Natural Resources Technician II

Position Title:

Natural Resources Technician II

Job Description:

We are seeking an experienced Restoration Specialist to join our team to implement a variety of native plant restoration projects across our properties. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in native plant ecology, weed management, restoration practices, native vegetation maintenance, and project implementation.

Incumbent assists with the collection and installation of native plant species on Salt Lake City Trails & Natural Lands properties.  Collects data and assists department management with technical support needed to advance various projects and initiatives. Assists restoration ecologist with performing analysis, preparing reports, and developing recommendations. Assists restoration ecologist with the coordination and implementation of complex, multi-agency, large scale, and long-term department/division initiatives.

This position is eligible for full city benefits, including:

• Health Insurance (95% of premium paid by city)
• Dental, Vision and Life Insurance
• Paid vacation and personal leave
• 6-12 weeks of paid parental leave available
• Retirement contributions toward a pension plan and/or 401(k)
• A robust Employee Assistance Plan (EAP)
• Up to $4,000 tuition reimbursement annually
• Discounted supplemental benefits like pet insurance and legal services

TYPICAL DUTIES: 

• Assist with the overall maintenance of natural areas and other public properties within Salt Lake City's Public Lands system and assist crews performing maintenance of native vegetation and landscape areas, controlling noxious and invasive weeds, and performing ecological restoration and enhancement projects.
• Design, plan, and implement restoration projects in upland and wetland native habitats. 
• Assists with greenhouse tasks, including plant propagation, watering, organization, cleaning, integrated pest management, and volunteer management. 
• Native plant materials collection, including cuttings, rhizomes, and seeds. 
• Operates various types of vehicles and equipment necessary to successfully complete assigned tasks. Responsible for the maintenance, minor repairs, and adjustment of tools and equipment to ensure proper operation and safe, efficient use.  
• Tracks and inputs daily tasks of team into work order system. 
• Oversees the proper mixing and application of herbicides used in the control of targeted noxious and invasive species in a variety of natural environments. 
• Assists in multiple monitoring and assessments programs. May provide occasional oversight of contractors on projects including restoration and weed control, landscaping and irrigation, and similar jobs. 
• Conducts regular interface with members of the public, helping to answer questions from park and natural area visitors. Occasionally supports public stewardship activities and educational programs. 
• Seasonally, performs snow removal and occasional work in a carpentry shop environment to construct, repair, and maintain assets including fencing, signage kiosks, and similar assets. 
• Together with the Natural Lands Supervisor, assists in the resolution of personnel conflicts and human resources actions, as necessary. 
• Perform related duties as assigned. 

Natural Resources Trails Specialist additional applicable duties:

• Assists the Restoration Ecologist in evaluating and maintaining natural areas, including plant identification, restoration design and planning, trail and natural area restoration, vegetation maintenance, weed control, herbicide application, irrigation maintenance, watering, native seed collection, seeding and planting, and similar tasks.  

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: 

• High school diploma or equivalent. 
• Must be at least 18 years of age. 
• Must possess a valid driver's license. City vehicles require a valid driver's license or driving privilege card. 
• Utah Pesticide Applicator License with an Ornamental and Turf endorsement, or ability to obtain one within six months. 
• Ability to communicate professionally and effectively, in-person and in writing, especially in dealing with challenging conversations with members of the public or with staff. 

Will require one of the following, based on Division needs:

• Possession of a valid Utah Commercial Driver's License (Class B) with airbrakes endorsement or ability to obtain one within six months.
• Mechanized Trail Equipment Training and Certification (ITS)
• USFS Chainsaw Certification Levels A, B, or C
• Utah Master Naturalist (Mountain, Desert, and Wetland)
• Trail Design Specialists Trail Master Certification
• PTBA Intro to Mechanized Trail building
• Hard Hat Safety Excavator Trainer Certification
• PTBA Trails Skills Certification (in development)
• Terrestrial Invasive Plant Management Certification

NOTE: Due to the evolving changes that may and can occur within the industry and City requirements, these certifications will be reviewed on an on-going basis. If changes are made to a specific level, employees will be granted 1 year to obtain additional certifications.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Two years of professional experience in maintaining natural or landscaped areas, or trail maintenance projects. 
• Two years of experience operating light to heavy duty equipment.
• One year of professional experience acting in a leadership or supervisory capacity (crew lead, etc.)
• An ability to effectively train, manage and motivate a team. Demonstrated safety leadership. 
• Demonstrated proficiency in the care of native landscapes and restoration sites, and noxious weed identification and control methods. Demonstrated familiarity with plant identification techniques and trail construction & maintenance best practices. 
• Post-secondary education, trainings and/or certifications in ecology, biology, natural resources management, environmental science, geology or another science-related field of study. 
• Demonstrated personal characteristics, including a positive attitude and passion for the work, punctuality, accountability, self-motivation, humility, and a desire to learn. 

WORKING CONDITIONS: 

• Work is primarily outdoors under a variety of weather and environmental conditions and may involve some strenuous hiking to reach the job site. Work locations include Salt Lake City's foothills and the Bonneville Shoreline Trail, the Jordan River Parkway, properties along City Creek, Red Butte Creek, Emigration Creek, Parleys Creek, and various city parks and greenways.  
• Moderately heavy physical activity is required to push, pull, lift, and carry medium to heavy weights up to 50 pounds, and on occasion up to 80 pounds.  
• Difficult working positions; may have to stand, walk, or sit in uncomfortable positions for extended periods and squat or crawl.  
• Exposure to outside weather conditions year-round. 
• Intermittent exposure to stress as a result of human behaviors. 

CAREER LADDER:

After fully satisfying the job requirements, may be advanced to Natural Resources Technician III based upon the supervisor/manager recommendation. Promotions are conditional on availability of funding and require divisional recommendation, Department Head approval and the concurrence of the Department of Human Resource Management.  

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by persons assigned to this job.  They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities and skills required of personnel so classified. 

All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. 

POSITION TYPE

Full-Time

POSITION SALARY RANGE

Natural Resources Technician II $ $27.59

DEPARTMENT

Public Lands

Full Time/Part Time:

Full time

Scheduled Hours:

40

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