Positions assist higher-level program managers in a natural resource program; OR act as the highest-level agency expert in a natural resource program; OR provide supervision to professional environmental staff of six or more engaged in the administration and/or planning of an environmental program. Some positions serve as a second line supervisor for the state’s youth corps program

Positions at this level work under administrative direction.

Positions assisting higher-level program management are assigned responsibility by their manager to make recommendations concerning: the development of program goals and objectives; the development of timetables and work plans to achieve program goals and objectives; the development of program policies and procedures; the preparation of program budgets, adjustment of allotments and authorizing expenditures; the control of allocation of program resources; the setting and adjusting of program priorities; and the evaluation of program effectiveness.

Positions designated as a statewide agency expert handle the agency’s most complex, most sensitive, or most critical issues. Incumbents initiate proactive intervention and represent the agency as a technical expert.

Directs staff engaged in natural resource program activities; develops work plans to achieve program goals; evaluates performance; establishes priorities to accomplish assignments; evaluates staffing needs;

Plans, directs, and coordinates special projects; utilizes and coordinates available support functions; evaluates progress and prepares reports;

Prepares and manages budget for unit;

Prepares unit’s goals and objectives consistent with agency program; monitors and evaluates program performance and effectiveness;

Advises agency management on issues related to the unit’s overall plan;

Serves as the designated highest-level technical expert for a natural resource program with responsibility for resolving the most complex, critical, or precedent-setting issues that arise; acts as a resource and provides guidance on specialized technical program issues;

Performs other duties as required.

There may be instances where individual positions must have additional licenses or certification. It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure the appropriate licenses/certifications are obtained for each position.

Persons legally authorized to work in the U.S. under federal law, including Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals recipients, are eligible for employment unless prohibited by other state or federal law.

A Bachelor’s degree in natural resources or area of specialty and four years of professional experience in a natural resource program area, which includes one year of experience as a senior level natural resource professional or higher.

Additional qualifying experience will substitute, year for year, for education.

A graduate degree in one of the above fields will substitute for two years of experience except for the specifically identified experience.

New classes, effective January 1, 2006; Natural Resource Specialist 5 (replaces 62600 Ecology Supervisor A, 62610 Ecology Supervisor B, 62620 Ecology Supervisor C).
Revised class code (formerly 523M), effective July 1, 2007.
Revised definition, typical work and desirable qualifications; added distinguishing characteristics; adopted June 13, 2019, effective July 1, 2019.

Revised Legal Requirements; effective June 6, 2024, due to adopted legislative action.