Job Details

Agency
Dept of Natural and Cultural Resources

Division
Division of Land , Water Stewardship

Job Classification Title
Environmental Specialist I (NS)

Position Number
65042653

Grade
NC12

About Us

The North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) takes care of the things that people love about North Carolina. DNCR manages over 100 locations across the state, including 27 historic sites, seven history museums, two art museums, five science museums, four aquariums, 35 state parks, four recreation areas, dozens of state trails and natural areas, the North Carolina Zoo, the State Library, the State Archives, the N.C. Arts Council, the African American Heritage Commission, the American Indian Heritage Commission, the State Historic Preservation Office, the Office ofState Archaeology, the Highway Historical Markers program, the N.C. Land and Water Fund, and the Natural Heritage Program. The Department's vision is to be the leader in using the state's natural and cultural resources to build the social, cultural, educational, and economic future of North Carolina. Everyone is welcome. For more information, please visit www.dncr.nc.gov. We encourage you to apply to become a part of our team!

Description of Work
North Carolina's Natural Heritage Program is recruiting 3 field Botanists/Ecologists to conduct assessments of hurricane damage to species populations and subsequent monitoring within Special Interest Areas (SIAs) and other high quality natural areas in the Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests. Biologists will survey and document the locations and status of natural communities and rare and endemic plants identified in the Forest Plan's Species of Conservation Concern List, U.S. Endangered Species, and NCNHP Rare Plant Lists. These assessments will help inform recommendations for habitat restoration and management actions. Work priorities include:

(1) Design and implement field studies to identify, evaluate, and document occurrences of exemplary natural communities and rare species habitats;
(2) Evaluate and compile biological resource data about the extent, rarity, and occurrences of the state's rare plant species and natural communities;
(3) Participate in the development of the Natural Heritage Program biological inventory database;
(4) Provide information to the US Forest Service, collaborators, and stakeholders regarding the management and protection of natural communities and rare habitats; and
(5) Work with the US Forest Service to secure natural area protection and management.

This work requires excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, reliability, and the ability to work effectively independently and as part of a team. These positions are based in the Mountain Region of North Carolina and stationed in the DNCR Western Office (Asheville) or remote/home-based. These positions may require frequent travel overnight to conduct field surveys throughout Western North Carolina. Work is subject to both office and outdoor environmental conditions.

Key Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

- Conduct field surveys of natural areas, Special Interest Areas (SIAs), and additional areas identified as of interest within and adjacent to the Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests including: inventories of the occurrences of the state's high quality natural communities and rare plants, monitor locations with hurricane damage, map natural communities, rare plant occurrences, and non-native invasive species (NNIS), make recommendations for management actions, and prepare detailed reports and GIS maps.

- Coordinate and consult with US Forest Service (USFS) staff and partners to identify priority sites, ecosystem types, and species for assessment.

- Contribute to the development of the Program's data management system and to the dissemination of spatial data for USFS use; incorporate detailed observations and maps of botanical, and/or natural community data into the Program's "Biotics" data management system in a timely manner.

- Identify and facilitate protection of high-priority natural areas and recommend protection strategies and management practices for natural heritage areas and Special Interest Areas: advise and help implement restoration activities that aid in the recovery of SIAs and/or listed species, assist with assessments, and prepare biological resource reports for compliance.

- Interpret scientific data provided to USFS partner agencies, researchers, private conservation organizations and individuals and assist as needed in developing descriptions of proposed actions when making management recommendations.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences

Recruitment Range: $45,926.00 - $63,147.00

To receive credit for your work history and credentials, you must provide the information on the application form. Any information omitted from the application form, listed as general statements, listed under the text resume section, or on an attachment will not be considered for qualifying credit.

Candidates meet the minimum qualifications of this position if they meet the minimum education and experience listed on the vacancy announcement. Vacancy specific knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) and/or management preferences are not required. Applicants who possess the following are preferred:

• Demonstrated knowledge of identification and habitat requirements of North Carolina rare botanical species and demonstrated field experience identifying native plants in their natural habitats.
• Experience using the NC Natural Heritage Program Classification of the Natural Communities of North Carolina to identify, classify, and map natural communities in the field.
• Professional experience using ArcGIS software to create and edit maps.
• Experience conducting biological field surveys in Western NC (preferred) or Southeastern United States and biological expertise gained through field experience over and beyond formal education.

Position/Physical Requirements

• Must be available to work the schedule of Monday - Friday 8:30am - 5:00pm with flexibility in schedule possible to meet the 40/hr. requirement.
• Must be able to conduct field investigations that may require exposure to inclement weather, insects, hot and cold temperatures, and long hours traversing over rough terrain (often without a trail) with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Must have a valid driver's license issued from within the United States or be able to obtain one within 90 days of employment.

This position is deemed eligible for hybrid telework under DNCR's Telework Policy.

Please note: Job postings close at 11:59:59 p.m. the night before the listed Posting End Date above.

WE ARE RECRUITING FOR MULTIPLE VACANCIES.

This position is located at:

DNCR/L&W Western Office

176 Riceville Rd.

Asheville, NC 28805

This is a time-limited position, subject to funding availability, which may last up to 36 months. Time limited employees are eligible for State Benefits. Although the length of time this position will be active cannot be determined, it has the potential to extend up to 3 years (36 months). If you have questions concerning the time-limited status of this position, you may inquire at the interview.

Minimum Education and Experience

Some state job postings say you can qualify by an "equivalent combination of education and experience." If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide for details.

Bachelor's degree in one of the agricultural, biological, engineering, environmental or natural resource sciences or a closely related curriculum from an appropriately accredited institution;

OR

an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Section/Unit Description

North Carolina's Natural Heritage Program is mandated by the state Nature Preserves Act of 1985 and the associated administrative rules to (1) identify through systematic research and recommend for conservation the natural areas which best exemplify North Carolina's natural heritage, (2) facilitate development of a statewide system of protected natural areas in public and private ownership, (3) formulate and disseminate rare species management recommendations, (4) influence private individuals, corporations and public agencies which own natural areas to protect those areas, (5) provide interpretation of biological information, and coordinate with and advise other agencies, (6) involve and inform citizens and landowners, increase public environmental awareness, and (7) maintain information regarding the distribution and status of rare species to support designation under the Endangered Species Act.

Division Description

The Division of Land and Water Stewardship is a nonregulatory division within the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources that provides information and assistance to support effective conservation. The division is an integral part of the state's conservation efforts and seeks to maintain a positive relationship with communities through partnerships with local, state, and federal agencies, industries, organizations, and private citizens.

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Supplemental and Contact Information

The Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) selects applicants for employment based on required education and experience and job-related knowledge, skills, and abilities without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age (40 or older), disability, National Guard or veteran status, genetic information, political affiliation, or political influence.

We are an Employment First state, ensuring that people with disabilities have equal opportunities to succeed in the state government workplace. DNCR supports pay equity for women, establish paid parental leave for birth, adoption, and foster care, and implement fair chance policies. Join a team that welcomes, values, respects and supports all members of our work community.

Application Process

Be sure to complete the application in its entirety. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing this application.

• Information should be provided in the appropriate areas, to include the following: Education, including high school and all degrees obtained, Work Experience, and Certificates & Licenses. It is critical to our screening and salary determination process that applications contain comprehensive candidate information.
• Answers to Supplemental Questions are not a substitute for providing all relevant information within the body of your application. To receive credit for the supplemental questions, you must provide supporting information within the "Work Experience" section of the application, to support your answers.
• Due to the volume of applications received, we are unable to provide information regarding the status of your application. The hiring process may take several weeks.
• Be sure to complete the application in full. Applicants are unable to submit more than one application to an individual posting. Only one application received prior to the closing date will be accepted. Applications must be submitted by 11:59:59 PM on the night prior to the closing date

Degree/College Credit Verification

Degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions. Transcripts, and degree evaluations may be uploaded with your application. If you have student loans, becoming a state employee includes eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. Visit www.studentaid.gov to learn more.

Veteran's and National Guard Preference

Applicants seeking Veteran's Preference must attach a DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, along with the state application.

Applicants seeking National Guard Preference must attach an NGB 23A (RPAS), along with the state application if they are a current member of the NC National Guard in good standing.

Applicants who are former member of either the NC Army National Guard or the NC Air National Guard, with honorable discharge and six years of creditable service must attach a copy of the DD 256 or NGB 22, along with the state application.

ADA Accommodations

Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA), DNCR is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, DNCR will ensure that persons with disabilities, or known limitations covered by the PWFA, are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact the person indicated below.

Employment Eligibility

It is the policy of the State of North Carolina and DNCR that all employees provide proof of employment eligibility (immigration and naturalization) on the first day of employment. We participate in E-Verify (Employment Eligibility Verification System).

CONTACT INFORMATION:

N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources

Division of Human Resources

109 E. Jones Street, Raleigh, NC 27601

919-###-####

EEO Statement

The State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices.

Recruiter:
Mary Caroline McClintock

Email:

...@dncr.nc.gov