The County of Riverside's Regional Parks and Open District seeks to fill one Natural Resources Specialist - Parks vacancy to support the Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Division located in Riverside. 

This is a fantastic opportunity for individuals who are passionate about preserving and improving endangered species habitats and ensuring the natural resources are safeguarded for future generations. The successful candidate will support various locations throughout western Riverside County.

Competitive candidates will have direct experience developing and implementing ecological management or restoration plans for a variety of southern California habitats. They will demonstrate strong knowledge of Southern California ecosystems, environmental regulations, and practical field skills. Proficiency with ArcGIS Pro, ArcMap, Microsoft Word, Excel, and Survey123 is highly desired. This position requires significant physical labor and the ability to work in outdoor environments with exposure to extreme weather conditions.

Under direction, plans, prepares, implements, controls, and evaluates ecological management plans and restoration projects for open space lands, regional parks and trails corridors; reviews and evaluates resource inventory and land use management plans prepared by others; performs other related duties as required. 

This position follows a 9/80 schedule 7am-4:30pm with every other Monday off. Uniforms will be provided. 

The Natural Resources Specialist – Parks classification reports to the Natural Resources Manager – Parks and is responsible for the analysis, formulation and implementation of programs for the management and protection of the natural resources of County parklands and open spaces. Incumbents will facilitate land use agreements and practical implantation of ecological management practices. Assignments may pertain to exotic plant and animal control, revegetation, pesticide use, erosion control, wildfire control, fire management, grazing practices, and other related issues.

Meet the Team!The Riverside County Regional Park and Open-Space District is a nationally accredited agency who strives to be the regional leader in improving lives through people, parks, places, and programs. Their mission is to acquire, protect, develop, manage, and interpret for the inspiration, use, and enjoyment of all people, a well-balanced system of areas of outstanding scenic, recreational, and historic importance.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Plan, evaluate and recommend programs related to natural resource inventories, ecological values, human use impacts, and environmental planning.
• Analyze resources and develop preliminary evaluations of suitability of potential land acquisitions; represent the department before commissions, governmental agencies and consultants on matters concerning vegetation, wildlife, fire management, range management, and natural resources protection and enhancements.
• Develop procedures for collecting, editing, compiling, and disseminating statistical information; work with consultants, Planning Department and other County staff on pre-acquisition and post-acquisition studies.
• Assist in the evaluation of appropriate environmental and planning documents presented by other agencies or individuals for projects; prepare interpretive and descriptive materials about County sites.
• May assist Planning staff in the preparation of acquisition reports, use and management plans, progress reports, and site evaluations; perform environmental research on County sites for the protection of natural resources.
• Write vegetative, wildlife and fire management plans and grants; assist in the coordination and supervision of environmental site research and planning by other agencies, private groups or individuals.
• Interface with consultants and other public agency representatives on assigned projects; make verbal presentations to public entities.
• Train, advise and review work of volunteers and students conducting County-related research projects.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree, preferably with a major in natural resource management/analysis, ecology, biological sciences, environmental studies, or a closely related field to the assignment. (Additional qualifying experience may substitute for the required education on the basis of one year of full-time experience equaling 30 semester or 45 quarter units of the required education.)

Experience: Two years of professional experience in research techniques, surveys, and statistical methods, preferably in Ecology, Natural Resource, or Environmental Studies. (A master's degree from an accredited college or university in natural resource management/ analysis, ecology, biological sciences, environmental studies, or a related field to the assignment may substitute for one year of the required experience.)

Knowledge of: The methods and procedures for conducting field studies and obtaining research data; the natural history, archaeology, cultural heritage, conservation, preservation, wildlife habitat, and endangered species of Riverside County; map interpretation; codes, ordinances and laws relating to environmental resource protection, including the California Environmental Quality Act.

Ability to: Communicate clearly and effectively, both in writing and orally; interpret land records and maps; organize and conduct research studies; make analyses and recommendations based on findings from studies, field observations and public contacts; use data processing equipment in statistical analysis; work with minimal supervision; establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.

License: Possession of a valid Class C California Driver’s License is required at the time of hire. The incumbent will be required to operate a County vehicle and travel throughout western Riverside County on a regular basis as part of their assigned duties.

Environmental & Physical Requirements: The Natural Resources Specialist - Parks will be exposed to inclement weather, including extreme heat, cold, and wet conditions, for extended periods. Additionally, they will encounter both living and dead wild and domestic animals, as well as noxious plants such as rattlesnakes, bees/wasps, mountain lions, dogs, poison oak, and stinging nettle. The incumbent must also be able to lift and carry heavy items such as chemical buckets, tools, equipment such as chainsaws, and other supplies. The selected candidate must be able to perform these duties with or without reasonable accommodation.

For those positions designated by the Department of Transportation (DOT) as safety-sensitive, applicants are required to complete a DOT mandated alcohol and drug-screening. (A positive test or refusal to test during the past two years will disqualify an applicant from consideration for County employment). Reference checks from former DOT regulated employers are also required. Applicants must submit a Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) driving record prior to hire. Employees in safety-sensitive positions are subject to DOT alcohol/drug testing in the following situations: random, reasonable suspicion/cause, return-to-duty, and post-accident.

Employees in safety-sensitive positions are subject to DOT alcohol/drug testing in the following situations: random, reasonable suspicion/cause, return-to-duty, and post-accident.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

This recruitment is open to all applicants. Applicants who are current County of Riverside employees and/or current employees of Riverside's Regional Parks and Open District Department may be considered before other applicants depending on the volume of applications received.

For questions regarding this recruitmentContact Valeria Ramirez atvaramirez@rivco.org