POSITION AVAILABILITY Ecological Technician (Ecologist I) The Fairfax County Park Authority is seeking an Ecological Technician to assist with invasive plant management, habitat restoration and education & outreach. This position will join the Natural Resource Management and Protection (NRMP) Branch of the Fairfax County Park Authority. Our staff is responsible for the management, protection and stewardship of natural resources on approximately 24,000 acres of parkland in Fairfax County, VA. This is a limited-term exempt position that will be scheduled to work 1560 hours per year, which on average is 30 hours per week. Compensation will be $25.00 per hour.
The Fairfax County Park Authority currently has limited in-house abilities to remove invasive plants and perform habitat restoration. The Ecological Technician will supplement herbicide spray work done by a professional contractor, as well as monitor restoration projects and record spatial data. Education and outreach as well as volunteer management will be a key component of the position. Applicants should be mature, self-motivated, highly organized, and comfortable working alone in the field, as well as with groups. Responsibilities of the Ecological Technician include: • Control invasive plants using manual control techniques and/or herbicides • Collect and manage spatial data using handheld devices/GPS units/desktop computers • Monitor current and future restoration projects • Maintain care of restoration plantings, which may include watering • Perform non-native invasive plant species assessments on parkland • Identify native and non-native plants • Participate in volunteer invasive plant removal events • Organize, deliver and procure tools and supplies • Update and distribute outreach materials (print & digital) • Outreach to staff and citizens on invasive species issues • Development of written and oral reports • May directly supervise seasonal employee(s) and/or volunteers • Other tasks as assigned This is a seasonal position with the option to purchase county health benefits; no other county benefits are included. Funding for this position is expected to be renewed on an annual basis, however this is not guaranteed. Schedule is flexible during the workweek, but will require occasional evenings and weekends. Minimum Qualifications: • Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s degree in ecology, biology, botany, geography, environmental science, natural resource management, or related field • Plant identification skills and experience using dichotomous keys • Knowledge of non-native invasive plants • Experience navigating in the field using aerial photos, maps and compass • Experience using hand-held GPS units • Knowledge and experience with GIS spatial data • Knowledge and experience with the Microsoft Office suite of programs • Ability to work well independently and with little supervision • Able to handle multiple tasks concurrently • Possess clear, direct communication skills and good interpersonal skills with the ability to present complex information effectively to a wide range of audiences • Ability to work long hours in adverse weather conditions with potential exposure to insects, poison ivy, and uneven terrain • Ability to lift at least 40 lbs. • Ability to obtain Virginia Certified Pesticide Technician status within a reasonable time from hire • Valid US Driver’s License Preferred Qualifications • Familiarity with the flora of the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States • Experience working with volunteers • Experience with data collection using a handheld or resource-grade GPS • Experience with ArcGIS software, including ArcGIS Online • Any relevant skills and certifications such as CPR/First Aid, Virginia Certified Pesticide Technician or Virginia Certified Commercial Applicator with Right-of-Way and Forestry certifications To Apply Applicants should email their resume and a cover letter to est...@fairfaxcounty.gov Please email your application no later than June 5th, 2017. Applications after this date will not be accepted. Fairfax County is an EOE/AA employer
