JOB
This position is an integrated member of the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve Education and Outreach Team. The role and responsibility of this team is to develop programming and community engagement services that interpret the function and values of the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve and the Habitat Conservation Plan. Our goal is to ensure that community members feel connected to nature, are aware of the Preserve, understand its importance, and how their actions may benefit habitat and natural resource conservation.
This position will work closely with the Volunteer Coordinator and internal and external partners to recruit and lead volunteers for habitat restoration workdays, citizen science, and biological monitoring. Duties also include planning and leading guided hikes, supporting school outreach and programming, and participating in other educational and community engagement activities including night sky events, open houses, and educational seminars and workshops.
Other responsibilities include supporting the Community Liaison to develop and deliver content (web-based resources, printed and in-person resources) for BCP neighbors and the community at-large.
There will be opportunities to participate in biological monitoring and habitat restoration as time allows. This position will support the development of programming and volunteer engagement for our future Balcones Canyonlands Preserve Visitor Center (anticipated to open in 2028). The ideal candidate will be self-motivated, creative and flexible. They will have demonstrated experience with natural resource interpretation, volunteer coordination, as well as program development, delivery and evaluation.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:
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.
EXAMPLE OF DUTIES
- 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 base line 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 in information on natural resources protection and preserves. Disseminates information to landowners, managers, and other public agencies that uses 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.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION Physical requirements include the ability to lift/carry up to 20-50 pounds occasionally, visual acuity, speech and hearing, hand and eye coordination and manual dexterity necessary to operate a computer and office equipment. Subject to driving, standing, walking/hiking (some rough terrain), good vision and hearing, sitting, repetitive motion, carrying, lifting, crouching/crawling, vision to monitor, pushing, reaching, and stooping, kneeling to perform the essential functions. May work in extreme temperature/weather change/conditions, and smoke on prescribed or wild fires. Maybe subject to contact with dangerous machinery, fumes, communicable/infectious disease, and hazardous chemicals.
Travis County employees play an important role in business continuity. As such, employees can be assigned to business continuity efforts outside of normal job functions.
Work Hours: 8 am - 5 pm, Monday-Friday.
Location: NREQ Field Office-BCP
Department: TNR (Trans & Natrl Resrc)
Criminal, Driving, Education, and Employment Background Checks Required.
For updates or questions on this position, contact:
[email protected]
This job description is intended to be generic in nature. It is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The essential duties, functions and responsibilities and overtime eligibility may vary based on the specific tasks assigned to the position.