Positions assist higher-level program managers in a natural resource program; OR act as the highest-level agency expert in a natural resource program; OR provide supervision to professional environmental staff of six or more engaged in the administration and/or planning of an environmental program. Some positions serve as a second line supervisor for the state’s youth corps program

Positions at this level work under administrative direction.

Positions assisting higher-level program management are assigned responsibility by their manager to make recommendations concerning: the development of program goals and objectives; the development of timetables and work plans to achieve program goals and objectives; the development of program policies and procedures; the preparation of program budgets, adjustment of allotments and authorizing expenditures; the control of allocation of program resources; the setting and adjusting of program priorities; and the evaluation of program effectiveness.

Positions designated as a statewide agency expert handle the agency’s most complex, most sensitive, or most critical issues. Incumbents initiate proactive intervention and represent the agency as a technical expert.

Directs staff engaged in natural resource program activities; develops work plans to achieve program goals; evaluates performance; establishes priorities to accomplish assignments; evaluates staffing needs;

Plans, directs, and coordinates special projects; utilizes and coordinates available support functions; evaluates progress and prepares reports;

Prepares and manages budget for unit;

Prepares unit’s goals and objectives consistent with agency program; monitors and evaluates program performance and effectiveness;

Advises agency management on issues related to the unit’s overall plan;

Serves as the designated highest-level technical expert for a natural resource program with responsibility for resolving the most complex, critical, or precedent-setting issues that arise; acts as a resource and provides guidance on specialized technical program issues;

Performs other duties as required.

There may be instances where individual positions must have additional licenses or certification. It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure the appropriate licenses/certifications are obtained for each position.

A Bachelor’s degree in natural resources or area of specialty and four years of professional experience in a natural resource program area, which includes one year of experience as a senior level natural resource professional or higher.

Additional qualifying experience will substitute, year for year, for education.

A graduate degree in one of the above fields will substitute for two years of experience except for the specifically identified experience.

New classes, effective January 1, 2006; Natural Resource Specialist 5 (replaces 62600 Ecology Supervisor A, 62610 Ecology Supervisor B, 62620 Ecology Supervisor C).
Revised class code (formerly 523M), effective July 1, 2007.
Revised definition, typical work and desirable qualifications; added distinguishing characteristics; adopted June 13, 2019, effective July 1, 2019.