3421 – Chief Natural Resource Specialist

• Supervises staff that surveys and inspects trees, shrubs, grass, rights of way and other vegetation, aquatics and structures for evidence of disease or presence of harmful pests by using visual aids, field observations and history records.
• Monitors pest ecosystems to evaluate the presence of pest species, natural pest predators, and conditions that may contribute to pest problems.
• Oversees and provides expertise in the development of integrated pest management program strategy to protect city lands in Alameda Watershed, which includes identifying and prioritizing NNIP based on Early Detection and Rapid Response, developing management strategies and annual workplans, enlisting staff and contracts to implement the program, and documenting work completed.
• Oversees the safe use of traps, chemical and non-chemical methods to manage pests.
• Maintains detailed IPM records in GIS applications (i.e. Field Maps or Survey 123), for site evaluations, recommendations, and work completed.
• Provides expertise, assistance, and training to staff, contractors, and the public about pest biology, the IPM approach, new pest management strategies, and toxicology of pesticides for use; corresponds and coordinates with outside agencies as necessary.
• Supervises and monitors the mixing and Application of various recommended chemicals, fertilizers, compounds, and baits to be used for the treatment, elimination, or control of specific conditions found.
• Supervises or provides technical direction and oversight to staff, interns, and contractors.
• Implements pest control measures in accordance with the City’s Integrated Pest Management Program (Chapter 39 of the San Francisco Administrative Code).
• Works with Pest Control Adviser (PCA) consultant, as needed, to provide pest control recommendations for treatment of NNIP on the Alameda Watershed.
• Operates and maintains specialized equipment such as sprayers of various types, small boats to spray lakes for algae and weed control, and/or large capacity truck sprayer for surface areas.
• Directs the work of a driver in the operation of a spray truck.
• Requisitions and evaluates needed supplies and keeps records of chemicals used and recommendations for spray control operations.
• Develops contract scopes of work and budgets, oversees contactors, tracks and manages budgets.
• Provides monthly pesticide use reports to the County as required by State and Local law; completes incident reports and employee evaluations.
• Performs related duties as required for Class 3421 – Chief Natural Resources Specialist.

Minimum Qualifications: Minimum qualifications reflect the lowest level of acceptable education and/or experience required of an individual such that the individual reasonably could be expected to satisfactorily perform the duties of the position. Candidates must meet all the requirements established by the MQs to be considered for the position.

Experience:

• Four (4) years of professional experience in the conservation and management of natural ecosystems, native plant communities and wildlife habitat.

License:

• Possession of a Qualified Applicator’s Certificate (QAC) or a Qualified Applicator’s License (QAL) from the State of California Department of Pesticide Regulation; AND
• Possession of a valid California Driver’s License.

Substitutions:

• Completion of coursework in Biological Sciences, Natural Resource Management, and Earth Science from an accredited college or university may substitute for up to eighteen (18) months of the required experience. Thirty (30) semester / forty-five (45) quarter units equals one (1) year.
• Three (3) years of professional gardening experience may substitute for up to one (1) year of the required experience.

Applicants must meet the minimum qualification requirement by the final filing date unless otherwise noted. Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed to advance through all of the steps in the selection process.

Desirable Qualifications: The stated desirable qualifications may be considered at the end of the selection process when candidates are referred for hiring:

Possession of a current Pest Control Advisor (PCA) license with the California Department of Pesticide Regulation (CDPR).