SUMMARY OF POSITION

The Assistant Land Management Specialist is a full-time, temporary position that assists the Natural Resources program staff in a wide variety of land management and ecological monitoring activities.

The position’s primary function will be to assist with land management activities including performing forest inventories using accepted statistical methodologies, marking of trees/boundaries, delineating stream and wetland boundaries, site and species assessments, and other monitoring activities. The position will also participate in a wide variety of additional land management including all aspects of prescribed fire, ecological restoration, invasive species control, equipment operation, and maintenance. Position will be supervised by the Restoration Specialist but may assist with other projects across the state, as needed.

• Standard work week will be Monday – Friday 0800 – 1700 but can change frequently and on short notice. Work week is typically 40 hours. May include occasional overnight assignments, and occasionally exceed 40 hours.
• Preferred to be based out of the Nature Research Center in Raleigh, N.C.
• Work activities can occur at any North Carolina State Park property statewide during employment.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Graduation from a two-year technical school with an Associate’s degree in forest management, environmental or natural science curriculum, and one to two years related experience in natural science-related field, or land management field work; or an equivalent combination of education and experiences. A bachelor’s degree is preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and ABILITIES

• Possession of valid NC driver’s license and ability to safely operate state vehicles.
• Basic identification skills of common flora and fauna species native to the North Carolina. Knowledge and experience in various monitoring techniques preferred.
• Ornithological survey experience preferred.
• Ability to perform and report on natural resource inventories using accepted statistical methodologies with limited oversight.
• Ability to identify and learn plant species including herbaceous groundcover across the NC physiographic regions.
• Good data organization, record keeping, and attention to pertinent detail.
• Ability to plan, organize, set priorities and goals, and resolve complex problems both independently and in collaboration & consultation with supervisor and other Natural Resource Program staff.
• Ability to develop and complete tasks within specified timeframes.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions from supervisors and co-workers.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and written, with co-workers, Division personnel, and occasionally with the public.
• Knowledge of forestry BMPs and their field implementation for multiple objective activities.
• Qualified as or able to meet qualifications for Fire Fighter Type 2 or higher. Some prescribed fire experience preferred.
• Ability to operate various types of equipment in a safe and efficient manner (e.g.: chainsaw, ATV, tractor and implements, leaf blower, radio, hand tools, drip torch, spray equipment, etc.)
• Ability and willingness to handle herbicides during vegetation management including mixing and applying herbicides in accordance with label directions and supervisor instructions.
• Ability to learn how to correctly identify invasive plants with minimal review, and to differentiate invasive plants from native vegetation of similar appearance.
• Ability to create maps utilizing GIS, GPS, aerial photography, and other suitable sources for field & office needs.
• Ability to utilize and navigate to remote sites with maps, written directions, and GPS.
• Ability to perform physical work, sometimes under adverse conditions or in inclement weather.

COMMUNICATIONS/INTERPERSONAL CONTACTS:

The position holder must have excellent command of the English language and be able to clearly and concisely convey information orally and in writing; effectively be able to present ideas to individuals or groups to ensure that they understand the information and message. Presents results and summaries; adheres to reporting requirements; and contributes to writing reports. The position holder should have the ability to analyze, manipulate and evaluate information/data, including the use of software by utilizing word processing such as Microsoft Word and spreadsheet manipulations such as Microsoft Excel.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL EFFORT:

The Assistant Land Management Specialist may work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances. These conditions:

• Present frequent possibility of injury.
• Require long hours in isolated settings.
• Require physical exertion, outdoors, in all weather conditions and on difficult and sometimes hazardous terrain.
• Require the ability to occasionally operate light to heavy machinery.
• Require willingness to travel frequently and potential overnight stays.

This is a time-limited, full-time position. There is no leave (PTO, sick, holiday, etc.), retirement, or any other benefits offered with this position. This position is subject to the Fair Labor Standards Act.