Natural Resource Specialist

The Natural Resource Specialist at BREC Recreation And Park Commission is responsible for maintaining hiking trails and green infrastructure, assisting in planting and building trail structures, and overseeing contract workers and volunteers. Candidates should have a relevant degree and experience in natural resources or related fields. The role requires knowledge of local ecosystems, sustainable practices, and the ability to work outdoors in various conditions.
General Summary The Full-Time Natural Resource Specialist performs work within the Natural Resource Division including daily maintenance of hiking trails and green infrastructure. Responsible for assisting in the planting of new green infrastructure amenities and building of trail structures in coordination with park goals. Overseeing contract workers, volunteers, and coordinating with other departments within BREC and external partners.

Requirements and Job Specifications Education Required: Graduation from an accredited 4-year college or university Area of Study (major) Required: Natural Resources, Conservation Biology, Forestry, Environmental Science, Wildlife Management, Botany, or closely related field Certification(s) Required: First Aid and CPR/AED Certification within 30 days of hire Preferred: Nationally Recognized Sawyer Training Certified License(s) Required: Valid LA Driver's License Years of Relevant Work Experience: 1 year of related volunteer, internship, or work experience. A combination of experience and/or education may be substituted. Other Job Specifications: Knowledge of South Louisiana ecosystems.

Knowledge of care and cultivation of trees and shrubs and general gardening. Knowledge of sustainable trail design and maintenance. Knowledge of design and maintenance of green infrastructure such as rain garden, bioswales, and pollinator gardens.

Knowledge of methods of trimming and felling trees including the necessary skills to use tools and equipment for pruning, maintenance, and removal of limbs and/or trees. Knowledge of GIS including data collection. Ability to follow written and verbal directions and communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

Ability to navigate using a map, compass and/or GPS. Ability to use proper tools and equipment to create and maintain trails and garden beds including but not limited to chainsaws, weed eaters, brushcutters, etc. Ability to learn and conduct vegetation surveys.

Ability to follow all BREC policies, operations, and programs. Ability to supervise and direct volunteers and develop a positive, productive working relationship is required. Ability to carry out instructions and see a project from start to completion effectively is required.

Ability to communicate problems to direct supervisor. Ability to operate a BREC Vehicle and off-road vehicle to perform essential functions of the job. Ability to adjust to changing work demands, procedures, technology and or priorities.

Ability to work in outdoor conditions which may include a variety of terrain and weather conditions such as extreme heat, rain, cold and nuisance of insects. Ability to establish and maintain excellent working relationships with supervisor, volunteers, coworkers, employees, and general public. Understanding of herbicide use and application including laws licenses and safety protocols.

Must have a positive attitude with the willingness and desire to learn new skills. Functions and Duties Essential Functions and Duties: Applies knowledge of sustainable trail design to assist in carrying out trail projects. Performs necessary field work to create new trails and maintain existing trails in the system.

Lead projects which utilize volunteers to carry out necessary work. Ensures primitive hiking trails stay usable during a majority of the year in a variety of conditions and following major storms. Collect GIS data in the field as instructed.

Fell and clear trees impeding trail use as needed with chainsaws and other power tools. Assist in the construction and installation of trail features and amenities including but not limited to bridges, boardwalks, kiosks, and signage. Assists in conducting vegetation surveys and data collection to assess habitat types, health, biodiversity and unique features.

Application of herbicide as needed for invasive species control and trail safety and maintenance. Responsible for maintenance and care of tools and equipment under the direction of the Natural Resource Manager and Natural resources Trails Foreman. Secondary Job Duties: Assists other Natural Resource Management staff as needed.

Necessary Equipment, Instruments, and Materials: This position primarily involves fieldwork, requiring proficiency in both hand tools (e.g., loppers, pruning saws) and power tools (e.g., chainsaws, weed eaters). It also necessitates the ability to drive vehicles to activity sites and off-road vehicles for remote access. Proficiency in ArcGIS, BadElf, iPad, and Trimble for data collection and analysis is essential

Environment: Ninety-five percent of the work involves outdoor fieldwork, exposing employees to various climatic conditions such as heat, cold, and humidity, as well as excessive equipment noise and other adverse conditions. Occasionally, employees will work in office environments with no extreme temperatures, excessive noise, or exposure. Mental Involvement: This position demands strong communication skills, particularly in listening and attention to detail for following instructions and construction diagrams.

It also requires excellent organizational skills for managing multiple activities simultaneously, often with the added stress of ensuring the safe operation of trail projects and interacting with numerous people. Advanced writing and critical thinking skills are necessary for problem-solving and innovating solutions to everyday challenges. Language Skills: Must have a strong command of English, both written and verbal.

The individual must be able to listen well, write, read, and understand verbal and written instructions, construction drawings and trail maps. Must be able to give clear, concise instructions and to speak coherently to groups; diplomacy is required. Physical Demands: This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by this employee.

He or she will be required to follow any other instructions and to perform any other duties as requested by his or her supervisor. Supplemental Information Hours Worked: Full-time position; schedule may vary within framework of 8 hours per day, 5 days per week; lunch break daily; Some evening and weekend hours as necessary; overtime as required. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application.

You must include all relevant education and experience on your official BREC online application or it will be deemed incomplete and you will be ineligible for this vacancy. Complete each section of this application (i.e. work experience, education, etc.) to demonstrate that you meet the eligibility and minimum qualification requirements described in this announcement

An offer of employment is contingent on passing a pre-employment criminal background check, past employment verification, character reference check, Motor Vehicle Records check, drug screen and physical.