Conservationist Series

California State Personnel Board Specification

Salary Information

Description of Series

This series specification describes three classifications used to generate and supervise conservation related projects, administer educational programs, mentor crew members and staff, and represent the department in emergency and public settings. Incumbents are expected to exercise a high degree of independence in carrying out assigned tasks.

Conservationist I 

This is the entry, working, and journey level class. Under direction, incumbents work with and/or direct the work of a crew on a wide variety of conservation activities and projects. Incumbents transport crew members and staff to job sites in state-owned vehicles. Assignments may be specific to include but are not limited to, leading crews on the grade or in the field, acting in a relief capacity, as an advisor in a residential or satellite facility, leading energy crews, or acting in a relief capacity filling in for several or all areas.

Incumbents evaluate the scope of work on new projects and determine appropriate methods/techniques to complete the work; facilitate work/learn activities of daily work projects; represent the department in meetings with project sponsors; track, document, and report crew members’ time and attendance; assist new crew members and staff in understanding program expectations; teach project and life skills; direct and counsel crew members and staff; document the status of projects and enter data in the automated project tracking system; prepare and process written reports, invoices, and other administrative documents; maintain and secure assigned property; conduct, document, and track investigations of crew member discipline; instruct crew members and staff in safety practices; perform substance abuse interventions; track crew member participation in substance abuse recovery programs; safely transport and direct crews on disaster relief operations such as wild land fires and floods; lead and direct crew members and staff on overnight camp or "spike operations"; instruct crew members and staff in the protection, conservation, and restoration of natural resources, facilities maintenance, landscaping, restoration of historic monuments/buildings, and preventive vehicle inspection and minor maintenance; provide the technical expertise to oversee energy work projects which include: energy and water use audits; weatherization; installation of energy efficient lighting and controls; installation of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) controls and preventive maintenance measures; installation of other energy and water conservation measures; installation of solar water heating and photovoltaic systems; earthquake proof fixtures in public buildings and prisons; affordable housing rehabilitation, including rough and finish carpentry, electrical wiring, plumbing, drywall, and painting; manage satellite programs including the purchase of supplies, tools, and equipment; deliver departmental training to crew members and staff including, but not limited to, state mandated and additional department specific driver's training, flood fighting techniques, fire camp support, First Aid/Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR); market special programs, such as internships and weatherization; recruit crew members; coordinate an alcohol and drug program; meet with community-based organizations and coordinate publicity with local media. Incumbents may oversee an entire center on evenings and weekends.

Conservationist II

Under general direction, incumbents represent the department at work sites and emergencies. Project assignments include but are not limited to, develop and write project proposals; schedule, organize, coordinate, and evaluate a wide variety of work projects; plan educational components related to work projects; purchase tools and equipment for work crews; schedule, assign lead, and oversee the work of conservationist staff assigned to projects and educational programs; organize and support overnight or "spike operations" and special programs; develop marketing tools and assist in marketing reimbursable projects to sponsors; perform quality control project site visits; update sponsors and management on project status; develop and update project reimbursable data; conduct program reviews and evaluations; draft reports; investigate crew member discipline; substitute on a project crew for the Conservationist I; serve as Safety Officer; act in the capacity of the Conservationist Supervisor or District Director in his/her absence; meet with community-based organizations; and coordinate publicity with local media.

Education assignments include but are not limited to, conduct classroom instruction on conservation awareness and disaster relief operations; and deliver state mandated and job-related training to staff and crew members including, but not limited to, program orientation, driver’s training, flood fighting techniques, fire camp support, First Aid/CPR, safety practices, craftwork, environmental protection, career development, volunteerism, and transition programs; and coordinate and perform a variety of administrative functions at field locations.

Conservationist Supervisor

This is the full supervisory level in the series. Under direction, incumbents supervise conservationist staff performing projects, educational, and mission critical tasks and are responsible for obtaining project agreements; and other related work.

Incumbents plan, organize, and direct the operations of conservationist staff performing projects; plan and implement in-service training and employee development programs for subordinate staff; evaluate performance and take or recommend appropriate action; oversee training, safety, welfare, development, and performance; maintain community resource support, develop funding source sponsors, and negotiate project agreements; develop and maintain relationships with project sponsors, and maintain the confidence and cooperation of sponsors; manage the quality, completion, and evaluation of project and overnight camp/spike operations; and coordinate emergency response.

Minimum Qualifications

All Levels:

Possession of a valid Commercial Class C driver license with a Passenger Transport Vehicle special endorsement or equivalent. (Applicants who do not possess the license will be admitted to the examination, but must secure and provide evidence of their license prior to appointment.); and

Equivalent to completion of the twelfth grade; and

Conservationist I

Either I

One year of experience as a Corpsmember in the California Conservation Corps, including at least six months as a Crew Leader; or

II

One year of experience in organizing, instructing, leading, and evaluating six or more people, in an organization requiring specific accomplishments or completion of specific tasks. Such experience must include direct responsibility for the direction and welfare of the persons involved. Qualifying experience can be gained through work in the following types of businesses/activities: labor crews in the private or public sector; organized outdoor adventure programs; service-oriented organizations (fast food chains park, and recreation facilities, summer camps, group homes, and daycare programs); seasonal labor; educational programs; coaching; or scout leadership; or 

III

Two years of experience as a Special Corpsmember in the California Conservation Corps performing one or more of the following duties: mentoring or counseling Corpsmembers during evening hours; engaging Corpsmembers in activities designed to transfer skills; or overseeing Corpsmembers in recreational or educational activities; or

IV

One year of experience as a skilled craftsperson organizing, instructing, leading, and evaluating six or more people on a crew involved in crafts/trades work (carpentry, masonry, electrical, general building, landscape installation and maintenance, or comparable skilled work; or

V

Completion of 60 semester or 90 quarter units from an accredited college or university; or

VI

One year of experience as a licensed general or specialized contractor.

Conservationist II

Either I

Two years of experience in the California state service performing duties of a class with the level of responsibility equivalent to that of a Conservationist I, Range B; or

II

Three years of experience as a skilled craftsperson on a crew involved in crafts/trades work (carpentry, masonry, electrical, general building, landscape installation and maintenance, or comparable skilled work), one year of which must include organizing, instructing, leading, and evaluating six or more people; or

III

Two years of experience as a licensed general or specialized contractor.

Conservationist Supervisor

Either I

One year of experience in the California state service performing duties of a class with the level of responsibility equivalent to that of a Conservationist II; or

II

Two years of progressively responsible experience in program operations and management, including one year at an administrative level performing a variety of management-related activities including supervision of staff, program planning, management and evaluation, and personnel management. This experience shall have included the preparation of written reports and the presentation of written recommendations to management. Experience in the California state service applied toward this requirement must include one year performing duties of a class with a level of responsibility no less than that of Conservationist II; or

III

Three years of experience in California state service performing duties of a class with the level of responsibility equivalent to that of a Conservationist I; Range B; or

Or IV

Five years of experience in organizing, instructing, supervising and evaluating six or more people in an organization requiring specific accomplishments or completion of specific tasks. Such experience must include direct responsibility for the discipline, direction, and welfare of the persons involved, two years of which involve direct supervision of staff. Experience in the California state service applied toward this requirement must include one year performing the duties of a class with a level of responsibility no less than that of a Conservationist I, Range B. Qualifying experience can be gained through work in the following types of business/activities: labor crew in the private or public sector; organized outdoor adventure programs; service-oriented organizations  (fast foods chains, park and recreation facilities, summer camps, group homes, and daycare facilities); seasonal labor; or educational  programs. College education may be substituted for up to 12 months of non-supervisory qualifying experience with 30 semester or 45 quarter units from an accredited college or university being equivalent to 12 months of experience; substitution of college education does not apply toward the supervision of staff requirement.

Knowledge and Abilities

Conservationist I

Knowledge of: Building trades which may include basic carpentry, painting, plumbing, masonry, roofing, landscape gardening, and fence construction; tool use and maintenance of power equipment and hand tools; natural resource work including principles and techniques of conservation, basic principles of energy conservation, trail building, tree falling, fish habitat restoration, fire and flood fighting, and camp support; energy and water conservation methods and techniques; construction-related codes and requirements; basic principles of safety including wilderness safety issues, first aid and CPR, personnel supervision, organization of work activity, methods of group instruction and training, techniques used in teaching and counseling youth, and problem solving; recreational and social activities appropriate for youth from diverse cultural and economic backgrounds; effective communication skills; leadership development; and principles of equal employment opportunity.

Ability to: Work independently; explain and demonstrate safe work methods and practices; demonstrate skill in teaching young adults, including coaching them in communications skills and in motivation inspiring them to establish and achieve personal goals; effectively organize and direct a work crew; hike difficult terrain in remote locations; establish and maintain effective working relationships with governmental agencies, private sector organizations, and with crew members; resolve conflicts; evaluate crew members; keep records and prepare written reports; analyze situations and take appropriate effective action; deal effectively with constructive criticism; conduct inspections of department projects; communicate effectively; recognize alcohol and drug issues and counsel young adults at risk including substance abuse prevention; accurately report crew member hours worked and leave usage; coordinate and lead volunteers, internship programs, and/or satellite operations; effectively promote equal opportunity in employment and maintain a work environment that is free of discrimination and harassment; and effectively balance the goals of crew member training and development with project development and completion.

Conservationist II

Knowledge of: All of the above, and basic principles of fiscal and personnel management; basic principles of youth development; principles and techniques of project development, of training and education development, organization and evaluation, scheduling crews, and costing of time and materials.

Ability to: All of the above, and effectively assist in marketing the department’s programs to current and potential sponsors; develop and deliver the department’s education and training classes, courses, and/or resources.

Conservationist Supervisor

Knowledge of: Principles of personnel management, business and public administration; purposes, organization, policies, procedures and rules of the department; principles of ecology and natural resource conservation; principles of facilities and grounds maintenance; principles and practices of health and safety standards; principles and practices of employee supervision; principles and practices of employee/employer relations; Equal Employment Opportunity Program objectives; and a supervisor's responsibility for promoting equal opportunity in hiring and employee development and promotion, and for maintaining a work environment that is free of discrimination and harassment.

Ability to: Maintain a healthy and safe working and living environment; organize, coordinate and plan programs for conservationist staff and crew members’ training; maintain facilities and grounds; complete center, overnight camp/spike, and emergency projects; prevent and solve problems by utilizing management and communication skills, concepts and techniques; analyze situations and take effective action; keep records and prepare written reports; maintain effective external relations with public community and organization interests specifically in the development of funding sources; analyze data and present ideas and information effectively; and effectively promote equal opportunity in employment and maintain a work environment that is free of discrimination and harassment.

Preferred or Desirable Qualifications

All Levels

Willingness to work for extended periods occasionally in primitive facilities, and sometimes isolated from communities; willingness to work odd and irregular hours; demonstrated aptitude for, and willingness to teach and work with young people in regard to their personal and social development; willingness to do manual labor, including landscaping, gardening, trail construction, emergency response work, carpentry, and other physically demanding activities; and willingness to set an example for young people through attitude, ability, knowledge, attention to detail, and pride of work. Experience supervising work crews of six or more people, including responsibility for evaluating, developing, training, and disciplining.

Knowledge of small engine power equipment; principles and developing trends regarding energy conservation; building trades; methods of group work; gang awareness; teaching and counseling techniques; foster care issues; familiarity with education programs; basic guidelines and standards for conducting effective group meetings; substance abuse intervention techniques; and basic plant, natural resources, and wildlife ecology.

Conservationist Supervisor

Associate of Arts Degree or equivalent to completion of two years of college, preferable with specialization in public business administration, environmental studies, the social sciences or youth services administration. Experience in the operations or management of a youth or adult work experience and/or training and education program; experience in human resource programs; background in ecology and natural resource conservation; excellent communications skills; ability to take effective action under extreme pressure and/or during emergency situations; ability to effectively manage the operation and maintenance of facilities and grounds; ability to manage several priorities simultaneously; general knowledge of budget preparation and administration; knowledge of grant writing and reporting requirements; and knowledge of State and Federal audit guidelines.

All employees must have general qualifications as described by California Code of Regulations, title 2, section 172. 

Class History