Natural Resources #59110

Natural Resources, #59110
Occupational Family: Natural Resources and Applied Sciences
Pay Band Range: 2 - 6

Concept of Work

This Career Group provides career tracks for wildlife workers, forestry workers, foresters, park rangers, and others that support, manage or direct natural resource programs in such areas as fisheries, forestry, marine resources, state parks, wildlife, and other natural resource management or recreational functions. Employees perform duties ranging from entry-level technician to management.

Roles Comprising This Group

These roles describe the collective characteristics of the work performed by employees in the Natural Resources Career Group. These roles define the typical career paths for employees who pursue careers such as wildlife workers, forestry workers, foresters, and park rangers.

Although all of these occupations are natural resource specialists, each warrants a separate career track. Each of these career paths requires different knowledge, skills, and abilities and would not naturally lead to the other for career progression. However, a role for each of these occupations represents different levels of work, or career progression. Career paths may exist within a single role, extend to other roles in the Career Group, or to roles in other occupationally related Career Groups.

PAY BAND	PRACTITIONER ROLES	ROLE CODE	MANAGEMENT ROLES	ROLE CODE
2	Natural Resource Specialist I	59111
3	Natural Resource Specialist II	59112
4	Natural Resource Specialist III	59113	Natural Resource Manager I	59115
5	Natural Resource Specialist IV	59114	Natural Resource Manager II	59116
6			Natural Resource Manager III	59117

Role Descriptions

These roles are distinguished based upon the Compensable Factors of Complexity, Results, and Accountability and are used for position classification. These factors should be used for classification and compensation analysis. Recruitment and selection standards must be based on knowledge, skills, and abilities as indicted in the Employee Work Profile.

Natural Resource Specialist I	Code: 59111	Pay Band: 2	SOC: 19-4093*
The Natural Resource Specialist I role provides career tracks for wildlife workers and forestry workers performing entry-level to lead work in providing skilled support in a variety of tasks for the propagation, replenishment and conservation of aquatic or terrestrial natural resources. Employees perform manual tasks using hand and power tools, operate and maintain equipment and machinery, and apply competencies in trades and utilities in the performance of duties.
COMPLEXITY	Applies knowledge of basic functions related to propagation, replenishment and conservation of aquatic or terrestrial natural resources. Applies knowledge of trades or utilities and the operation and maintenance of basic equipment. Assignments may include the responsibility to spawn and incubate fish; plant and weed seed beds; grade seedlings; build and maintain roads, facilities, and recreational areas; capture, transport and release fish or wildlife; maintain habitat through basic fisheries, marine biology, forestry or wildlife practices; or collect biological data. Follows established guidelines in the performance of duties. Internal contacts with co-workers and supervisors. Limited external contacts with the general public to provide information and assistance.
RESULTS	Successful performance has a positive impact on the production, distribution and maintenance of natural resource services.
ACCOUNTABILITY	Decision-making and judgment are limited as duties are usually based on clearly defined procedures. May develop new methods. May serve as lead workers over staff or functions. May receive supervision during work process and complete assignments subject to specific time frames.

Natural Resource Specialist II	Code: 59112	Pay Band: 3	SOC: 19-1000*
The Natural Resource Specialist I role provides career tracks for forestry/wildlife biologist/fisheries assistants or park rangers involved in a variety of skilled, technical or compliance functions in conservation, forestry, marine and fisheries operations, parks, wildlife projects, or program development that provide support and require some independence of action. Employees perform work that range from entry-level technician to Chief Park ranger with supervisory responsibilities.
COMPLEXITY	Applies knowledge of a variety of skilled, technical or compliance functions related to well-defined policies, and regulations. Applies knowledge of vehicle and equipment and/or facility, grounds and building maintenance. May have responsibility for enforcement of applicable laws and regulations to ensure safety of the public and natural resources. Follows established guidelines but may have to interpret and apply policy based on expertise. May be assigned a variety of tasks such as the interpretation, application and enforcement of fisheries, forestry or parks policies, regulations and laws; responsibility for facility, grounds and vehicle maintenance, or construction in forests, nurseries, parks, and wildlife area facilities; performance of technical forest or wildlife area management duties; professional/technical forest fire management and emergency services; and/or conducting field investigations for natural resource research and information. May conduct interpretative natural resource programs for the general public. Frequent contact with the public to provide information and education concerning protection and management of natural resources or enforcement of resource protection policies, regulations and laws.
RESULTS	Successful performance of duties ensures protection of natural resources, the provision of services to meet the public’s expectations, and may provide safety of employees and the visiting public.
ACCOUNTABILITY	Decision-making within area of responsibility based on knowledge of function and some interpretation of policy. Responsible for a variety of skilled, technical, or compliance duties in the natural resources area. May lead or supervise lower level staff, crews or contractors.

These two roles provide a dual career track for natural resource specialists.

Natural Resource Specialist III	Code: 59113	Pay Band: 4	SOC: 19-1000*
Natural Resource Manager I	Code: 59115	Pay Band: 4	SOC: 11-9121*
Natural Resource Specialist III
The Natural Resource Specialist III role provides career tracks for foresters, assistant park superintendents, and other specialists that provide senior technical support or serve as professional specialists or supervisors in resource management protection, customer relations and education, recreation, and/or research projects and programs. The work involves inventory, data collection, and resource analysis; developing management plans based on technical/scientific principles and practices; prescribing solutions to resource management problems; staff development; supervising resource management programs and budgets; and developing narrative and/or statistical reports.
COMPLEXITY	Applies knowledge of program functions, technical or scientific principles and practices, resource management, state regulations and laws and interstate agreements. May apply knowledge of environmental education/interpretive programming, and recreational activities. May supervise or lead and direct staff and manage multiple priorities. May have responsibility for enforcement of applicable laws and regulations to ensure safety of the public and natural resources. May be responsible for functions such as the interpretation, application and enforcement of fisheries, forestry or parks, or policies, regulations and laws; performing or overseeing facility, grounds and vehicle maintenance, or construction in forests, nurseries, parks, and wildlife area facilities; performance of technical forest or wildlife area management duties; professional/technical forest fire management and emergency services; and/or conducting field investigations for fisheries, forestry or marine research purposes. May conduct or oversee interpretative natural resource programs for the general public. Frequent contact with federal, state and local governments, business and industry representatives, educational institutions, conservation organizations and non-profit groups, special interest groups and the general public to provide information, technical assistance, interpret policies and regulations, conduct studies and share research findings and/or to make presentations. The work affects programs, the public, and economic interests dependent on natural resources.
RESULTS	Impacts research findings that contribute to future populations of wildlife, and forest and fishery management. Proper application of commercial, recreational and other related state or federal laws, policies, regulations and program implementation affects the safety of the visiting public, protection of the environment, and conservation and economic activities. May prescribe solutions to resource management problems by developing management plans and utilizing technical/scientific principles and practices.
ACCOUNTABILITY	Exercises independent judgment within scope of authority; refers significantly complex issues to supervision or management. May lead or supervise programs, and/or staff, and oversee financial resources.
Natural Resource Manager I
The Natural Resource Manager I role provides career tracks for managers of staff in a natural resource facility or geographic area for which they have program management responsibility. Employees typically perform related program administrative functions such as hiring and training staff, preparing and monitoring budgets, overseeing procurement, collecting revenues, and/or inspecting or overseeing small capital outlay projects. Employees typically manage fish hatcheries, state parks of small to moderate program complexity, a forestry center, a group of wildlife management areas, or a natural resource district.
COMPLEXITY	Applies knowledge of scientific and technical subject matter and personnel development. Manages and develops technical and professional staff to implement fishery, forestry, parks, or wildlife management programs. Develops work sequences, methods, programs, and activities in compliance with federal or state policies and procedures, and based on general guidelines from upper level management. May perform or supervise related technical or professional duties such as operating and maintaining equipment, inspecting and evaluating resources, implementing resource management projects, collecting and analyzing data, educating the public, and/or enforcing resource protection policies, regulations and laws. May have responsibility for enforcement of applicable laws and regulations to ensure safety of the public and natural resources. Frequent contact with federal, state and local governmental agencies, landowners, conservation organizations, non-profit groups sports persons, fire departments, businesses, and researchers, agency staff, and the general public, regarding parks, forest and wildlife resources and programs.
RESULTS	Decisions affect the management and administration of Virginia’s natural resources, public use facilities and programs. Decisions and actions have a direct affect on maintaining a high level of public confidence, safety and customer satisfaction.
ACCOUNTABILITY	Responsible for administration of assigned program area, internal and external program communications and staff supervision and development.

These two roles provide a dual career track for natural resource specialists.

Natural Resource Specialist IV	Code: 59114	Pay Band: 5	SOC: 19-1000*
Natural Resource Manager II	Code: 59116	Pay Band: 5	SOC: 11-9121*
The Natural Resource Specialist IV role provides career tracks for advanced-level professional specialists located in a central or field office that provide internal and external customer services to natural resource programs statewide. Employees consult on silviculture and forest management, health, and protection; watershed management and water quality; marketing and wood utilization; forest renewal, research or demonstration programs or projects, urban/community forestry or conservation education. Work involves the ability to manage multiple program priorities.
Natural Resource Specialist IV
COMPLEXITY	Applies knowledge of forest biology, management principles and procedures. Plans and conducts scientific studies that support implementation of best practices for natural resource programs. Frequent contact with government agencies, foresters, business and industry representatives, fire departments, forest contractors, educational institutions, conservation organizations, non-profit groups and agency staff to provide internal and external consultative services, share research findings and make presentations. Work affects programs, the public, and economic interests dependent on natural resources.
RESULTS	Effective technical assistance and consultation impacts implementation of best practices on a statewide basis for natural resource programs. Decisions and actions have a direct affect on maintaining a high level of public confidence and customer satisfaction.
ACCOUNTABILITY	Responsible for scientifically sound advice as a consultant in areas of forest resource specialization. May be responsible for managing multiple state or federal natural resource grant programs.
Natural Resource Manager II
The Natural Resource Manager II role provides career tracks for managers of regional or statewide forest management and protection operations or programs requiring subject area expertise and managerial competencies, a major state park operation with multiple programs and services, or statewide park districts. May manage enforcement of resource protection policies, regulations and laws. Some employees are responsible for programs with multiple components, managed through subordinate supervisors.
COMPLEXITY	Applies knowledge of the practices and procedures of state park operations, and natural resource management. Applies knowledge of federal and state policies and procedures, program administration, and staff development. Manages a broad spectrum of natural resource and/or public use programs, staff development, organizational and administrative functions. May have responsibility for enforcement of applicable laws and regulations to ensure safety of the public and protection of natural resources. Frequent contacts with federal, state and local government agencies, landowners, business and industry representatives, conservation organizations, and non-profit groups agency staff, and the general public regarding parks and forestry operations, resources and programs.
RESULTS	Decisions and actions have a major and direct impact on sustaining Virginia’s natural resources and public use facilities as well as maintaining program effectiveness. Decisions and actions have a direct affect on maintaining a high level of public confidence, safety, and customer satisfaction.
ACCOUNTABILITY	Responsible for program administration, staff and organizational development, conflict resolution, and internal and external communications. Provides oversight of federal and state policies, procedures and regulations that impact natural resources program management.

Natural Resource Manager III	Code: 59117	Pay Band: 6	SOC: 11-9121*
The Natural Resource Manager III role provides career tracks for managers who serve as directors or assistant directors for a major natural resource division comprised of multiple programs. Employees typically manage on a statewide basis in forestry, marine resource, natural heritage, state parks, or watershed management.
COMPLEXITY	Applies knowledge of the principals and practices for the assigned natural resource function. Applies knowledge of program administration, finance and budget, operations, federal and state policies and procedures, personnel and program management, legislative processes and strategic planning at the agency level. May apply knowledge of park planning, design, construction and management principles. May apply knowledge of ecological principles, conservation practices, and research methods. Directs or assists in directing a major natural resource division comprised of multiple programs. Conducts long-range planning, design, construction and project management, developing, approving, and implementing policies and programs. Develops and implements the agency strategic plan and supporting programs. May have responsibility for enforcement of applicable laws and regulations to ensure safety of the public and natural resources. Frequent contacts with federal, state and local governments, business and industry representatives, conservation non-profit organizations and citizens groups, legislative officials, agency staff, and the general public regarding parks, forestry, or marine resource or natural heritage operations, resources and programs
RESULTS	Decisions and actions have a major and direct impact on sustaining Virginia’s natural resources and public use facilities as well as maintaining program effectiveness. Responsible for top-level administration of programs, sound fiscal management and professional staff development. Decisions and actions have a direct affect on maintaining a high level of public confidence, safety and customer satisfaction.
ACCOUNTABILITY	Responsible for strategic organizational leadership, internal and external communication, conflict resolution, and staff development. Exercises professional judgment and independent decision making at a high level in the organization that impacts internal operations and external confidence in the agency's performance. Responsible for successful implementation of agency/division programs in support of the agency strategic plan.

*Statistical Reporting

This Career Group includes, but is not limited to, those in the following Standard Occupational Classifications:

11-9121	Natural Science Managers
19-1000	Life Scientists
19-1031	Conservation Scientists
19-1032	Foresters
19-4021	Biological Technicians
19-4093	Forest & Conservation Technicians

History

Previous class titles (listed by new role title).

Natural Resource Specialist I

CLASS CODE	CLASS TITLE	GRADE
82061	Wildlife Worker	4
82021	Wildlife Worker I	4
82022	Wildlife Worker II	UG
82023	Wildlife Worker III	UG
82062	Wildlife Lead Worker	5
82132	Forestry Lead Worker	5

Natural Resource Specialist II

CLASS CODE	CLASS TITLE	GRADE
82406	Fisheries Management Technician	6
82101	State Park Ranger	6
82141	Forestry Assistant	7
82102	State Park Chief Ranger	8
82142	Forestry Assistant Senior	8
82011	Wildlife Biologist Assistant I	8

Natural Resource Specialist III

CLASS CODE	CLASS TITLE	GRADE
82103	State Park Assistant Superintendent	9
82407	Fisheries Management Specialist	9
82012	Wildlife Biologist Assistant II	UG
82013	Wildlife Biologist Assistant III	UG
82151	Forester	10
82408	Fisheries Management Specialist Senior	11

Natural Resource Specialist IV

CLASS CODE	CLASS TITLE	GRADE
82153	Staff Forester	13

Natural Resource Manager I

CLASS CODE	CLASS TITLE	GRADE
82053	Supervisory Wildlife Biologist Assistant	10
82191	State Park Manager	10
82152	Resource Forester	11
82192	State Park Manager Senior	11

Natural Resource Manager II

CLASS CODE	CLASS TITLE	GRADE
82194	State Park Manager Principal	12
82193	State Parks Regional Manager	13
82154	Forester Manager	14

Natural Resource Manager III

CLASS CODE	CLASS TITLE	GRADE
82385	Marine Resources Fisheries Management Supervisor	15
21063	Marine Resources Division Chief Fisheries Management	16
21068	Marine Resources Division Chief Habitat Manager	16
82091	Forester Director	16
82602	Division Director Natural Resources	16
82114	Assistant Division Director, State Parks	16
82115	Division Director, State Parks	17