POSITION AVAILABILITY EDRR Coordinator
The Fairfax County Park Authority is seeking a coordinator for the new Early Detection Rapid Response program in support of the Invasive Species Program. This position will join the Natural Resource Management and Protection (NRMP) Section of the Fairfax County Park Authority. Our staff is dedicated to the natural resource management of the 22,500 acre county-wide parkland. This limited-term exempt position is for no more than 40 hours/week for 48 weeks. We are seeking a people person with strong organizational and communication skills. A background with spatial databases, hand-held GPS units and/or compasses and topographic maps, plant identification and volunteer coordination skills are a must. The position will entail oversight of a volunteer program to conduct early detection expeditions and coordinate with the Invasive Management Area (IMA) program to complete plant removal. Compensation: $18.75-$22.50/hour depending upon qualifications and experience. The EDRR project will depend on committed individual volunteers to survey parkland for invasive plant species. The EDRR Coordinator will recruit and train volunteers as well as process collected data. The EDRR Coordinator may also complete surveys on their own, assist the IMA program or work on outreach and education projects. Responsibilities of the EDRR Coordinator will include: * Recruit and train volunteers to participate in early detection monitoring * Data management and data exchanges with www.eddmaps.org <http://www.eddmaps.org/> * Assess invasive plant species on parkland (individually and in groups) * Assist the IMA Program as needed (weed removal, volunteer coordination, etc.) * Outreach on invasive species to staff and citizens * Attendance at all training, volunteer appreciation events and some of the workdays, many of them with limited access and in difficult terrain * Development of written and oral reports This is a short-term position without benefits; it is anticipated that funding is available for eleven months full-time. Schedule is flexible with commitments in the evenings, weekends and opportunities to work from home, up to 40 hours a week. Preferred qualifications: * Bachelors degree (biological sciences, natural resources, education or related) * Experience managing groups of individuals from diverse backgrounds * Understanding of invasive plant ecology * Experience in outdoor education and/or interpretation * Knowledge and experience of spatial databases and hand-held GPS units * Demonstrated communication skills (public speaking, presentations, written materials) and ability to present complex information effectively to lay audiences * Able to handle multiple tasks concurrently * Work well independently and with little supervision * Skills and Certifications: Valid Driver's License, CPR/First Aid Applications will be accepted until the position is filled with an anticipated start date of May 1, 2010 (flexible). Applicants may submit a resume, names and contact information for two references and cover letter to Meghan Fellows, Natural Resource Management and Protection (mail: 12055 Government Center Parkway; Suite 936; Fairfax, VA 22035; fax: 703 324-3996; email: [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]> .) Fairfax County is an EOE/AA employer Applicant must be able to traverse outdoor terrain and visit sites in hard-to-access locations.
