Restoration Ecologist

Position Title: Restoration Ecologist (part-time, year-round) (benefits eligible) 

Location: Herrity Building, 12055 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax, Va. 22035. 

Hours: This is a part-time year-round position working an average of 30 hours per week.

Salary: $34.88 to $46.50 per hour. 

Overview: The Natural Resources Branch of the Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) seeks an ecosystem restoration project manager to manage projects within the agency’s countywide ecological restoration program.  The position is 1560 hours per year (part time) and includes medical insurance.  The ecological restoration program is titled Helping Our Land Heal (HOLH) and has worked to restore and manage natural capital assets on FCPA land since 2012 including forests, grasslands and wetlands.  The program emphasizes community level restoration of highly degraded systems to re-build ecosystem function and biological diversity, and to support conservation of natural resources at broader scales. More information is available online at:  https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/nature/helping-our-land-heal.  The program has a strong emphasis on terrestrial systems and does not typically engage in projects related to aquatic systems.

This position will function as a technical support to the team to design, plan, permit, implement and monitor ecosystem restoration projects under the direction of the HOLH program manager. The position will have both office and field responsibilities and may supervise field personnel and volunteers.  Field work will be conducted year-round as needed based on project requirements in addition to planning activities and administrative duties. The position is expected to work both independently and as part of the restoration team, as well as the staff of other programs within the Natural Resource Branch and the wider agency as a whole.

This position will be responsible to carry out the following tasks:

• Apply principles of restoration ecology and wildlife biology to scope and assess need for ecosystem restoration in park natural areas.
• Review scientific literature, plans, legal code and existing datasets to support planning and design processes.
• Collect field data to analyze existing conditions, forest metrics, vegetation, monitor results of treatments, survival surveys, and similar studies.
• Utilize GIS to support all aspects of ecosystem restoration projects including collecting field data; reviewing and analyzing geospatial datasets; editing and managing data; creating maps for plans, reports and communications.
• Consult with agency staff and external partners regarding project goals, plans, implementation, stakeholder engagement and other activities.
• Develop and write project plans, permit applications and progress reports.
• Ensure project compliance with all relevant regulations.
• Prepare presentations and present project information to stakeholders.
• Review and provide oversight of restoration treatments including detailed specifications on plantings, seedings, timber stand improvements, invasive species management, etc.
• Carry out implementation activities directly or through contracted services including activities such as vegetation management, herbivory control, planting, seeding, prescribed burning, etc.
• Supervise and perform quality control of contracted services. Solicit, negotiate and administer contracts for vegetation management, engineering services, plantings, and a wide variety of other activities.
• Assess results of treatments and adjust plans, schedules and budgets as needed.
• Accurately document site visits and all related site work occurring both internal and externally.
• Coordinate and lead groups of staff and/or volunteers in project activities and occasionally provide educational programs. 
• Communicate technical and semi-technical issues to park users and members of the public about project and program activities.
• Participate in the prescribed fire program.

Minimum Qualifications: 

• Any combination of education, experience, and training equivalent to the following: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/hr/equivalencies-education-and-experience
• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in ecology, forestry, biology, botany, zoology, geography, environmental science, natural resource management or related field; plus 
• Two years of experience in terrestrial ecosystem assessment and management, data analysis and reporting, bioassessments (vegetative communities, wildlife) using standard protocols, and assessments of terrestrial habitat conditions.
• Hold a Virginia Certified Registered Technician Pesticide Applicator License or have the ability to obtain one within one year of appointment. 

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Master’s degree in ecology, biology, botany, forestry, geography, natural resources, wildlife, environmental science, or related field.
• Experience in ecological restoration and natural resource management.
• Experience or certifications related to prescribed fire or wildland fire.
• Ability to identify the plant species of Northern Virginia.
• Proficiency using Microsoft Office and ArcGIS.
• Hold a CDL or ability to obtain one within one year of hire. 
• Hold a Virginia Certified Commercial Pesticide Applicator License with a category 2 (Forest Pest Control).

Note: *This position is scheduled to work a minimum 1,040 hours and no more than a maximum of 1,560 hours in a calendar year. This position is eligible to receive limited benefits, including: Medical/Vision/Dental Insurance Coverage, Flexible Spending Program, and Deferred Compensation.

To apply: Please send your resume to Nicholas.Drunasky@fairfaxcounty.gov and FCPAJOBS@fairfaxcounty.gov.

Necessary Special Requirements: 

• The appointee to this position will be required to complete a criminal background check to the satisfaction of the employer.  

Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. Contact 703-324-4900 for assistance. TTY 703-222-7314. EEO/AA/TTY.  

Fairfax County Park Authority prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetics, political affiliation, or military status in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce.