Conservation Science Program Manager I

Job Description Summary Department - Conservation Lands & ResourcesJob Description

OPEN TO CURRENT PIMA COUNTY EMPLOYEES ONLY

Job Type: Classified

Job Classification: 5319 - Conservation Science Program Manager I

Salary Grade: 14

Pay Range Hiring Range: $65,457 - $78,540 Annually Pay Range: $65,457 - $91,644 Annually

Range Explanation:

• Hiring Range is an estimate of where you can receive an offer. The actual salary offer will carefully consider a wide range of factors, including your skills, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, training, and internal equity.
• Pay Range is the entire compensation range for the position.

The Conservation Lands & Resources Department is looking for a person to oversee Pima County's Ecological Monitoring Program (EMP), as a Conservation Science Program Manager I. The EMP is a core part of the County's Multi-Species Conservation Plan (MSCP), which is part of the Sonoran Desert Conservation Plan that addresses Endangered Species Act compliance.

This position supervises staff biologists as well as works with County departments, external agencies, and partners to plan, design, and implement a variety of monitoring protocols and studies that cover Sonoran Desert plant and animal species, particularly those species covered by the MSCP. A significant part of this position will be spent in the field working in sometimes challenging environments. The position is responsible for using a variety of tools, methodologies, and software to collect and manage ecological monitoring data, and is responsible for analyzing and communicating the results of that data in reports and presentations. The successful candidate collaborates internally and externally to promote conservation and stewardship of Pima County lands and natural resources.

Essential Functions:

As defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, this classification may include any of the following tasks, knowledge, skills, and other characteristics. This list is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by incumbents of this class. Work assignments may vary depending on the department’s need and will be communicated to the applicant or incumbent by the supervisor.

• Demonstrates expertise in identifying and understanding Sonoran Desert plants and animals, with a focus on species covered by the County’s MSCP and the Ecological Monitoring Program;
• Uses a range of tools, methodologies, mobile devices, and software to efficiently collect and manage data for the Ecological Monitoring Program and other key programmatic areas;
• Stores, manipulates, and analyzes geospatial data to support and advance programmatic goals;
• Creates and executes specialized field monitoring protocols and techniques to assess resource trends and conditions;
• Performs fieldwork in demanding environments, including extreme terrain and weather conditions, to support programmatic objectives including the Ecological Monitoring Program;
• Analyzes, interprets, and presents ecological data using various statistical methods and software to inform decision-making;
• Clearly explains natural resource and conservation concepts to County departments, external agencies, experts, and the public both verbally and in writing;
• Leads and collaborates effectively with internal County teams and inter-agency groups to promote stewardship and conservation of County lands and natural resources;
• Oversees and mentors professional staff involved in implementing programs related to the County’s MSCP or Sonoran Desert Conservation Plan (SDCP);
• Ensures County compliance with restrictive covenants and legal protections for conservation lands;
• Evaluates private development proposals and state or federal projects, recommending measures to minimize and mitigate impacts on County conservation interests;
• Analyzes complex regulatory issues and develops appropriate environmental mitigation plans and conservation strategies;
• Develops and manages contracts and intergovernmental agreements related to the program.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in natural resource management, environmental science, conservation biology, biology, wildlife biology, botany, city, urban, or regional planning, remote sensing, geography, landscape architecture or a closely-related field as determined by the department head at the time of recruitment AND four years of experience in a professional capacity in natural resource management and/or conservation INCLUDING one year of lead/supervisory experience.

(Relevant experience and/or education from an accredited college or university may be substituted.)

OR:

Four years of experience with Pima County in a Conservation Science Program Coordinator or closely-related position as determined by the department head at the time of recruitment.

Qualifying education and experience must be clearly documented in the "Education" and "Work Experience" sections of the application. Do not substitute a resume for your application or write "see resume" on your application.

Preferred Qualifications: (Be specific in describing your experience in your application. Ensure the descriptions provided illustrate your competencies, specifically addressing the required and preferred qualifications.):

• Minimum five (5) years experience applying a variety of methods to inventory or monitor plant or animal species, including two (2) years of experience with Sonoran Desert plant and animal species.
• Minimum five (5) years experience with data analysis and management principles, practices, and programs.
• Minimum five (5) years experience creating written, oral, and web-based communication, such as technical reports, publications, and public presentations of a science-based nature.
• Graduate degree (MA, MS, PhD) in natural resource management, environmental science, conservation biology, biology, wildlife biology, or closely related field.

Selection Procedure:

Pima County Human Resources Department reserves the right to admit to the selection process only those candidates that meet the minimum qualifications. All applications will be assessed based on an evaluation of the listed education and experience. Candidates meeting the minimum qualifications may be further evaluated/scored against any advertised Preferred Qualifications. The hiring authority will interview and select the successful candidate from a referral list provided by Human Resources. Additional assessments/testing may be required as part of the selection process.

Supplemental Information:

Licenses and Certificates: Valid driver license is required at time of application. Valid AZ driver license is required at time of appointment. The successful applicant will be subject to a 39-month DOT Motor Vehicle Record review to determine applicant’s suitability to operate county vehicles in accordance with Pima County administrative procedures. Failure to obtain and maintain the required licenses and certifications shall be grounds for termination. Any offer of employment resulting from this recruitment is contingent upon Fleet Services’ review and approval of the candidate’s driving record.

Special Notice Items: Some positions may require satisfactory completion of a personal background investigation by the court or law enforcement agencies, due to the need for access to County Attorney and Court facilities, records, and communication systems. The County requires pre-employment background checks. Successful candidates will receive a post-offer, pre-employment background screening to include verification of work history, education, and criminal conviction history. A prior criminal conviction will not automatically disqualify a candidate from employment with the County. Pima County determines whether a position is eligible for visa sponsorship at the time of recruitment. Eligibility is based on the requirements of the position and applicable laws and regulations. Not all positions with Pima County are eligible for visa sponsorship.

Physical/Sensory Requirements: Regularly operate a computer. Regular repetitive wrist/finger movement. Frequent talking and hearing. Regularly moving up and down from/to sitting. Regularly carry up to 40 pounds (field pack). Clarity of vision at 20 feet or more and 20 inches or less. Precise eye-hand coordination. Extremely demanding attention. Ability to judge distance and space relationships. Action Activity - bending, climbing, crawling, kneeling, reaching, squatting and stooping; Motion Activty - simple and firm grasping, and fine movement; Hearing Activity - in noisy areas and behind themselves; Speaking Activity - in person and on the phone; Vision - operate a motor vehicle, distinguish colors, have depth perception and have peripheral vision.

Working Conditions: Occasional work in varying, inclement weather. Occasional hiking in remote, rugged terrain. Moderate noise level.

EEO Information: Pima County Government is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We are committed to an inclusive and diverse workforce and will not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, gender, sexual orientation, kinship, political interest, or any other characteristic protected by law.