City and County of San Francisco

Under general direction, oversees the management and maintenance of natural resource areas, ecosystems, native plant communities and wildlife habitat.

Class 3421 Chief Natural Resource Specialist is distinguished from class 3420 Natural Resource Specialist in that the former supervises subordinate classes and serves as a primary resource for unique problems, whereas the latter may serve as a lead worker over subordinate staff.

Supervises 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. Supervises the activities of subordinate staff and volunteers engaged in the conservation and management of natural ecosystems.

2. Prepares, submits budget requests and completes work orders for supplies, materials and equipment; inspects natural resources; estimates cost of jobs; researches and recommends the use of new products and equipment; and maintains records of natural resources and other operations.

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

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

5. 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.

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

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

8. Trains staff and volunteers in the safe and proper use of equipment and tools, care and management of natural resource areas, and safety procedures; makes presentations related to park maintenance and conservation of natural resource areas.

9. Writes memoranda and reports; completes incident reports, employee evaluations, and other reports.

10. Responds in person or in writing to issues/complaints filed by individuals, community groups, volunteers, advisory committees, commission, police, and other groups.

11. Serves as an expert on natural resources.

Knowledge of: principles and practices of natural resources management; native and invasive plant species; methods and techniques for erosion control and native plant restoration; principles and practices of general facilities maintenance and institutional grounds keeping; and safety procedures, protocols, and proper use of equipment and materials.

Ability and Skill to: advise others in natural resources related activities; plan and oversee the operations of a program; train subordinate staff and volunteers; prepare, manage and monitor budgets; apply proper natural resources management practices and techniques; and communicate effectively orally and in writing.

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:
Four (4) 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.

Possession of a Qualified Applicator’s Certificate (QAC) or a Qualified Applicator’s License (QAL) from the State of California Department of Pesticide Regulation.

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

From: 3420 Natural Resource Specialist

ORIGINATION DATE: 07/12/2018

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.