Park Land Management Supervisor

Job Summary

Travis County Parks is accepting applications for the Park Land Management Supervisor. We are seeking someone with strong wildland fire operational skills, crew management experience, and an interest in assisting in all aspects of land management.

Travis County encompasses the Austin Metropolitan Area which is a rapidly growing area with strong community support for the urban core as well as the conservation and enjoyment of open spaces. Travis County Parks manages over 10,000 acres of parkland across the county and continues to grow and develop its programs to meet community needs.

The Park Land Management Program manages multiple programs with the parks program and is responsible for the development and implementation of natural resources programs. The primary focus is prescribed burn implementation and the program implements 12-24 wildland fire operations each year. We follow the National Wildfire Coordinating Group standards and have an active group of interagency partners.

This position works closely with the Park Land Manager to develop and implement land management activities on lands owned or managed by Travis County Parks division. The Park Land Management Supervisor is responsible for planning and coordinating projects, managing equipment and inventory, and leading a crew that is responsible for activities that include, but not limited to prescribed burning, mechanical thinning, invasive species control, trail maintenance, and vegetation restoration. The Park Land Management Supervisor coordinates activities with other divisions, outside agencies and the public.

Distinguishing Characteristics

This is the second in a series of three park land management-related job classifications within the Professional Support job family. Incumbents use independent judgment to resolve complex issues involved with land management activities. This classification may require a flexible work schedule to meet the needs of the department.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Supervises land management crew and directs the implementation of land management projects on lands owned or managed by Travis County including prescribed burning, mechanical thinning, invasive species control, trail maintenance, vegetation monitoring, and other land management activities; performs field duties and activities with field crew when needed.

• Supervises fire management projects including planning, monitoring, preparations, coordination, and implementation; maintains fire qualifications.

• Evaluates staff job performance, coordinates, and prioritizes schedules and assignments. Assigns and authorizes staff working and non-working hours. On-boards and trains staff.

• Operates heavy equipment, 4-WD vehicles, utility vehicles, chainsaws, power tools, and hand tools.

• Develops program policies and procedures relating to crew management including, but not limited to the management of facilities, vehicles, and equipment.

• Coordinates the collection and display of data, maintains, and updates data through work order systems, GIS applications, and other platforms. Maintains and updates maps, spreadsheets, and related work products.

• Coordinates activities with parks staff, partners, contractors, and the public.

• Develops, plans, and implements goals and objectives for the program. Assists with the development of work plans, prescribed burn plans, land management plans, and other planning projects.

• Assists with the development and management of contracts, budgeting and purchasing; develops training, safety, and outreach programs and coordinates delivery to parks staff, partners, and the public.

• Serves as an advisor and consultant for County parks and staff on a variety of land management issues.

• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements

Education and Experience:

Bachelor's degree in Natural Resources, Environmental Science, Ecology, Biologyor a directly related fieldAND three (3) years' experience in Natural Resources Management, Land Management, or Biology, which may include Project Management or Program Development, and one (1) year of supervisory or management experience.

OR,

Any combination of education and experience that has been achieved and is equivalent to the stated education and experience and required knowledge, skills, and abilities sufficient to successfully perform the duties and responsibilities of this job.

Licenses, Registrations, Certifications, or Special Requirements:

Valid Texas Driver's License.

Individuals in this job will be required to wear a uniform.

Individuals in this job will be required to maintain an Arduous fitness rating as described by the National Wildfire Coordinating Group (complete 3-mile walk within 45 minutes while carrying 45 lbs.).

Preferred:

Pesticide Applicator License

Wildland Firefighter Certification (Red Card Certification)

NWCG Single Resource Boss Qualification or higher

Certified Arborist Qualification and/or experience

ARC View Geographic Information (GIS) Certifications and/or experience

Emergency Medical Technician (or similar) Qualification

Unmanned Aerial System (UAV) Qualification and/or experience

Knowledge of:

• Standard theory, principles, practices and techniques of land management protection and enhancement projects.

• Local ecological systems and conditions, natural science, ecology, and park operations.

• Supervisory principles, practices, and techniques.

• Policies, practices, procedures, methods, and terminologies related to assigned function and land management protection.

• Federal, State, Local and County applicable environmental laws, rules, regulations, and guidelines.

• Fire management practices and procedures in accordance with Federal, State and Local guidelines.

• Characteristics of wildland fire behavior.

• Methods, techniques, and equipment for prescribed fire activities.

• Emergency procedures, including medical, fire suppression and other procedures.

• Applicable safety practices and procedures in the proper use of land management equipment and methodology.

• Computer software or programs to include word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and a variety of software applications, such as ArcView Geographic Information System (GIS) hardware and software.

• Fiscal policies, budget programming and budget tracking.

• Business letter writing, grammar and punctuation, and report preparation.

Skill in:

• Supervising, training, developing, and assigning staff, volunteers and overseeing contractors.

• Fire management practices and procedures.

• Understanding wildland fire behavior.

• Tree inspection and treatment for diseases, parasites, etc.

• Operating ATV's, pumper trucks, and associated equipment.

• Planning and coordinating work activities.

• Explaining complicated technical problems in simple non-technical language.

• Reviewing construction plans, specifications, and contracts for compliance with codes and county policy related to trees.

• The application and design of research techniques and the methods of compiling, organizing, and reporting data.

• Emergency procedures, including medical and other procedures.

• The use of modern GIS software.

• Both verbal and written communication, including conveying and following instructions and providing information to the public.

• Handling and prioritizing multiple tasks.

• Problem-solving and decision-making.

Ability to:

• Safely operate motor vehicles, heavy equipment, 4-WD vehicles and utility vehicles.

• Safely operate 2-way radio, cellphone, bucket truck, chipper, chainsaws, power tools, and hand tools.

• Read and interpret documents, such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.

• Understand wildland fire behavior and recognize the characteristics of extreme fire behavior to ensure staff safety.

• Plan and implement prescribed fires on parks and conservation lands.

• Analyze emergency/problems and take the best course of action to resolve situations.

• Plan, schedule and oversee functions.

• Manage time well, perform and prioritize multiple tasks, organize diverse activities, and implement environmental research and projects and meet timelines

• Prepare and present written reports.

• Adapt to changing situations and circumstances when completing work assignments.

• Effectively communicate under stressful situations.

• Effectively extract specific details from complex information during oral communication.

• Research and provide information, guidance, and technical support as needed or requested.

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with contractors, county employees, officials, representatives of outside agencies, news media, and the public.

• Communicate verbally in a courteous, professional manner with a variety of individuals taking into consideration their needs and using tone, vocabulary, format, and grammar appropriate to the circumstance.

• Work as a member of a team to reach a common goal and/or objective.

• Maintain an Arduous fitness rating as described by the National Wildfire Coordinating Group.

Work Environment & Other Information

Physical requirements include the ability to lift/carry up to 50 pounds occasionally, visual acuity, speech and hearing, hand and eye coordination and manual dexterity necessary to operate a computer and office equipment. Subject to driving, standing, walking/hiking (some rough terrain), good vision and hearing, sitting, repetitive motion, carrying, lifting, vision to monitor, pushing, reaching, bending, stooping, crouching, crawling, kneeling, pushing, pulling, reaching, twisting, balancing, and squatting to perform the essential functions. Subject to extreme temperatures, outside elements, smoke on prescribed or wild fires, dangerous machinery, noise, fumes, vibration, communicable/infectious disease, hazardous chemicals, potential physical harm, contact with dust and insects, and all outdoor hazards, including exposure to poisonous animals and plants. Individuals in this position will be required to maintain an Arduous fitness rating as described by the National Wildfire Coordinating Group (complete 3-mile walk within 45 minutes while carrying 45 lbs.).

Travis County employees play an important role in business continuity. As such, employees can be assigned to business continuity efforts outside of normal job functions.

This job description is intended to be generic in nature. It is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The essential duties, functions and responsibilities and overtime eligibility may vary based on the specific tasks assigned to the position.

Work hours may vary based on business needs.