Natural Science Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Salary : $91,992.16 - $111,338.24 Annually
Location : Throughout the County of Santa Clara, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 26-T91-A
Department: Parks & Recreation
Opening Date: 07/22/2026
Closing Date: 8/21/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Bargaining Unit: 01
Description
Under general direction, to plan, evaluate, implement and coordinate the goals and missions of the County Parks and Recreation Department's Natural Resource Management Program, which is designed to provide natural science information, natural resource program expertise, conservation and enhancement of the department's natural resources, such as wildlife, vegetation, geology, aquatic ecosystems and other sensitive ecosystems.
Typical Tasks

• Coordinates and implements natural resource management policies, procedures, plans, and activities;
• Develops, coordinates and implements joint natural resource management projects in accordance with established policies with entities, including but not limited to, academic institutions, County Park staff, volunteers and other related County and outside agencies;
• Coordinates and implements programs and activities that conserve and/or enhance the natural resources, wildlife, vegetation, geology, aquatic ecosystems and other sensitive ecosystems with park staff, volunteers, or other outside agencies and institutions;
• Recommends potential grant funding projects and assists with preparation of grant proposals; coordinates, implements and tracks projects funded by grants and grant funds related to natural resource management;
• Coordinates and implements project monitoring and surveys/inventory of natural resources, including but not limited to; vegetation, wildlife, sensitive and listed plants and wildlife, etc.
• Trains, leads, assigns and keeps apprised of work status of subordinate staff and other personnel engaged in implementing natural resource programs and/or monitoring and natural research techniques;
• Establishes, coordinates, and implements methods for monitoring impacts to park natural resources, changes in ecosystem process, effectiveness of department practices and projects, survey and inventory of natural resource and current resource management techniques; Recommends draft operation budget for Natural Resource Management Program within the functional assignment;
• Administers, coordinates and/or directs consultant work on biotic surveys for environmental assessments and implements natural resource restoration and/or enhancement projects;
• Coordinates, prepares or assists with the preparation of regulatory permit applications required for resource management programs, memorandum of understanding and other documents required for resource programs and coordinates and tracks the conditions of compliance;
• Establishes methods and monitors baseline conditions of natural resources for various parks and evaluates effectiveness of up-to-date practices in resource management techniques;
• Serves as departmental liaison with natural resource management agencies and organizations and participates in public meetings regarding resource management issues;
• Trains and leads staff in resource management techniques;
• Plans, coordinates and implements mitigation, monitoring and vegetation management programs within assigned park region or functional assignment, including but not limited to; livestock grazing licenses, prescribed burning, integrated pest management programs, etc.
• Reads, interprets and applies environmental regulations, guidelines and polices; understands plans, specifications and other contract documents related to natural resource management;
• Provides natural resource technical input on one or more aspects of natural resource management;
• May be assigned as a Disaster Service Worker, as required;
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Employment Standards
Possession of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college in Natural Resource Management, Environmental Resources, Biological Sciences, Environmental Studies or a closely related field.
-AND-
Two (2) years of professional experience in the planning and protection of natural resources, including conducting environmental research.
Special Requirements:

• Possession of a valid California driver's license upon appointment and the ability to qualify for and maintain a County Driver's Permit.
• Possession of a Standard First Aid and CPR certificate issued by the American Red Cross before completion of the probationary period.
• Obtain and maintain a Wildfire Red Card (32 hours of training and annual refresher training) before completion of the probationary period.

Knowledge of:

• Ecology of wildlife communities typical of Santa Clara County;
• Wildlife habitat impact assessment techniques including modeling methodologies;
• California Environmental Quality Act, National Environmental Protective Act and other environmental laws and regulations;
• Design and implementation of wildlife and vegetative monitoring programs;
• Principles and techniques of revegetation and restoration ecology;
• California plant species and communities, particularly those typical of or similar to those in Santa Clara County;
• Environmental regulation related to wetlands, lake and riparian environments, endangered and threatened species; non-point source pollution and erosion control and other environmental issues;
• Planning and practice of resource monitoring including collection techniques.

Ability to:

• Work independently as well as in a team environment in remote settings;
• Prepare resource management plans, policies, procedures and guidelines, conduct baseline biotic surveys and monitor resource conditions and design practical and successful revegetation projects;
• Prepare and maintain accurate records or resource monitoring and program data;
• Plan and implement mitigation, monitoring, and vegetative management programs including the use of prescribed burning, grazing, mowing, herbicides and manual controls;
• Interpret and apply environmental regulations, guidelines, and policies;
• Read, interpret and understand plans, specifications and other contract documents related to resource management;
• Train other staff members on resource management, monitoring and research techniques;
• Communicate clearly and effectively both orally and in writing in order to prepare and deliver presentations and establish and maintain cooperative relationships with the public and other agencies.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to occasionally lift, carry, push and pull supplies weighing up to sixty (60) pound;
• Must be able to stand, walk in remote areas, or sit for extending periods of time;
• Must be able to stoop, bend, reach, grasp and manipulate small objects with hands.
• Willingness to work weekends, holidays, or other irregular hours.
• Willingness to wear and maintain a departmental prescribed uniform.

The County offers comprehensive first-class medical, dental, and vision benefits plans for County employees and their dependents, including plans with no deductibles, no co-pays, no co-insurance, and no prescription drug co-pays. Learn more
The County also offers generous paid time off with significant vacation, sick time, and 13 paid County holidays annually! Details are included in the with the bargaining unit applicable to the job classification.
In addition to the amazing perks above, the County also offers the additional benefits below.
Retirement Benefits
The County offers robust retirement plans including a (similar to the private sector's 401(k) plan) and the In addition to lifetime retirement income available through the CalPERS pension plan, the 457(b) Deferred Compensation plan provides a great way to save for retirement and supplement the defined benefit pension available to employees. These plans help our employees build a plan for their future and contribute to their family's long-term financial well-being.
Health Flexible Spending Account
The empowers employees to manage healthcare expenses efficiently with tax-free contributions (up to $3,200 for the 2024 calendar year). Secure tax-free solutions for your healthcare expenses and enjoy the flexibility to manage your healthcare finances effectively with the HFSA.
Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP)
The enables employees to utilize tax-free funds for dependent care services, facilitating a convenient and cost-effective approach for managing your dependent care expenses. The County also offers the , an employer-funded DCAP, for employees with annual income under $120,000.
Life and AD&D
The County offers life and disability benefits including , Insurance, These benefits ensure financial security and income support when you and your family need it most.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
The County prioritizes employee mental health and well-being and offers a top-tier through Concern providing confidential counseling sessions covering stress, anxiety, relationships, grief, as well as financial/legal services, personal coaching, child and elder care referrals, and comprehensive crisis support.
Employee Wellness
The offers free wellness programing, fitness classes and resources; including Elevate My Wellness an all-in-one platform designed to elevate your well-being journey.
Education Reimbursement
A generous program is available, including Education Reimbursement for employees seeking additional training and professional development.
NOTE: Benefit and Retirement information may vary from bargaining unit to bargaining unit. Due to changes in State Law, current pension provisions described in the union contracts are not automatically applied. Specific pension benefits for new hires who start on or after January 1, 2013 may be different than indicated in the union contracts.
Click here to access all Memoranda of Understanding and most recent Summary of Changes.
01
Please answer the following questions. Completion of the following supplemental questions is REQUIRED and is an integral part of the evaluation process. Initially, it will be used to determine minimum qualifications. For those applicants meeting the employment standards, this information will be critical in the subsequent competitive assessment to identify those candidates to be invited to continue in the examination process. Your responses to the questions may also be reviewed and scored in a Competitive Rating evaluation process based on pre-determined rating criteria. Your answers should be as complete as possible, as no additional information will be accepted from applicants once the Competitive Rating evaluation has begun. A response of "see resume" or "see application" will deem your application incomplete. Include a detailed description of your work experience in the following format for EACH employer referenced, in each answer:
a) Employer name(s)
b) Job title(s)
c) Start/end dates of employment
d) Total hours worked per week
e) Description of task(s) performedDo you understand the requirement to provide complete answers in order to determine relevant experience for each area in question?)

• Yes
• No

02
What is the highest level of education you have completed?

• High School or GED equivalent
• College (1 to 29 semester units / 1 to 44 quarter units)
• College (30 to 59 semester units / 45 to 89 quarter units)
• College (60 to 89 semester units / 90 to 134 quarter units)
• College (90 to 119 semester units / 135 to 179 quarter units)
• College (120 or more semester units / 180 or more quarter units)
• Associate's Degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree
• Doctoral Degree

03
Do you possess a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college in any of the following fields?

• Natural Resource Management
• Environmental Resources
• Biological Sciences
• Environmental Studies
• Other closely related field
• None

04
If you selected "other closely related field" in the previous question, please indicate the field of study. Otherwise, indicate "N/A."
05
How many years of professional experience do you possess in the planning and protection of natural resources, including conducting environmental research?

• No experience
• Less than two years
• Two to less than three years
• Three to less than four years
• Four to less than five years
• Five to less than six years
• Six to less than seven years
• Seven years or more

06
Describe your professional experience in the planning and protection of natural resources, including conducting environmental research. Be detailed and specific and include employer name(s), job title(s), dates of employment, hours worked per week, and a detailed description of duties performed. If no such experience, indicate "N/A."
07
Please indicate all areas in which you possess experience in:

• Prescribed Fires
• Rangeland Management
• Forest Health
• Invasive Species Management
• Other
• None of the above

08
Describe your experience in managing habitats and ecosystems to meet natural resource management objectives for each area indicated above. Provide details of how land management objectives were established and further explain if the management approach was successful. If you selected other, please indicate the type of experience followed by the natural resource management objective. In your response, include employer name(s), job title(s), dates of employment, hours worked per week, and a detailed description of duties performed. If no suc