City and County of San Francisco

Under general supervision, performs difficult and responsible work in the maintenance of natural resource areas, ecosystems, native plant communities and wildlife habitat.

Class 3420 Natural Resource Specialist is distinguished from class 3417 Gardener in that the former performs difficult and specialized agricultural work in natural resource areas, whereas the latter performs routine maintenance and landscaping renovation tasks.

May serve as a lead worker over subordinate staff.

According to Civil Service Commission Rule 109, the duties specified below are representative of the range of duties assigned to this job code/class and are not intended to be an inclusive list.

1. Maintains wildlife, native plant habitat, and biological diversity; implements habitat restoration, ecological restoration and wildlife enhancement projects; conserves intact ecosystems; and manages natural resources.

2. Determines plant composition for restoration of native ecosystems, wildlife habitat, and rare and endangered species conservation.

3. Monitors and studies rare and endangered plant and animal populations, habitat health and diversity.

4. Practices methods and procedures to identify erosion of soils on steep slopes, addresses all landslides and gullying in intact native ecosystems, and constructs and maintains trails.

5. Identifies local native plants in all stages of lifecycle, collects seed and propagates local native plant species for habitat restoration projects.

6. Monitors and controls invasive species in all life stages using Early Detection and Rapid Response techniques to minimize impacts on surrounding native plant communities.

7. Performs landscape cleanup and general maintenance activities including litter removal, illegal dumping and encampment cleanup.

Knowledge of: principles and practices of natural resources cultivation; native and invasive plant species; and methods and techniques for erosion control, native plant restoration, and safeguarding rare and endangered plants and animals.

Ability and Skill to: apply plant control techniques including mechanical, chemical and biological techniques; perform general facilities maintenance and institutional grounds keeping activities; and use garden materials and equipment safely.

These minimum qualifications establish the education, training, experience, special skills and/or license(s) which are required for employment in the classification.  Please note, additional qualifications (i.e., special conditions) may apply to a particular position and will be stated on the exam/job announcement.

Education:

Experience:
Two (2) years of professional experience in the conservation and management of natural ecosystems, native plant communities and wildlife habitat.

License and Certification:
Possession of a valid California driver license.

Employees will be required to obtain a Qualified Applicator’s Certificate (QAC) or a Qualified Applicator’s License (QAL) from the State of California Department of Pesticide Regulation within twelve (12) months from date of hire.

Substitutions:
Completion of coursework in Biological Sciences, Natural Resource Management, and Earth Science from an accredited college or university may substitute for up to eighteen (18) months of the required experience. Thirty (30) semester / forty-five (45) quarter units equals one (1) year.

Three (3) years of professional gardening experience may substitute for up to one (1) year of the required experience.

PROMOTIVE LINES

To: 3421 Chief Natural Resource Specialist

ORIGINATION DATE: 07/12/18

BUSINESS UNIT(S): COMMN

All City and County of San Francisco employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the City requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.