Job Information
Spokane County Park Operations Natural Resource Specialist (OPEN & PROMOTIONAL) in Spokane, Washington
Park Operations Natural Resource Specialist (OPEN & PROMOTIONAL)
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Park Operations Natural Resource Specialist (OPEN & PROMOTIONAL)
Salary
$46,645.40 - $65,330.87 Annually
Location
WA 99202, WA
Job Type
Regular
Job Number
25-00068
Department
Parks and Recreation
Opening Date
03/07/2025
Closing Date
Continuous
FLSA
Non-Exempt
Description
Benefits
Questions
Job Summary
This position works 37.5 hours per week.
The position allocated to this class performs journey level work involved in the maintenance, preservation and enhancement of Conservation Futures lands. The incumbent is proficient in a wide variety of activities associated with multiple building, construction and landscaping skills, trades and professions. This position is distinguished from other park maintenance positions by its focus on Conservation Futures properties and the specialized knowledge, skill and commitment required of their enhancement, maintenance and protection. Work is performed independently, under the general supervision of the Parks Operations Supervisor or designee.
TOTAL COMPENSATION: $59,706 - $83,623 annually. Total compensation is an estimate based upon base compensation, median retirement fund contributions, and current employer-paid health and related benefit contribution rates (including medical, dental, life insurance, long term disability, and leave). The actual total will vary depending upon each employee's enrollment choices.
Examples of Duties
Plans and organizes various maintenance, repair, and minor construction projects. Oversees complex assignments through completion.
Maps and records noxious weed infestations and other issues using GPS. Monitors, manages and controls noxious weeds, including use of manual, chemical, and biological control methods in full accordance with law.
Coordinates ecological restoration and erosion control, including seeding, native plant procurement and installation.
Works with and assists with the facilitation/coordination of volunteer groups’ access to project sites. May assist in the delivery of project supplies to volunteers onsite, on an as-needed basis.
Performs all aspects of arboriculture including pruning and removals as well as tree identification and risk assessment.
May assist, plan and carry out pre-commercial thinning projects to enhance forest health and reduce the risk of catastrophic fire.
Constructs, maintains and/or repairs natural surface trails and trail amenities, including use of hand tools and mechanized equipment. Performs tread work, brushing, raking, logouts, new trail construction, rock retaining wall construction and repair, drainage, bridge, and split rail fence construction and trail decommissioning.
Independently, or in coordination with other Park Operations Division staff:
performs carpentry, electrical, plumbing, painting, mechanical, HVAC, masonry and/or other trades work on Department-owned and managed facilities and structures.
performs advanced level electrical work, such as: installation of new electrical breaker panels, fuse boxes, and power circuits, works from blueprints, schematic drawings, or sketches, installs new conduit and wiring from power source to panel box, install, repair or replace electric switches, outlets and interior or exterior wiring. Performs repair, maintenance, and troubleshooting on motors, fixtures, switches, HVAC equipment, and other electrical equipment or appliance.
performs plumbing maintenance and repair assignments, such as: installing new plumbing systems; laying out pipes; running hot and cold-water lines; installing or replacing sewer lines, toilets, sinks, basins, water tanks, drains, and other related plumbing assignment. Repairs or replaces faulty parts or fixtures; reseals or repacks plumbing fixtures.
Performs welding or other fabrication assignments on equipment, facilities or structures.
Monitors conservation lands for trespass, encroachment, vandalism, tree removal, and other illegal activities.
May participate in public relations and outreach functions, including speaking to community organizations, volunteer work groups and environmental organizations regarding conservation futures programs and activities, may assist in answering public inquiries, and attending interest group meetings.
Operates vehicles with attached plows and sander boxes during inclement weather.
Operates heavy equipment including skid steers, backhoes/loaders, excavators, and utility tractors.
Transports heavy equipment to remote locations (CDL required).
Provides direction, assistance, and training to other Department maintenance staff assigned to specific project.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Minimum Requirements
TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE: High School/GED and five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in parks and recreation, land use management, natural resource management, forestry or a related field. An Associates or Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in natural resource sciences, forestry management, or related field may substitute for the experience requirement on a year for year basis.
LICENSE: Requires a valid lawful driver’s license at the time of hire and for the duration of employment. Must have the ability to obtain a WA State Class A CDL, with tanker endorsement, within 6 months of hire. Additional certifications, licenses, and/or special endorsements that may be required or encouraged, include (but are not limited to):
Class C Sawyer Certification
ISA Certified Arborist
Washington State or equivalent Pesticide, Herbicide license/certifications
NOTE: Work may require the performance of duties in adverse weather conditions and a wide variety of environments.
Selection Factors
Knowledge of:
the standards, methods, materials, tools, and equipment used in the trades, maintenance, repair, and construction work.
carpentry, plumbing, electrical, painting, masonry, and other related maintenance trade areas.
trail building and trail work tools, techniques, and standards.
applicable codes and standards governing building construction, maintenance, alteration and repair.
codes and regulations applicable to one or more trades.
occupational standards, safety, and hazardous precautions associated with remote outdoor working environments.
rules, regulations, and laws regarding noxious weed control and pesticide use.
Ability to:
identify different plant species including noxious weeds, trees, and prairie grasses and best management practices associated with maintaining, enhancing, and / or controlling
understand different pesticides and their modes of action for best practice and the safety and health of park users and wildlife.
exercise initiative and sound judgment; work efficiently and safely with limited supervision, as well as in a team environment.
Establish, maintain and foster positive, collaborative relationships with supervisors, coworkers, customers, internal/external stakeholders and others contacted in the course of work.
communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
plan, evaluate and implement improvements to maintenance programs.
provide technical advice on a variety of problems.
analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations in support of goals.
interpret and apply applicable Federal, State, and local ordinances.
read and interpret construction plans, specifications and blueprints, and to recognize deviations from such plans in the construction process.
provide leadership, direction, assistance, training, and monitoring of staff, volunteers, community partners and others who may be assisting with or assigned to specific projects.
follow oral and written instructions.
perform routine facility, structural, or mechanical maintenance and repair assignments.
Skilled in:
- the use and operation of equipment and tools necessary to perform the essential functions of the position.
SPOKANE COUNTY
Employee Benefits Summary
The following is a brief list of benefits available to Spokane County regular employees. Complete information is available from Human Resources Department. This information is subject to change.
PAID TIME OFF
Spokane County Observed Holidays
Up to 10 (ten) paid holidays are observed by Spokane County.
PTO
Non-represented and a select group of represented employees receive a bank of hours that combine both vacation and sick leave into a paid time off bank. There is no waiting period to use this time and it starts out at almost 2 days per month accrual increasing in accrual rates annually for first 5 years.
Vacation
For employees with less than five (5) years of continuous service, the accrual rate is 1 day of vacation each month for a total of 12 days per year. After six (6) months, employees are eligible to take accumulated vacation time. (Please note the vacation time accumulation may vary depending on contract language).
Sick Leave
Sick leave is earned at 1 day per month and can be taken as the days are accumulated.
Other Leaves
Spokane County provides several other paid leaves such as: bereavement leave, jury duty and military duty leave.
INSURANCE BENEFITS
Medical Insurance
Two plans are currently available: Premera Blue Cross (PPO) and Kaiser Permanente (HMO). Spokane County pays 95% of the premium for full-time employees and 90% of the premiums for spouses and dependents. Premiums are deducted each pay period (pay periods: 15th and last day of the month).
2024 Rates:
Premera
Employee Only: $38.04 per month
Employee & Spouse: $149.52 per month
Employee & Family: $209.60 per month
Employee & Child(ren): $136.16 per month
Kaiser:
Employee: $35.92 per month
Employee & Spouse: $140.56 per month
Employee & Family: $196.06 per month
Employee & Child(ren): $128.58 per month
Dental Insurance
Two plans are currently available: Delta Dental of Washington (PPO) and Willamette Dental (DMO). Spokane County pays 95% of the premium for full-time employees and 90% of the premiums for spouses and dependents.
2024 Rates:
Delta Dental Willamette Dental
Employee: $5.74 per month Employee: $5.98 per month
Family: $11.48 per month Family: $11.96 per month
Group Life Insurance
The County provides a $25,000 group life insurance policy to employees. The County provides a $10,000 benefit for those represented by 492, 492CS & 492CL. This benefit is paid in full by Spokane County.
Long Term Disability Coverage
Provides an income protection benefit in the event of a long-term illness or injury at rate of 60% of income up to a maximum of $5,000 per month. Spokane County pays the full premium for this plan. Deputy Sheriff's receive a benefit through their union for disability.
RETIREMENT
Retirement Plan (401a)
Spokane County employees are automatically included in the Washington State Retirement System. Both the employer and the employee contribute to the plan. This retirement plan provides a guaranteed lifetime monthly benefit once vested and eligible for retirement.
Additional Retirement Plan Option (457b)
Employees may supplement their retirement income and save money on taxes by participating in this optional County program. Roth (after-tax) option is also available through this retirement plan.
VOLUNTARY BENEFITS
AFLAC
Supplemental insurance is optional and is provided by AFLAC to help pay for benefits not covered by major medical insurance. The employee pays 100% of the premium.
Travel Assistance
Provides additional travel protections anytime you travel more than 100 miles from home. Includes pre-trip information, emergency ticket replacement, and emergency evacuation coverage. This benefit is paid in full by Spokane County.
Flexible Spending Plan (FSA)
Spokane County sponsors a Section 125 Flexible Spending Account to allow out-of-pocket Medical & Daycare Expenses to be paid with Tax Free Dollars. Premiums are automatically set up pre-tax under the FSA.
Voluntary Term Life Insurance
Voluntary Term Life Insurance is additional optional life insurance provided through The Standard Insurance. New employees are guaranteed up to $50,000 for self and $20,000 for a spouse with no medical underwriting needed.
WORK/LIFE PROGRAMS
Employee Assistance Program
Employees and their family members are eligible to receive free counseling. There are also benefits relating to financial and legal concerns.
Reduced Cost Bus Pass Program
Spokane County participates in a program with STA which discounts bus passes to $5 a month.
Wellness Programs
There are opportunities for nearby exercise programs at reduced cost and education programs around wellness themes including financial well-being, nutrition and stress reduction.
Discounts
There are local and national discounts available to Spokane County employees.
01
What is your area of specialized experience and/or trade? How many years of experience do you have working in this trade?
02
Explain your previous work experience with providing direction, assistance, training, and leading small work crews on a specific project. How many people did you lead?
03
Explain your professional experience operating both heavy and small power equipment. What equipment have you operated? How much experience do you have operating each equipment type?
04
Please check the box that applies to your current Union status (if you are not a current Spokane County employee, please select "I am not a Union member").
I am in the open position's department and my position is covered by the 1553 collective bargaining agreement
I am in another department and my position is covered by the 1553 collective bargaining agreement
I am in a position covered by the Master Contract collective bargaining agreement (not 1553)
I am in a position covered by another collective bargaining agreement (not 1553 or Master Contract)
None of the above apply
Required Question
Employer
Spokane County
Address
824 N Adams Spokane, Washington, 99260
Phone
509-477-5750
Website
http://www.spokanecounty.org/employment