Natural Area Protection Planning, Outreach, and Data Management Specialist

Title: Natural Area Protection Planning, Outreach, and Data Management Specialist

State Role Title: Environmental Specialist II

Hiring Range: $55,000 - $70,000

Pay Band: 5

Agency: Dept Conservation & Recreation

Location: MAIN STREET CENTRE

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 plant and animal life and the ecosystems upon which it depends. 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. Virginia's Natural Area Preserve System provides long-term protection and outdoor recreation access to some of the state and the planet's most ecologically important lands. Our and our partners’ work focuses on ensuring the conservation of Virginia’s common, rare and endangered species and ecosystems.

We are looking for a Natural Area Protection Planning, Outreach, and Data Management Specialist to help support all phases of identifying the Division’s land protection priorities, managing data associated with land protection priorities, and implementing these priorities.

Duties include:
• interpret natural heritage data, land ownership data, and available conservation options
• utilize geographic information systems (GIS) software for statewide analyses and site-specific project reviews to integrate existing data, relevant models, and prioritizations.
• conduct strategic outreach to prospective partners
• sharing pertinent data, as appropriate, with internal and external partners through ArcPro, ArcGIS online and Field Maps, and other means customized to the specific audience.
• managing GIS and tabular legacy data (using Access etc.),
• preparing grant applications and funding requests,
• organizing internal and external meetings, participate in and organize conversations with a diverse list of landowners and prospective partners, (e.g. conservation organizations, and staff from local, state and federal government agencies,
• supporting internal communications throughout DCR, especially the Real Property Office.
• coordinating technical review of prospective easement projects proposed by conservation partners. key staff across DCR on various aspects of real property protection projects. This position may conduct easement monitoring & baseline reporting as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Demonstrated proficiency and experience with geographic information systems (Arc GIS software suite).
Extensive experience interpreting, synthesizing, compiling, organizing biological data from a variety of sources.
Ability to enthusiastically interact with a wide range of landowners and partners respectfully and professionally.
Demonstrated experience which highlights ability to effectively plan, analyze, and display careful attention to detail in communications, and data management
Demonstrated experience and outcomes that highlight the ability to clearly and concisely convey technical information and recommendations orally and in writing.
Familiarity with conservation biology and/or conservation planning precepts.
Willingness and competency to travel to sometimes remote settings and navigate accurately and safely with available resources.

Additional Considerations

Familiarity with land ownership data, real-estate transactions and associated due diligence requirements
General working knowledge of Commonwealth of Virginia land protection options including land acquisition & conservation easements.
General working knowledge of biological resources of Virginia, understanding of one or more groups of natural heritage resources preferred.

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.

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. Submission of an online application is required, as DCR does not accept applications, resumes, cover letters, etc. in any other format. Interviews are based on information provided by candidates, please ensure online application or resume is complete with duties and skills associated with your work experience.

A valid Virginia Driver's License is required in the performance of duties.

DCR employees are encouraged to visit Virginia State Parks! Check out our employee discounts.
• Free parking or admission to all Virginia State Parks.
• DCR classified, retired, and wage staff (after six months of service) are entitled to overnight facility discounts such as:
o Free camping outside of the Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day period in sites designed for up to six people.
o Free camping Sunday night through Thursday night (excluding the night prior to a holiday) from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.
o Fifty percent discount on cabins (up to 3 bedrooms) outside of Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day, for a maximum of 14 nights. All reservations require a two-night minimum. Bunkhouses, camping cabins, and yurts are included; one night yurt stays only receive a 25% discount.

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 skill sets 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.

Each agency within the Commonwealth of Virginia is dedicated to recruiting, supporting, and maintaining a competent and diverse work force. Equal Opportunity Employer.

Contact Information

Name: Human Resources

Phone: n/a

Email: hr@dcr.virginia.gov

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.