Parks Operations Manager – Natural Resources

POSITION TITLE:         Park Operations Manager – Natural Resources

DIVISION:                    Parks and Natural Resources

REPORTS TO:              Parks and Natural Resources Director

FLSA STATUS:             Exempt, Full-time ($52,000 – $57,000)

Purpose of Position:
The purpose of this position is to coordinate the natural resource management (NRM) efforts of the Parks and Natural Resources Division.  Priorities for the position are to implement and communicate NRM objectives and oversee delivery of stewardship programming.  The role will independently collaborate with staff, volunteers, contractors, and community partners.    

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

• Update and assist with implementation of natural resource management (NRM) plans.
• Develop, deliver, and delegate environmental education programming on stewardship topics and park projects.
• Supervise, and evaluate staff team, including full-time Volunteer Coordinator, Stewardship Technicians, part-time Naturalist, and seasonal Instructors.
• Manage staff, contractors, and volunteers with invasive species and restoration management.
• Oversite of volunteer stewardship to include identifying priority stewardship scopes, participant learning outcomes, and complimentary programming that supports department big picture initiatives including programs such as BioBlitz, Citizen Science, and Departmental engagement.
• Create content for Marketing Division for publications such as, blogs, website, and signage.
• Prepare monthly and annual progress reports on NRM.
• Record and monitor NRM with digital tools including GIS, asset management system, digital forms, and other databases.
• Assist Division Director with planning for capital projects that have NRM related components.
• Attend or assign staff to support Volunteer Coordinator on volunteer stewardship projects.
• Update NRM and historical & cultural resource management plans regularly on progress and changes related to new properties, updated management strategies, etc.
• Work collaboratively with department staff in other divisions to contribute to CAPRA standards.
• Create Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for daily tasks such as, data input, program development, seed collection, applying pesticide or pruning techniques.
• Contribute to strategic planning and overall direction of the Department.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required to Perform Essential Job Functions:

• Knowledge of NRM best practices, public land management, and stewardship education
• Knowledge of specific invasive and native species and ability to independently identify.
• Ability to communicate.
• Ability to compile, review, classify, prioritize, analyze, and present data.
• Ability to utilize digital applications including Microsoft Office Suite, workflow management software, and other applications.
• Ability to operate a variety of equipment and tools including trimmer, blower, lopper, hand saw, chain saw, utv, and backpack chemical sprayer.
• Ability to exert heavy physical effort necessary to perform tasks, including climbing, balancing, kneeling, crouching, crawling, and lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of 20-90 pounds.
• Ability to work in adverse environmental conditions, such as dirt, pollen, odors, humidity, rain, temperature and noise extremes, traffic, toxic agents, disease, or pathogenic substances.
• Ability to create engaging lesson plans with environmental topics that can be catered to varying age levels.

Qualifications Required to Perform Essential Job Functions:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Natural Resource Management, Environmental Studies, Parks and Recreation or similar field required, or relevant work experience compared to a 4-year degree.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience working in natural resources or related field.
• 2 years of experience training and managing groups of people.
• Strong language and communication skills (written and verbal).
• Work independently with high degree of self-organization and possess strong time management skills.
• Valid driver’s license required.
• Must pass a background check that encompasses national, state, and local searches, throughout employment.
• Must pass a pre-employment drug test.

The Carmel/Clay Board of Parks and Recreation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without unlawful discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family or marital status, ancestry, age, veteran status, or any other legally protected status.