Class Series Concept

See NATURAL RESOURCE SPECIALIST 1.

Definition

Positions independently plan, prioritize, coordinate and implement forest eco-system programs (resource management and/or regulatory) or contract management and land development activities within agricultural, aquatic, and/or commercial lands program(s) in an assigned geographic area or district. Some positions serve as a staff assistant performing a variety of professional projects and tasks within assigned specialized forestry programs or as a staff assistant performing a variety of professional projects or tasks within an assigned land management program.  Some positions may supervise other professionals and/or skilled technicians.

Typical Work

As a local unit manager, performs professional field activities and supervises local unit employees to conduct or perform activities assigned to the unit; 

Recommends activities for inclusion in district plans; schedules planned and assigned activities, writes site-specific silviculture prescriptions; 

Gathers and provides information and meets with other agencies, interest groups, industry and individuals concerning agency programs and activities; 

Performs and supervises enforcement of law, rules and regulations assigned and delegated to local unit for administration;  

Recommends timber sales and/or reforestation activities for inclusion in plans; 

Evaluates state-owned lands to establish best and most profitable use and to initiate development actions; 

Analyzes and determines leasing and marketing structures and environmental and legislative requirements; 

Conducts land evaluation studies; completes surveys, locating property lines and site conditions; prepares maps and reports describing and analyzing observed conditions such as accessibility, terrain, vegetation, soils, local crops and tilling practices, area developments and use practices; proposes and justifies special studies; 

Drafts easements and legal descriptions and researches requests for right of way over state owned land; 

Drafts contracts for the lease of state-owned land; 

Positions may supervise lower level staff.

Legal Requirement(s)

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. 

Desirable Qualifications

Positions typically require one to two years of professional experience as a Natural Resource Specialist 1 or three years of experience in other natural resource specialties such as natural resource engineering, land management, land technician, natural resource technician, forest cruising, or engineering aid.  OR A Bachelor’s degree in a related specialty area and two to three years of professional experience in that specialty. 

For some positions, a Master’s or Ph.D. will substitute for one year of experience.

Class Specification History

New class effective January 1, 2006; Natural Resource Specialist 2 (replaces 17040 Land Manager 2, 95230 Forester 2).
New class code, formerly 523J, effective July 1, 2007.