State of Maryland

A Natural Resources Associate is the entry level of apprentice work assisting natural resources personnel in the areas of biology, law enforcement, forestry, park management and other related areas in the management of natural resources.  Employees in this classification do not supervise other positions.

Employees in this classification receive close supervision from a Natural Resources Biologist, Natural Resources Technician, Forestry Supervisor, Park Ranger Manager, Ranger, Natural Resources Police Officer or other designated official.  Employees may be required to work on weekends, holidays and on a shift work schedule.  Employees are required to work outdoors in all types of weather conditions.  Some aspects of the work are considered hazardous, such as the handling of wildlife, working aboard a boat or working in the area of a forest fire.  Employees may be required to wear protective clothing and equipment when the need arises.  The work may require moving heavy objects or equipment weighing over fifty pounds.

Positions in this classification are evaluated by using the classification job evaluation methodology.  The use of this method involves comparing the assigned duties and responsibilities of a position to the job criteria found in the Nature of Work and Examples of Work sections of the class specification.

May learn to assist in the capturing, measuring, banding and releasing of wildlife, including fish, using various nets, lures, traps and cannon nets;

May learn to assist in the collection of technical data or research information from various resource user sources, such as game checking stations or fishing access locations;

May learn to assist in the identification and collection of basic forest data, such as timber volume, topographical features, species and population of trees, timber stands ready for harvest, disease and insect damage, or potential fire conditions;

May learn to assist in the identification and collection of basic water quality data, such as temperature, ph level, flow, depth and width measurements and habitat data, such as forest type and age or class distribution;

May learn to operate various types of equipment to control terrestrial and aquatic vegetation and clear land or plant crops for use as wildlife food and cover;

May learn to assist in carrying out fish culture procedures to produce adequate supplies of fish;

May learn to assist in filling and maintaining fish-rearing ponds, raceways and tanks;

May learn to assist in conducting inventories of game and fish populations;

May learn to assist Natural Resources Police Officers or Rangers in the performance of their daily duties;

May learn to assist in forest fire prevention activities and operations;

May learn to assist with presentations to various public or private, civic and recreational groups;

May learn to assist in carrying out crowd control procedures at special events;

May learn to maintain and repair equipment, blinds, nest boxes and facilities as needed;

May learn to maintain records on work activities and prepare basic reports;

May learn to compute costs for materials and equipment usage or requisition, procure and take inventories of supplies;

May learn to clean and maintain field and laboratory equipment;

May learn to lead community service workers on individual projects;

May learn to maintain and repair vehicles, vessels and related equipment;

May learn to install, maintain and repair communication equipment;

May learn to operate two-way communication radios and computer system;

Performs other related duties.

Ability to comprehend State laws and regulations;

Ability to learn emergency medical care procedures;

Ability to follow instructions;

Ability to learn presentation skills;

Ability to learn to use or operate tools, equipment and machines;

Ability to assist in field assignments and related office work with other employees;

Ability to assist in special research projects and investigations;

Ability to communicate.

Education:   Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of a high school equivalency certificate.

Experience: None.

Note: Candidates may substitute experience in biology, park management, law enforcement, forestry, arboriculture, wildlife, aquaculture, natural resources management, or fisheries on a year-for-year basis for the required education.

Class specifications are broad descriptions covering groups of positions used by various State departments and agencies. Position descriptions maintained by the using department or agency specifically address the essential job functions of each position.

This is a Skilled Service classification in the State Personnel Management System.  All positions in this classification are Skilled Service positions.  Some positions in Skilled Service classifications may be designated Special Appointment in accordance with the State Personnel and Pensions Article, Section 6-405, Annotated Code of Maryland.

This classification is assigned to Bargaining Unit B- Administrative, Technical and Clerical classes.  As provided by State Personnel and Pensions Article, Section 3-102, special appointment, temporary, contractual, supervisory, managerial, and confidential employees are excluded from collective bargaining. Additionally, certain executive branch agencies are exempt from collective bargaining and all positions in those agencies are excluded from collective bargaining.

Employees in this classification are eligible to receive overtime compensation.  An employee who works more than the normal workweek is entitled to be compensated for that overtime, as provided by the State Personnel and Pensions Article, Section 8-305.