Invasive Species Program Coordinator

Are you interested in a position where you can make a meaningful impact towards preserving the local biodiversity and ecological resilience of Raleigh's Parks, Greenways, Nature Preserves and Open Spaces? The City of Raleigh Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Department (Raleigh Parks) is seeking qualified candidates for the Invasive Species Program (ISP) Coordinator position. The ISP Coordinator is responsible for the evaluation and control of invasive plant and wildlife species across the Raleigh Parks system. 

The ISP Coordinator position is housed within the Parks and Natural Resources Division and functions as part of the Land Stewardship Program. This position will coordinate the implementation of various land management techniques and strategies related to the assessment, control, and prevention of invasive species that threaten our City's natural areas. The Invasive Species Program Coordinator will also encourage the use of native species through public outreach and education campaigns, and the establishment and/or continuation of partnerships with cooperating agencies, NGO's and volunteer groups.

About You:
The successful candidate is required to work closely with peers to develop Program policies, goals, performance standards and serves as a team lead for specific initiatives. Candidates should have experience managing multiple projects while strategically prioritizing needs and the allocation of resources. Candidates should also have experience working with third-party contractors to complete land management projects. Our ideal candidate is a creative problem-solver, a fast learner, a strong communicator. and a forward-thinking leader who is passionate about ecological management and conservation.

About Us:
This position offers the opportunity to work for a nationally recognized organization in a growing, creative, diverse city. The Raleigh Parks system boasts approximately 10,000 acres, including 220 parks and open spaces; 120 miles of greenway trails; 4 lakes; and 4 nature preserves; We have over 425 full-time staff and employ nearly 1,800 part-time and seasonal staff annually during peak spring, summer, and fall seasons. We are home to several prominent universities and world-class cultural institutions. The City of Raleigh recently joined the Biophilic Cities Network and prioritizes equitable access to greenspaces and healthy community experiences. Our parks, centers, and cultural programming are in the DNA of our evolving city.

• Coordinates the implementation of management strategies related to the control and prevention of invasive plant and wildlife species within the City of Raleigh Parks system
• Develops tools and strategies for prioritizing invasive species control projects and coordinates the deployment of Department resources needed to successfully achieve management objectives
• Strategizes and develops integrated pest management (IPM), including the use of mechanical and chemical control techniques
• Leads the contracting process with third-party vendors to plan and implement contracted invasive species control projects and is responsible for conducting the necessary oversight and quality assurance monitoring to ensure that control projects complete the defined objectives follow accepted protocols/regulations
• Assists with or leads PRCR staff, volunteers, and external partners in on-the-ground implementation of Departmental invasive species control efforts using a variety of tools and techniques
• Assumes responsibility for the procurement, safe storage, maintenance, and diligent recording/reporting of approved herbicides and Department tools/equipment used to successfully complete invasive species control objectives
• Utilizes GPS/GIS tools and platforms to implement field mapping and tracking strategies
• Oversees the part-time Assistant Coordinator position, requiring effective prioritization, direction, and communication to ensure efficient use of their time
• Serves as a contact point for current/future partnerships with cooperating government agencies, non-government organizations, and volunteer groups
• Serves as a Department subject matter expert to guide, review, and approve work completed by staff, contracted services, and additional stakeholders
• Oversees the preparation, maintenance and/or distribution of correspondence, reports, documents, system information and other related communication materials
• Develops and delivers educational public outreach campaigns, programs, presentations, and/or informational literature (i.e., flyers, brochures, newsletters, signage, etc.) geared toward informing Raleigh citizens about the threat of invasive species.
  

Education and Experience:
Bachelor's Degree in Conservation Biology, Ecology, Forestry, Natural Resource Management, Horticulture or directly related field and one year of professional neighborhood outreach, citizen participation or community development experience

OR

An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above, unless otherwise subject to any other requirements set forth in law or regulation.

Licensing and Certifications:

• Valid North Carolina Driver's Class C license with a satisfactory driving record, or the ability to obtain within 60 days of hire
• N.C. Pesticide/Herbicide Applicators License, or the ability to obtain post-hire

Preferred Qualifications:

•  N.C. Pesticide/Herbicide Applicators License in any of these categories: Turf & Ornamental [L], Aquatics [A], Forestry [G], and/or Right-of-Way [H]
• Additional professional licenses/certifications related to invasive species control, herbicide/pesticide use, and/or natural resources management
• Membership/participation in natural resources-related organizations, preferably those with a focus on invasive species management and/or maintaining native biodiversity
• Between one and four or more additional years of experience related to the assignment 
• Supervisory experience

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Common non-native invasive plant and wildlife species of the SE United States
• Native flora and fauna of SE United States, especially those with a federal or state listed conservation designation (i.e., Endangered, Threatened, Significantly Rare, etc.)
• Broader ecological systems including the characteristics of various successional states and habitat needs
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and/or regulations pertaining to herbicide/pesticide purchasing, handling, storage, and applications
• GPS/GIS and the utilization of related field technology
• Experience working with a variety of stakeholders including government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and/or public groups; managing stakeholder interests that may be in conflict
• Experience working with the public and delivering both formal and informal educational programs
• Supervisory principles, practices, and techniques
• Public speaking and/or educational program development
• Appreciating diversity, equity and inclusion
• Conflict resolution, negotiation strategies, consensus building and community outreach and engagement
• Authoring and editing detailed reports and documents

ADA and Other Requirements:
Positions in this class typically require: standing, walking, fingering, talking, hearing, seeing and repetitive motions.

Light Work:
Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.

Working Conditions:
Work is routinely performed in an indoor, office environment.

Note:
This job classification 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 Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) designation may vary based on the specific tasks assigned to the position.

Salary : $45,757 - $84,652