Biologist (Forest Ecosystem)

This position is responsible for the Federal Balcones Canyonlands Conservation Plan permit compliance with regards to forest ecosystem preservation. This position will also manage BCP Preserves.

Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

Is responsible for the day-to-day management of assigned areas.
Plans and implements habitat restoration activities for endangered species.
Plans and participates in prescription burns.
Monitors endangered avian and karst species, rare plants and salamanders, and their habitats.
Analyzes data on changes in habitat caused by manipulation of vegetation.
Conducts cave restorations and cave gate data design and installation oversight.
Writes technical papers and reports. Maintains implementation records.
Directs and implements problem species control programs.
Conducts miscellaneous repairs on damaged fences and installs gates, sign, and erosion controls as needed and constructs and maintains trails, as needed.
Develops and implements public education and outreach programs.

Responsibilities- Supervision and/or Leadership Exercised:

May supervise and train others.

Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

Knowledge of survey techniques for plants/avian and karst species.
Knowledge of local native and non-native plant and avian species.
Knowledge of control species methods for non-native plants, red imported fire ant, and cowbirds.
Knowledge of prescription burning.
Knowledge of functions and operations of interrelating departments and of applicable regulatory requirements.
Knowledge of Federal, State, and Local laws.
Knowledge of City practices, policies, and procedures.
Skill in identifying local native and non-native plant and avian species.
Skill in oral and written communication.
Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
Skill in using computers and related software.
Skill in data analysis and problem solving.
Skill in planning and organizing.
Ability to train others.
Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with other City employees and the public
Ability to meet and maintain driver eligibility standards detailed in the City of Austin Driver Safety Program.

Minimum Qualifications:

Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in a field related to Natural Sciences such as Wildlife Management, Ecology, Conservation Biology, Botany, Zoology, or another related area;

Four (4) years of experience directly related to job duties.

Licenses or Certifications:

Must hold a current pesticide applicators license under Texas Structural Pest Control board or Texas Department of Agriculture, or be able to obtain license within six (6) months of employment.
Valid current Texas Class C Driver License.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience conducting intensive faunal surveys for Golden-Cheeked Warbler and Black-Capped Vireo
Knowledge and experience with the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve and requirements of the federal permit.
Experience with ecosystem restoration and land management in central Texas.
Experience in landscape restoration including coordinating workers, tree planting, constructing berms, restoring impacted springflow, and rebuilding soil
Ability to identify local native and non-native plant, invertebrate, and avian species, and familiarity with central Texas ecology.
Experience with ArcGIS Mapping tools and GPS instrument use.
Experience guiding tours and making presentations to the public and professional groups.
Ability to work independently in rough, remote terrain with little supervision.
Familiarity with Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Physical Requirements:

This position includes an annual Work Capacity Test at the Arduous Level.

This position will require that you be able to perform the following essential job functions with confidence and with or without reasonable accommodations:

Walk long distances on uneven terrain
Stand, sit, bend, stoop, twist, push, pull, climb, kneel, crawl, hear and see clearly with or without corrective lenses/glasses
Lift and carry equipment and supplies weighing up to fifty (50) pounds, unassisted
Work in environments that may include hazardous conditions, walking in dense vegetation and exposure to extreme weather conditions
Wear required PPE to include safety eyewear, footwear, head protection or hearing protection
Work in confined spaces

Selected candidate will be required to complete and pass a pre-employment physical exam to be considered for this position, which includes a Functional (FC) strength/agility test.