Environmental Specialist Sr (Data Management)

Overview

This position is responsible for managing hard copy records and electronic data related to the Natural Resources Program, with a focus on spatial data associated with the Balcones Canyonlands Conservation Plan (BCCP) and the Conservation Program. Key responsibilities include implementing established records management protocols and developing and maintaining an organized electronic file structure for spatial data used by Travis County Natural Resources staff and partner organizations for conservation planning and land management.

The role involves conducting GIS analyses as assigned and producing reports for various stakeholders, including the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the BCCP Coordinating Committee, Commissioners Court, the public, and other internal and external entities. The position is also responsible for updating and maintaining online GIS databases for stakeholder use, integrating property boundary and easement data into the GIS system, and preparing updates for the Travis County / BCCP website.

Additionally, the position monitors advancements in spatial technology, such as the application of artificial intelligence, and communicates relevant developments to Natural Resources staff for potential integration into field operations.

This position provides technical support to the Natural Resources Program and therefore requires a comprehensive understanding of environmental projects and program coordination. Strong oral and written communication skills are essential, along with proficiency in GIS for data analysis and mapping, including data entry, manipulation, and interpretation. The ideal candidate will possess excellent organizational and time management skills, as well as a strong attention to detail.

Distinguishing Characteristics

This position provides technical support to the Natural Resources Program and therefore requires a comprehensive understanding of environmental projects and program coordination, such as habitat restoration, climate resilience, ecological monitoring and assessment, prescribed fire planning, water quality protection, etc. Strong oral and written communication skills are essential, along with proficiency in GIS for data analysis and mapping, including data entry, manipulation, and interpretation. The ideal candidate will possess excellent organizational and time management skills, as well as a strong attention to detail.

The position is a hybrid of telework and in-person office work and may require a flexible work schedule to meet department needs.

Responsibilities

• Develops, implements, performs duties of and / or administers a group of countywide natural resource and environmental quality programs or a single program that require a high level of technical skill, specialized knowledge, or expertise as reflected by an accredited certification or extensive experience. Includes planning, carrying out and evaluating projects and activities in support of the programs. Manages multiple projects, contracts and activities consistent with authorized scope, schedule and budget.
• Coordinates efforts with contractors, department staff, other departments and agencies, the regulated community, stakeholders and the general public. Serves as departmental liaison for the designated programs.
• Analyzes and interprets Federal, State and Local environmental regulations. Recommends, develops and implements procedures and projects consistent with environmental regulations. Makes recommendations on compliance to the department and the regulated community.
• Prepares cost estimates, plans and specifications for outside goods or services within the designated areas of program specialization. Prepares request for proposals, assists in contract negotiations with outside vendors and manages approved contracts. Develops purchase requests for supplies and services required for assigned programs and projects. Assists with development of grant proposals, applications, and contracts for services with other agencies as sources for additional funding.
• Analyzes, evaluates and presents data, maintain databases and prepares written reports. Presents findings and reports to department staff and management, other agencies, the Commissioners Court and the public.
• Conducts education and outreach to the general public by participating in information meetings, trainings, and conferences to explain issues related to the programs goals. Represents the department by working closely with groups, community members and organization representatives.
• Conducts advanced level technical inspections, analyses and or investigations.
• Specific to grants area of specialization : Administers preparation and submission of grant applications for new and continued funding of programs through Federal, State, Local and County sources, including maintaining grant accurate records and prepare monthly reports of progress, monitoring contractual compliance, reviews projects, coordinates efforts between funding agencies, and schedules items for approval.
• Specific to grants area of specialization : Identifies funding sources, develops projects and writes grant proposals. Communicates and meets with funding agencies, and assists with taking the application through the approval process. Responds to information requests.
• Serves on committees and task forces dealing with environmental or grants issues.
• Reviews projects in the Natural Resources and Environmental Quality programs. Reviews project operations to ensure timely submission of progress reports.
• Supports civil enforcement, as required.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Education and Experience :

Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Policy, Technical Writing or a directly related field AND three (3) years experience the program specialization areas listed above;

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.

Depending on assigned duties, may require certification in the designated specialty field such as : International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Arborist Certification, International Erosion Control Association (IECA) certification (e.g. Certified Professional in Erosion and Sediment Control, CPESC), Pest Control Applicator License, Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER), or Certified Grant Management Specialist as recognized by the National Grants Management Association.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities :

Knowledge of :

Skill in :

Ability to :

Physical requirements include the ability to lift / carry up to 20-50 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 a 4-wheel drive vehicle, standing, walking / hiking (some rough terrain), carrying, sitting, repetitive motion, reaching, climbing stairs, bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, pushing, pulling, balancing, client / customer contact, squatting to perform the essential functions. May work in extreme temperature / weather change / conditions, and smoke on prescribed or wild fires. Maybe subject to contact with dangerous machinery, fumes, communicable / infectious disease, and hazardous chemicals.

Work Hours : 8 am - 5 pm, Monday-Friday. May work some holidays, some nights, some weekends

Location : 700 Lavaca Street Austin, TX 78745.

Department : TNR (Trans & Natrl Resrc)

Criminal, Driving, Education, and Employment Background Checks Required.

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.

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