Parks Natural Resource Planner

Description

Under general direction, to research, plan, analyze and implement ongoing Countywide natural resource conservation projects and/or components of larger environmental conservation programs.

Typical Tasks

• Functions as a project leader for natural resource conservation and land use by, establishing procedures, setting goals, and assuming responsibility for the final recommendations;
• Leads in the preparation and submittal of the public projects application package for covered parks activities/projects to the new Habitat Agency staff;
• Provides technical review and assistance on the Habitat Agency's preparation of a Reserve Unit Management Plan;
• Plans for the allocation, management and protection of department natural resources;
• Performs environmental reviews and ensures adherence to regulatory requirements;
• Keeps management apprised of developments having a Departmental or Countywide impact;
• Prepares presentations, project proposals and other materials to represent the County before various groups, organizations, and commissions;
• Participates in meetings, committees, conferences, workshops, etc. as a representative of the Department;
• Confers with various entities including scientists, engineers, regulators, Habitat Agency staff, etc. to plan or review projects;
• Collaborates with the Park Planning Division and affected staff to plan production activities;
• Designs and coordinates successive phases of problem analysis and solution proposals;
• Prepares and administers budgets and financial reports;
• Assists in the research and preparation of grant applications;
• Provides stewardship for plant or animal resources or habitats; studies land use, monitors animal populations/ resources;
• Completes California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)/ National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) permit applications from regulatory agencies;
• Develops and maintains databases, Geographic Information System (GIS) maps and data records related to tracking and monitoring the progress of assigned projects;
• Develops user manuals, checklists and internal procedural memos;
• May be assigned as a Disaster Service Worker, as required;
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Employment Standards

Sufficient education and experience to demonstrate the possession and application of the following knowledge and abilities:

Training and Experience Note: The required knowledge and abilities are attained through training and experience equivalent to possession of a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in Regional Planning, Biology, Botany, Environmental and Natural Resource Planning, Environmental Biology, Environmental Studies, Environmental Science, Environmental Management and Protection or a closely related Natural Science field.

• AND -

Three (3) years of professional planning experience.

A Master's degree in a closely related field may be substituted for one (1) year of the required experience.

Knowledge of:

• Basic aims, trends, concepts, principles, techniques and legal aspects of city and regional planning, zoning administration and regional habitat conservation plans;
• Species, natural communities, ecosystems, ecosystem processes and their conservation needs in Santa Clara County;
• Wildlife and vegetation monitoring/surveying techniques;
• Implications of physical, economic, aesthetic and social factors involved in city and regional planning including the development of urban and suburban environments;
• Governmental organization operations and community interrelationships;
• Research and statistical methods;
• Computer applications, such as word processing, spreadsheets, databases and geospatial software;
• Socioeconomic trends, land use and development patterns as they relate to natural resources;
• Cartographic and infographic design skills;
• Publishing geospatial data and maps to the Web.

Ability to:

• Apply environmental guidelines, regulatory requirements and conditions, evaluate and analyze biological data and technical reports;
• Organize and conduct research studies, manage projects and supervise/manage the work of consultants;
• Prepare comprehensive reports or projects findings, using graphic aids;
• Develop recommendations based on studies, field observation and public contact;
• Speak and write effectively;
• Conduct appropriate procurement process to retain qualified consultants and other expert assistance;
• Understand and relate to others the aims, concepts and principles of city and regional planning and regional habitat conservation plans;
• Establish and maintain effective relationships with those contacted in the course of work;
• Lead and/ or work with inter-disciplinary teams;
• Manage multiple, concurrent projects.