Natural Resources Specialist

Job Summary

At Travis County Natural Resources, we are dedicated to preserving biodiversity and ensuring the management of resources within the Austin area for the benefit of rare and endangered species. The Natural Resource Specialist will primarily be responsible for general maintenance and land management activities on the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve (BCP) and other Travis County‑managed lands. Maintenance duties include coordinating and performing fleet, facility, and equipment maintenance.

Land management duties include invasive plant control, habitat management, boundary inspections, road and trail maintenance, wildfire fuel‑reduction activities, and grounds keeping. This position is responsible for regularly leading staff workdays in these areas. Additional wildlife management duties include assisting with feral hog management, cowbird trapping, fire ant control, deer management, and endangered species monitoring.

This is the second in a series of three natural resources‑related job classifications within the Professional Support job family. This classification is distinguished from other classifications by the computer knowledge required. This classification may require a flexible work schedule in order to meet the needs of the department.

• Plans and conducts natural resources management protection and enhancement projects on lands owned or managed by Travis County, including monitoring and maintaining projects, conducting biological rare species monitoring, directing and implementing problem species control programs, collecting baseline survey data on plant and animal species, coordinating habitat restoration for endangered species, and maintaining preserve infrastructure. Maintains applicable state and federal permits as required.
• Provides technical geographic information system (GIS) mapping support for management. Creates and maintains GIS databases for land management activities. Maintains and updates maps.
• Researches and develops methods and protocols, or improves methods for natural resources management. Researches issues pertaining to natural resource protection and coordinates or works with other agencies or professionals to improve methods and project management for development and enforcement of statewide regulations.
• Manages, compiles, analyzes and presents field data in the form of public presentations, technical written reports, special materials, annual reports, land management plans, protocols and checklists for the general public. Evaluates data results with regard to impact on natural resources management.
• Conducts education and outreach to the general public. Provides public with information on natural resources protection and preserves. Disseminates information to landowners, managers, and other public agencies that use the preserves and parks as research sites.
• Coordinates, leads and trains parks staff and others in support of land management activities. Serves as an advisor and consultant for County parks and staff on a variety of natural resources issues.
• Performs other job‑related duties as assigned.

Education and Experience: Bachelor's degree in Natural Resources, Environmental Science, Ecology, Biology or a directly related field AND one (1) year of directly related, increasingly responsible demonstrated experience in natural resource management; OR any combination of education and experience that has been achieved and is equivalent to the stated education and experience and required knowledge, skills, and abilities sufficient to successfully perform the duties and responsibilities of this job.

• Pesticide Applicator License or must obtain license within six (6) months of date of hire.
• Valid Texas Driver's License.

• Wildland Firefighter Certification (Red Card Certification).
• Geographic Information System (GIS) and ArcGIS software experience.
• U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) Section 10(a)(1)(A) Scientific Permit and State Permit for monitoring endangered avian species and for monitoring endangered karst…