Jobs Title:
Southwest Region Steward, Virginia Natural Heritage Program

Post Date
7/31/2019

Expiration Date
9/29/2019

Details:

The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation is the state’s lead conservation agency and it takes a diverse agency to work for a diverse commonwealth. DCR protects what people care about – access to the outdoors, natural habitats, open spaces, clean water and safe infrastructure.

We manage 38 Virginia State Parks, which has thousands of campsites, hundreds of cabins, beaches, festivals, educational programs, more than 500 miles of trails… the list goes on.

If you’re someone who wants to love what you do, and make a difference, DCR is the place for you!

DCR is currently seeking candidates for a Natural Areas Steward position located in far southwestern Virginia. This position is part of DCR’s Natural Heritage Program responsible for conserving Virginia’s biological diversity through inventory, protection and stewardship, and twice selected as the outstanding Natural Heritage Program in the Americas. The position is part of a professional natural resource team managing the state Natural Area Preserve (NAP) system, which protects habitat for rare species and outstanding examples of Virginia’s natural communities. Location is Jonesville, Virginia.

Responsibilities: Lead natural areas management activities on state natural area preserves in the Southwest Region of Virginia, focusing primarily on preserves in Lee County with a special emphasis on managing The Cedars Natural Area Preserve. Specific duties include developing and implementing preserve management plans, monitoring rare species populations and natural community condition status, assisting with karst inventory and resource protection, prescribed fire planning and implementation, invasive species control, developing and implementing deer population management strategies, developing interpretive signs, monitoring effects of public use on natural resources, conducting interpretive field trips and cultivating and coordinating volunteers. The position also provides technical consultations on natural area stewardship issues to a wide range of clients including federal, state and local government land managers, as well as to private landowners.

Qualifications:
Working experience or knowledge of natural resource management and conservation of rare species. Experience with botany, plant ecology, invasive species control, pesticide application, prescribed burning, volunteer coordination, cave and karst resources, trail maintenance, and public-use monitoring. Proven ability to supervise contractors, volunteers and temporary employees and experience in administrating projects including budgeting and planning. Proficiency with personal computer applications including word processing, spreadsheets and databases. Ability to collect data and navigate terrain using global positioning systems (GPS) and to manage spatial data and produce maps with geographic information system (GIS) software.

Graduation from an accredited college or university with major course work in natural resources management, applied ecology, forestry, wildlife science, biological science, environmental science or a related discipline. Masters degree strongly preferred. An equivalent combination of training and experience indicating possession of the preceding knowledge and abilities may substitute for this education and experience. Extensive work-related training in natural areas management including prescribed burning, invasive species control, biological monitoring, and habitat restoration preferred as well as previous work experience and related academic training in natural areas management and resource management planning; demonstrated ability to implement biological resource management projects on natural areas; pesticide applicator certification and related experience; and CPR and basic first aid certification.

Valid VA Driver’s License or ability to attain required. Criminal history record check, references, work history and DMV driving record will be verified prior to employment. Ability to work in diverse conditions including exposure to the outdoors, weather in all seasons, dust, animals and insects. Ability to perform heavy manual labor to include standing, bending, pulling, and climbing.

Comments:
State applications will only be accepted as submitted online by 11:59 pm on the closing date through the Recruitment Management System (RMS). State applications submitted via email, postal mail, fax, or in person will not be considered. Applicants are expected to fully represent qualifications and work history on the State application. The decision to interview an applicant is based on the information provided on the application, therefore, it is essential to fully complete each section of the application and provide detailed information. Submitting an incomplete state application, or a state application lacking in detail, may impact your interview eligibility. Applications that say See Resume will not be considered. This website will provide a confirmation of receipt when the application is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your RMS Account to check the status of your application for this position. The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) is an Equal Opportunity Employer by both policy and practice. Women, minorities, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Employer:
Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, Division
Contact:
Laura Nelson

Work Phone:
804-786-5657

Website:
https://virginiajobs.peopleadmin.com/postings/157430