Title: Invasive Species Specialist

State Role Title: Environmental Specialist I

Hiring Range: $50,000-$55,000

Pay Band: 4

Agency: Dept Conservation & Recreation

Location: Office

Agency Website: www.dcr.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

The Natural Heritage Program's work focuses on science-based conservation to protect Virginia's native biodiversity. Scientists collect data on natural communities and rare plants and animals, develop land conservation data and online mapping tools, and provide up-to-date information to enable timely conservation decisions. The Natural Heritage Program works to conserve and manage natural heritage resources on Natural Area Preserves and collaborates with partners to conserve and manage these resources. Virginia's Natural Area Preserve System provides permanent protection and outdoor recreation access to some of the state and the planet's most ecologically important lands. As a member of NatureServe’s network of programs, DCR's Natural Heritage Program contributes to an understanding and conservation of biodiversity throughout the western hemisphere.
DCR is currently seeking candidates for TWO full-time, classified, Invasive Species Specialist positions located in Richmond, Virginia. These positions are critical for implanting the Virginia Invasive Species Management Plan, in particular with the monitoring, early detection, and rapid response to emerging invasive species threats across the Commonwealth. These positions are part of a team of natural areas stewards managing the state natural area preserve system that protects outstanding examples of Virginia’s natural communities and provides habitat for rare plants and animals. These two positions are based in Richmond, Virginia.
Responsibilities include: assisting the Invasive Species Coordinator, providing equipment maintenance and preparation, technical skills, and assistance with field operations such as invasive species removal, surveys, and restoration of native plant species, and other program support tasks as required and appropriate. This position will participate in and assist with updates to the Virginia Invasive Species Management Plan and assessments of emerging threats for potential listing in DCR’s Virginia Invasive Plant Species List.
This position will collaborate on the ground with technicians and stewards across the division of Natural Heritage as well as in partner agencies, focused on those partners’ missions and highest priority invasive species threats and challenges. Additionally, the Invasive Species Specialists will collect, aggregate, and maintain geospatial data on invasive species in the Commonwealth, with a special focus on state-owned natural resource lands. In addition to conducting and collaborating on field surveys documenting infestations, each Invasive Species Specialist will work with national mapping efforts such as EDDMapS.org and iNaturalist.org to leverage citizen scientists and resource professionals using these platforms. Information products generated by this position will provide guidance for risk assessments, noxious weed assessments, prevention, early detection and rapid response programs, and control efforts conducted by DCR, partner agencies and non-governmental partners.

Minimum Qualifications

Working experience or knowledge of natural resource management, invasive species biology and ecology, and conservation of rare species.
Demonstrated knowledge of natural resources management, conservation biology, forestry, and/or wildlife.
Knowledge of the laws and regulations pertaining to the conservation and use of natural resources of Virginia, as well as invasive species and noxious weed laws, rules and regulations.
Experience operating and maintaining a variety of tools (e.g., herbicide sprayers), vehicles (e.g., UTVs, trucks, boats), and equipment (e.g., trailers).
Experience with invasive species management.
Experience navigating off trail using a GPS, map, and compass.
Proficiency with personal computer applications including word processing, spreadsheets, and geospatial analysis and cartography.
Experience with AGOL, data dashboards, and StoryMaps.
Strong skills in oral and written communication, organization and problem solving.
Ability to travel occasionally and both work independently and as a member of a team.

Additional Considerations

Experience and FAA certification for use of small unmanned aerial systems to capture remote imagery for surveying and monitoring invasive species.
Individual is required to possess or have the ability to obtain a valid Virginia driver’s license and certifications in CPR and First Aid, pesticide application, and other certifications as necessary.
Experience supervising contractors, volunteers, and wage staff.

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

A valid State Driver's License is required to operate a state vehicle or if operating a personal vehicle while conducting business on behalf of the agency.
DCR is committed to the principles of equal employment opportunity and the highest ideals of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We believe that our greatest strength lies in the individual differences, experiences, and skillsets that our employees bring to the table. Because of this, we strongly encourage applications from all walks of life, and we welcome all contributions in terms of age, beliefs, color, culture, disability, education, ethnicity, gender identity/expression, language, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, and veteran’s status.
Selected candidate(s) will need to complete the I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification Form. DCR participates in E-Verify.
Minorities, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and people with National Service experience are encouraged to apply. EEO/AA/TT

Contact Information

Name: Human Resources

Phone: n/a

Email: n/a

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.