Natural Resources Specialist - Parks at County of Riverside in Riverside, California

Job Description:

ABOUT THE POSITION

The County of Riverside's Regional Park and Open-Space District (Parks) has an opportunity for a Natural Resources Specialist who will be assigned to the Santa Ana River Bottom Unit located in Riverside.

The Natural Resources Specialist will regularly act as biological monitor and conduct pre-disturbance nesting bird surveys. Additionally, candidate will conduct a range of species and vegetation surveys. Secondary duties include land management, vegetation management, and habitat restoration. In general, the selected candidate will coordinate, prepare, evaluate, implement, and monitor plans and procedures for adaptive management projects for conservation of wildlife and habitats.

Highly preferred candidates will be able to meticulously document bird nests and territories to aid in species recovery efforts as well as have experience conducting field studies involving birds, reptiles, amphibians, small mammals, and plants. Competitive candidates should demonstrate the ability to work effectively in high-stress environments with thoughtful respect, possess knowledge of laws pertaining to environmental resource protection and the Multiple-Species Habitat Conservation plan, and be proficient in Microsoft Office and ArcGIS. We encourage eligible individuals to apply!

This position aims to enhance conditions within the Santa Ana River Bottom by surveying areas for the removal of encampments that impact protected species and pollute the river. It involves assisting in the removal of invasive species, improving water quality, and conducting habitat restoration to increase the suitability of a site for desired species. While this role does not directly provide resources to individuals experiencing homelessness, there may be instances where directing individuals to assistance is necessary.

Qualified applicants may be considered for future vacancies throughout the County.

Click here for more detail regarding this position.

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
• Avian surveying and monitoring to support environmental compliance projects

• Bird nesting season surveys in the for birds and species in the Santa Ana River Bottom

• Utilize ArcGIS database and collection-based applications to plot encampments, debris, non-native vegetation, illegal vehicles, wildfires, and other related issues

• Removes trash and debris from encampments, and non-native vegetation .

• Plans, evaluates, and recommends programs related to natural resource inventories, ecological values, human use impacts, and environmental planning.

• Analyzes resources and develops preliminary evaluations of suitability of potential land acquisitions for park sites, trails corridors, or open spaces; represents the department before commissions, governmental agencies and consultants on matters concerning vegetation, wildlife, fire management, range management, and natural resources protection and enhancements.

• Develops procedures for collecting, editing, compiling and disseminating statistical information; works with consultants, Planning Department and other County staff on pre-acquisition and post-acquisition studies.

• Assists in evaluation of appropriate environmental and planning documents presented by other agencies or individuals for projects; prepares 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; performs environmental research on County sites for the protection of natural resources.

• Writes vegetation, wildlife, and fire management plans and grants; assists in the coordination and supervision of environmental site research and planning by other agencies, private groups or individuals.

• Interfaces with consultants and other public agency representatives on assigned projects makes verbal presentations to the Board of Supervisors and other public entities.

• Periodically works alone in remote areas traversing steep, cross country terrain through riparian and chaparral habits, and in inclement weather.

• Trains, advises and reviews 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 Avian, Ecology, Natural Resource, or Environmental Studies with at least 6 months of experience in nesting surveys.

(A master's degree from an accredited college or university in natural resource management/ analysis, ecology, biological sciences, environmental studies, wildlife biology, zoologor a related field to the assignment may substitute for one year of the required experience.)

***Please Note: If qualifying using educational units, proof is required by the closing deadline. Applications without proof of degree/educational units completed will not be considered. Please see "Supplemental Information" below for guidelines.***

Competitive Candidates will possess:

• Possess knowledge of laws relating to environmental resource protection and the Multiple-Species Habitat Conservation Plan.


• Nest surveys for riparian and coastal sage scrub bird species.


• Familiarity with Western Riverside County's MSHCP.


• Experience in native pant propagation.


• Experience with ArcGIS.

Other Requirements:

License: Possession of a valid California Driver's License is required.

Knowledge Of:Must possess a general knowledge of laws relating to environmental resource protection and the Multiple-Species Habitat Conservation Plan. 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.

Physical Ability and Environmental Requirements: Be experienced and proficient with 4WD vehicles . Lift and carry supplies in a backpack and back that will include, GPS locator, first aid kit, extra pair of water boots and walk and maneuver over uneven terrain. Must be capable of traversing steep, cross country terrain through riparian and chaparral habitats on an approximately monthly basis (occasionally in hot or wet weather). The incumbent may be exposed to living and deceased animals, poisonous plants and animals, and various herbicides (under the direction of a Qualified Applicator).

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

Veterans' Preference

The County of Riverside has a Veteran's Preference Policy . Upload a copy of your (or your spouse's) Member-4 Form DD-214 (or NGB-22) indicating dates of service, and a copy of your spouse's letter of disability (if applicable) with your application. For privacy reasons, it is recommended that you remove your social security information from the document(s). A Human Resources Representative will review the materials and determine if you qualify for veterans' preference.

Reasonable Accommodation
The County of Riverside is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). Qualified individuals with disabilities who need a reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process should contact the recruiter for the position noted above. For additional information and/or to obtain the appropriate form for requesting a reasonable accommodation, please visit the Disability Access Office web page located at: http://dao.rc-hr.com/ .

Education/Required Documents Guidelines: Upload a copy of any official/unofficial transcript(s), degrees, and/or related employment documents to your NeoGov account. If your education was completed outside of the United States, you will need to provide a copy of your Foreign Education Equivalency evaluation from a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) or Association of International Credential Evaluators, Inc. (AICE).

What's Next?
This is a continuous posting. This position will remain posted until filled and applications will be reviewed in the order received. For earliest consideration, apply now.

This recruitment is open to all applicants. Applicants who are current employees of the Parks Department may be considered before other applicants depending on the volume of applications received.

Qualified applicants may be considered for future vacancies throughout the County. Applications received prior to the closing date will be considered based on the information submitted so be sure to i nclude all relevant work experience details in your application. Changes or alterations cannot be accepted. No late applications will be permitted.

Applicants who fail to provide information demonstrating they possess the position requirements may not be considered further in the application process. A description of job duties directly copied from the job classification or job posting will not be considered.

Based on the number of applications received, this posting may close without notice

For specific questions regarding this position, contact the Angela Tavaglione at atavaglione@rivco.org.

If you are experiencing technical problems, you may contact the governmentjobs.com applicant support desk Monday through Friday, 6 am to 5 pm Pacific Time at support@governmentjobs.com or toll-free 1-855-524-5627.

GENERAL APPLICATION INFORMATION:

Please read and follow any special application instructions on this posting. Click the 'Apply' link located on this page to submit your application. For instructions on the application process, examinations, Veteran's preference, pre-employment accommodation or other employment questions, please refer to our web site, www.rc-hr.com . A pre-employment physical examination and background check may be required.

MEDICAL/DENTAL/VISION INSURANCE: A choice of different medical, dental and visions plan are available to elect. The County provides a Flexible Benefit Credit contribution as governed by the applicable SEIU Memorandum of Understanding to contribute towards the cost of these plans.

Note: Employees on assignment through the Temporary Assignment Program (TAP) receive different benefits. See the list here .
MISCELLANEOUS RETIREMENT: County of Riverside has three retirement Tiers through the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS).

• 
  Tier I (Classic Member - Formula 3% @ 60): Applicable to current and former County of Riverside local miscellaneous employees hired prior to 08/24/2012 and did not withdraw CalPERS contributions. The employee contribution is eight (8%) percent.


• 
  Tier II (Classic Member - Formula 2% @ 60): Applicable to local miscellaneous employees 1) hired after 08/23/2012 through 12/31/2012; 2) Previously employed with another CalPERS contracting public agency or a reciprocal retirement system, with a break in service of less than six months between the separation date with the previous employer and the appointment date with the County of Riverside. The employee contribution is seven (7%) percent.


• 
  Tier III (PEPRA New Member - Formula 2% @ 62): Applicable to CalPERS local miscellaneous new members hired on or after the implementation of the Public Employees' Pension Reform Act of 2013 (PEPRA) which took effect January 1, 2013. As of July 1, 2020, the employee contribution is 7.25% and subject to change annually.
  

A new member is defined as any of the following:

A new hire who enters CalPERS membership for the first time on or after January 1, 2013, and who has no prior membership in any California Public Retirement System.

A new hire who enters CalPERS membership for the first time on or after January 1, 2013, and who was a member with another California Public Retirement System prior to that date, but who is not subject to reciprocity upon joining CalPERS.

A member who first established CalPERS membership prior to January 1, 2013, and who is rehired by a different CalPERS agency after a break in service of greater than six (6) months.

CalPERS refers to all members that do not fit within the definition of a new member as "classic members".

Contribution rates are subject to change based on the County of Riverside annual actuarial valuation.

Note:

This summary is for general information purposes only. Additional questions regarding retirement formulas can be sent to retirement@rivco.org or by calling the Benefits Information Line at (951) 955-4981,
Option 2.

If you have prior service credit with another CalPERS agency or within agencies, please contact CalPERS at (888) 225-7377 to determine which retirement tier would be applicable to you. CalPERS is governed by the Public Employees' Retirement Law. The Retirement Law is complex and subject to change. If there's any conflict between this summary and the law, the law will prevail over this summary.
DEFERRED COMPENSATION: Voluntary employee contribution with a choice between two 457 deferred compensation plan options.

VACATION ACCRUAL (Bi-Weekly Accrual):

0< 3 year = 80 Hours (10 Days)
4< 9 years = 120 Hours (15 Days)
10 or more years = 160 Hours (20 Days)

Maximum Vacation leave accumulation is 480 hours.

SICK LEAVE: Four (4) hours Sick Leave accrual per pay period with unlimited accrual.

HOLIDAYS: Normally 12 paid holidays per year.

BEREAVEMENT LEAVE: Allowed 5 days (3 days are County paid; 2 additional days can be taken from accrued Sick Leave balance).

BASIC LIFE INSURANCE: Equal to one times annual base salary not to exceed $50,000 of term life coverage. Premiums are paid by the County. Additional Supplemental Life plan is available for employee purchase.

DISABILITY: Short-term Disability benefit pays up to a maximum of $461.54 weekly, payable up to a maximum of 52 weeks.

POST RETIREMENT MEDICAL CONTRIBUTION: A monthly contribution is made by the County towards retiree health insurance offered through the County as governed by the applicable SEIU Memorandum of Understanding.

OTHER: There may be other benefit provisions as specified in the applicable Memorandum of Understanding. Please contact the recruiter listed on the job posting directly for more information.

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