailed in the City of Austin Driver Safety Program.
  

Minimum Qualifications:

• Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in a field related to Natural Sciences such as Wildlife Management, Ecology, Conservation Biology, Botany, Zoology, or another related field.
  
• Experience directly related to the job duties may substitute for education up to a maximum of four (4) years.
  

Licenses and Certifications Required:

• Must hold a current pesticide applicators license under Texas Department of Agriculture or obtain license within six (6) months of employment.
  
• Valid current Texas Class C Driver License.
  

Preferred Qualifications/Experience:

• Experience conducting and leading large-scale fuel mitigation or forest management operations.
  
• Extensive experience with prescribed burning or wildfire response.
  
• Experience operating, maintaining, and repairing equipment such as UTVs, tractors, trailers, chainsaws, and small engines; maintaining and repairing facilities such as fences, gates, signage, roads and trails, and work areas.
  
• Experience collecting data about wildland fuel conditions and/or vegetation communities to guide land management decisions.
  
• Experience with GIS applications for collecting field data, editing, and mapping.
  

Preferred Skills:

• Knowledge of forest/woodland vegetation and fire ecology as they pertain to central Texas ecosystems
  
• Ability to maintain a schedule of physically demanding activities including hiking over rough terrain and in dense vegetation, carrying loads of up to 45 lbs.
  

Other:

• Ability to travel to more than one work location.
  

Notes to Candidate:

The City of Austin Parks and Recreation (APR) provides, protects and preserves a park system that promotes quality recreational, cultural and outdoor experiences for the Austin community. Working with the City of Austin provides a number of health and welfare benefits, such as medical, paid leave time, a great retirement plan, training opportunities and more! Click HERE for more information.

This Natural Resource Speicalist will work within the Austin Parks and Recreation Department (APR) Land Management Program. The mission of the Program is to restore parkland natural areas to mitigate risk, improve resilience, and provide ecosystem services to Austin residents in perpetuity. The Program is responsible for implementing restoration activities across 10,000+ acres of parkland natural areas with the goals of improving climate resilience and reducing wildfire risk as well as operating the Austin Nature Preserve System.

The purpose of this Natural Resource Specialist position is to assist with the Land Management Program’s operations by coordinating, overseeing, and implementing large-scale land management activities on City of Austin parkland. This will include overseeing fuel mitigation projects, assisting with the preparation and implementation of prescribed burns, and maintaining related facilities, infrastructure, and equipment. This will involve activities such as:

• Implementing work plans in conjunction with other workgroups, City departments, and community organizations
  
• Overseeing contractors
  
• Obtaining and maintaining at least a National Wildfire Coordinating Group Firefighter Type 1 certification.
  
• Collecting data following environmental monitoring plans
  
• Maintaining and repairing facilities and equipment such as fences, gates, signage, work areas, UTVs, trailers, and small motorized equipment.
  

Application Instructions/Job Requirements:

• Application: A detailed, complete application is required, and applicants must include on their Employment Record all experience (work and/or volunteer) related to this job posting - up to 10 years or more; this will be used to determine your base compensation. Employment Record dates must include month and year. Verification of employment history dates on resume should match online Employment Application. Statements such as “See Resume” will not be accepted and a resume alone will not be accepted in lieu of a complete online application.
  
• Skills Assessments: Skills assessment(s) may be required as part of the recruitment process.
  
• Virtual Interviews: APR may conduct virtual interviews.
  
• Military/Veteran: An applicant claiming Military/Veteran status must provide a copy of his or her DD-214(s), or valid comparable document, at the time of interview.
  
• Driving Requirement: This position requires current possession of a Texas Class C Driver’s License or to have the ability to obtain by the hire date. External New Hires must meet the City of Austin’s Driver Record Evaluation (DRE) requisite. To be considered for a driving position, applicants cannot have more than three moving violations or a total of six Driver Record Evaluation points within a period of thirty-six (36) months.
  
• Physical Requirements: Tasks may involve bending, lifting, walking, carrying or using a force equal to lifting up to lifting up to thirty-five (35) pounds. Work environment includes inside, and outside environmental conditions, extreme temperatures, and hazards associated with equipment operation including fumes, oils, gases, and mists. Must be physically and mentally able to communicate, respond, and work with participant’s needs and safety issues.
  

Other Information:

• Posting Guidelines: APR reserves the right to close posted positions prior to the advertised close date, based on recruitment strategies and business needs. This posting may be used to fill other vacancies in other divisions/work locations within the City of Austin Parks and Recreation. Decisions on assigned selection will be made at the time of hire based on the business needs of the department.
  
• Travel: If you are selected for this position, and meet the Driver Safety Standards in the City of Austin Driver Safety Program , you may drive when necessary to multiple locations as part of your regular job duties. Otherwise, you are responsible for getting to and from these locations.
  
• Tobacco and Vape-Free Workplace: APR work site locations are tobacco-free. Use of tobacco products and/or e-cigarettes is not permitted on any APR work site - including construction sites, parking lots, garages or in any personal vehicles located on the premises.
  

Salary:

$57,970.00 - $70,720.00 per year.

Work Location:

400 Deep Eddy Avenue

Austin, Texas 78703

Work Schedule:

• Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
  
• May be required to work during special events, evenings, weekends, & holidays.
  
• Work schedule and location is subject to change based on department needs and programs.
  
• May be required to work during City emergencies such as extreme weather events.
  

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JOIN THE CITY OF AUSTIN TEAM



At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer-we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. As we strive to fulfill our commitment as public servants, it is important that we ground our efforts in a set of guiding principles - Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity - that anchor our delivery of services that significantly impact the lives of Austinites. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee.

What Makes the City of Austin Special?

• Make a Difference : Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation.
  
• Value and Innovation : Work in an environment where employees are valued, and innovation thrives.
  
• Competitive Benefits : Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits.
  
• Retirement Security : Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System.
  
• Sustainable Transportation Options : Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.
  
• Focus on Wellness : Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support.
  
• Career Growth : Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities.
  
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By joining us, you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country.

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EEO Statement for City of Austin:

The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual's AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.

City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.

Closing Date/Time: 2026-07-14