Natural Resources Technician

NATURAL RESOURCES TECHNICIAN
(Environmental Resources Technician) 

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
This recruitment will establish an open eligible list that will be used to fill current and future Environmental Resources Technician positions within OC Parks. The eligible list established may also be used to fill positions in similar and/or lower classifications throughout the County of Orange.

DEADLINE TO APPLY
This recruitment will be open for a minimum of five (5) business days and will close on Monday, December 7, 2026, at 11:59 P.M. (PT).

OC PARKS

OC Parks manages nearly 60,000 acres of parks, open space, beaches, trails, historic sites, and natural lands throughout Orange County. OC Parks is dedicated to protecting natural and cultural resources while providing exceptional recreational and educational opportunities for the public.

The Natural Resources and Trails programs support habitat restoration, species conservation, invasive species management, environmental compliance, trail stewardship, mapping, and land management across a diverse system of regional parks and open space areas.

Click here for more information on OC Parks.
Click here for more information on the County of Orange. 

THE OPPORTUNITY

OC Parks has an exciting career opportunity for a Natural Resources Technician within the Natural Resources and Trails programs. This position supports natural resource stewardship, with an emphasis on habitat restoration, invasive species management, field monitoring, environmental compliance, and mapping. Assignments will also support trail stewardship and parkland management.

Responsibilities and duties for this position include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Performing field inspections, monitoring, and site documentation related to habitats, restoration sites, invasive species, trails, and environmental conditions, including driving to field locations throughout the County. 
• Supporting habitat restoration, mitigation, revegetation, and invasive species management projects.
• Assisting with environmental compliance activities associated with permits, conservation plans, easements, and project approvals.
• Collecting field data using Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) and Global Positioning System (GPS) technology and assisting with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) mapping, spatial analysis, and preparation of maps and exhibits.
• Maintaining databases, tracking systems, GIS maps, and program records.
• Assisting with coordination of contractors, schedules, deliverables, purchasing requests, and project documentation.
• Preparing reports, summaries, presentations, and technical materials for internal and external audiences.
• Supporting natural resources training, outreach, and educational initiatives.
• Assisting with trail stewardship, land management, and resource protection efforts across OC Parks facilities.
• Participating in fieldwork in a variety of terrain and weather conditions.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS AND CORE COMPETENCIES

The ideal candidate must have at least one year of full-time equivalent experience supporting natural resources management, habitat restoration, invasive species management, ecological monitoring, or related fieldwork. Relevant internships, volunteer experience, and academic field research may count toward this requirement.

Knowledge of native habitats and invasive species of Orange County or Southern California is highly desirable. Experience in parks, preserves, or other open space settings is also highly desirable.

Candidates must meet the minimum qualifications for Environmental Resources Technician. 

In addition, the ideal candidate will also have extensive experience in the following core competencies relevant to the OC Parks assignment:

Technical Knowledge and Experience

• Familiarity with native plant communities, wildlife habitats, and invasive species common to Orange County and Southern California.
• Knowledge of habitat restoration, revegetation, mitigation, land stewardship, and ecological monitoring practices.
• Experience using GIS, GNSS and GPS technology, databases, spreadsheets, and mobile field data collection tools.
• Knowledge of environmental regulations, permits, conservation plans, or environmental review processes.
• Experience tracking projects, schedules, budgets, deliverables, or contractor work.
• Knowledge of trail systems, open space management, or park operations.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and standard office software.

Analytical Skills

• Organize and manage multiple assignments with competing priorities and established deadlines.
• Analyze information, identify issues or data gaps, and recommend practical solutions.
• Maintain accurate field data, records, and project documentation with strong attention to detail.
• Interpret maps, plans, environmental data, and technical documents.

Communication and Working Relationships

• Prepare clear reports, correspondence, summaries, and presentations.
• Communicate effectively with staff, contractors, partner agencies, volunteers, and the public.
• Build and maintain effective working relationships.
• Understand and follow technical oral and written instructions.

License and Certification

Must possess and maintain a current, valid California Driver’s License (Class C).

Relevant certifications or training in areas such as GIS, habitat restoration, drone operations, CPR/First Aid, or related environmental training are desirable, but not required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Please click here for details on the Environmental Resources Technician classification, including the physical, mental, environmental and working conditions.

NOTE: Foreign degrees require an evaluation of U.S. equivalency by an agency that is a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (N.A.C.E.S.).

Physical Mental, Environmental and Working Conditions

Physical and Mental Requirements

Positions in this class typically require: body mobility to stand, sit, walk, stoop, twist, bend, climb ladders, crawl, balance, kneel, crouch, reach overhead, lift and carry up to 50 pounds, and perform other strenuous work. Incumbents must possess vision sufficient to read standard size text, distinguish colors, and at distances over 20 feet. Requires the ability to speak and hear well enough to communicate clearly and understandably in person to individuals and groups; possess manual dexterity sufficient to use hands, arms and shoulders repetitively and without limitation to range and motion to operate a keyboard, tools, and specialized equipment. Incumbents may be required to drive work vehicles.

Environmental and Working Conditions

Positions are assigned to both office environment and outdoor settings. Work involves exposure to biohazardous materials and chemicals, viruses, biohazards, molds and allergens, toxic chemicals, gases and other contagious environments, animals and wildlife, contagious diseases, confined spaces, and potential physical harm. Incumbents may be subjected to moving objects or vehicles, fumes, and intense noise levels. May be required to work under various weather conditions, including rainstorms, and walk in uneven, slippery, and sometimes dangerous terrains. Requires the use and wear of safety equipment, including safety glasses and footwear, protective clothing and gloves, sun and hearing protection, and hard hats.

May be required to work day, swing, and/or grave shifts, which includes nights, weekends, and holidays. May be required to work overtime.

RECRUITMENT PROCESS
Human Resource Services (HRS) will screen all application materials to identify qualified applicants. After screening, qualified applicants will be referred to the next step and notified of all further procedures applicable to their status in the competition.

Application Screening (Refer/Non-Refer)
Applications and supplemental responses will be screened for qualifications that are highly desirable and most needed to successfully perform the duties of this job. Only those applicants that meet the qualifications as listed in the job bulletin will be referred to the next step.

Structured Oral Interview | SOI (Weighted 100%)
The Structured Oral Interview is a timed assessment. Applicants will provide answers to job-related questions, which will be rated by a panel of subject matter experts using standardized evaluation criteria. Only the most qualified candidates will move advance to the next step in the recruitment process or will be placed on the eligible list.

Eligible List
Once the assessment has been completed, HRS will establish an eligible list of candidates. Candidates placed on the eligible list may be referred to a selection interview to be considered for present and future vacancies.

Based on the County's needs, the selection procedures listed above may be modified. All candidates will be notified of any changes in the selection procedures.

Veterans Employment Preference
The County is committed to providing a mechanism to give preferential consideration in the employment process to veterans and their eligible spouses and will provide eligible participants the opportunity to receive interviews in the selection process for employment and paid internship openings. Please click here to review the policy.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION 

The County of Orange is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. Individuals who require a reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process should notify the recruiter listed on the job posting as soon as possible. Documentation supporting the accommodation request may be required.

EMAIL NOTIFICATION  
Email is the primary form of notification during the recruitment process. Please ensure your correct email address is included in our application and use only one email account.    

NOTE: User accounts are established for one person only and should not be shared with another person. Multiple applications with multiple users may jeopardize your status in the recruitment process for any positions for which you apply. Candidates will be notified regarding their status as the recruitment proceeds via email through the GovernmentJobs.com site. Please check your email folders, including spam/junk folders, and/or accept emails ending with "governmentjobs.com" and "ocgov.com." If your email address should change, please update your profile at www.governmentjobs.com.     

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Click here for additional Frequently Asked Questions. 

For specific information pertaining to this recruitment, contact Rula Dabit at [email protected] or (714) 480-2884.