Supervisor - Invasive Species Program

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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 theInvasive 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 and is identified as Supervisor – Parks Maintenance classification in the City of Raleigh position classification structure. 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.

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by employees in this job. Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

• 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 through the prioritization of invasive species control projects, the allocation of resources needed to successfully achieve management objectives, and the development of integrated pest management (IPM) strategies.
• 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.
• 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.
• Supervises the part-time ISP Assistant Coordinator position; leads and/or assists PRCR staff, volunteers, and external partners in on-the-ground implementation of Departmental invasive species control efforts using a variety of tools and techniques.
• Utilizes GPS/GIS tools and other platforms to implement field mapping strategies, as well as the diligent recording/reporting of field applications, procurement processes, and the safe storage of approved pesticides, tools, and equipment.
• Supports the development and delivery of public outreach campaigns, programs, presentations, and/or educational materials (i.e., flyers, brochures, newsletters, signage, etc.) geared toward informing Raleigh citizens about the threat of invasive species and program activities.

Education and Experience:

Associate's Degree in Horticulture, Landscape Design, Grounds Maintenance, Pest Control or related field; 5 to 7 years’ experience in specialized turf maintenance, landscape design/maintenance, parks maintenance, arboriculture or related work

OR

Any equivalent combination of training and/or experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities may be substituted

Licensing and Certifications:

• Valid North Carolina Class C Driver's License with a satisfactory driving record, or the ability to obtain within 60 days of hire

Preferred Qualifications:

• N.C. Pesticide/Herbicide Applicators License (preferred categories include 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
• Four additional years of experience related to Horticulture, Landscape Design, Grounds Maintenance and Pest Control
• Supervisory experience

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Common non-native invasive plant and wildlife species of the SE United States; Knowledge of 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.)
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and/or regulations pertaining to herbicide/pesticide purchasing, handling, storage, and applications
• supervisory principles, practices, and techniques; experience with developing work plans, authoring detailed reports, and maintaining required records
• Advanced working experience with GPS/GIS and the utilization of related field technology
• Experience working with a variety of stakeholders including government agencies, non-governmental organizations, private contractors, and/or public groups; managing stakeholder interests that may be in conflict; Experience leading volunteer groups to complete invasive species management goals

ADA and Other Requirements:

Work Environment and Physical Effort:
Sedentary: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally, a negligible amount of force frequently, and/or constantly having to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects, including the human body.

Work Environment:
Work is typically performed in an office or similar indoor environment and an outdoor environment. Employees may occasionally work in a street environment (near moving traffic), a construction site, in a vehicle and warehouse environments.

Work Exposures:
Employees may occasionally interact with individuals who are hostile or irate, extreme cold (below 32 degrees), extreme heat (above 100 degrees), communicable disease, moving mechanical parts, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals or substances, and loud noises(85+ decibels average over 8-hour working day such as heavy trucks, jack hammers, leaf blowers, lawn mowers, construction).

City of Raleigh is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employe. accommodations for individuals with disabilities are provided upon request.