Natural Resources Specialist (Nature Center Manager)

Are you passionate about the environment, conservation, and public outreach? Do you have excellent organization and communication skills? Are you a motivated leader ready to head up a team? Do you enjoy creating partnerships and working with a diverse community?

The Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) is seeking an effective and engaging Nature Center Manager to manage all aspects of Long Branch Nature Center. The work of this position will include providing direct oversight of staff, volunteers, all programs and services, exhibits, collections. It also includes administrative duties managing multiple budgets, collection, synthesizing and evaluating data, setting team schedules, timecards and evaluations overseeing indoor facilities, native plant gardens, and surrounding natural areas and trails. This position coordinates with the other county nature center managers to align strategic plans, goals, processes, and performance measures for the unit

The Nature Center Manager reports to the Conservation and Interpretation Unit Manager in the Parks and Natural Resources (PNR) Division. This position is multifaceted and works throughout the county to develop, collaborate, schedule, run programs and events to reach diverse audiences and promote environmental conservation and stewardship.

Specific duties include:

• Supervises, hires, trains, coaches, and evaluates staff and interns;

• Establishes, implements and evaluates operating and program procedures;

• Collaborates with other county nature centers and DPR sections to develop and execute programs, events, services, and experiences;

• Determines and develops programs and services in response to community needs and interests and agency priorities;

• Creates and maintains relationships with advocates and community partners with diverse backgrounds located within equity focus areas;

• Evaluates, plans, designs, and implements facility and grounds improvements in collaboration with park area staff and facilities management units;

• Manages operating and fee-based budgets including purchase requisitions, purchase cards, and petty cash; and

• Performing other job-related duties as assigned.

The ideal candidate will possess effective leadership, communication, and organization skills, demonstrated ability to problem solve and logically process relevant information, and develop successful outcomes based on the needs of the department.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in natural sciences, biology, environmental sciences, wildlife management, or related field ; and

• Considerable experience in park administration, natural resource management, environmental education, wildlife management, museum management, or closely related field.

Substitution : Additional education may be substituted for experience. Additional experience may be substituted for education.

Preferred Qualifications: Preference may be given to candidates with experience in one or more of the following:

• Considerable experience managing a nature center, environmental education center, or park visitor center; and managing staff or volunteers

• Considerable experience doing community outreach to promote environmental awareness, appreciation, and stewardship;

• Considerable experience designing, presenting, and evaluating of nature programs for diverse audiences;

• Considerable experience managing budget and financial processes, .

• Ability to set priorities, solve problems and make sound and supportable decisions

• Ability to effectively communicate and lead a team

• Ability to collect and synthesize data into strategic work plans

• Bilingual - ability to communicate in a different language (including English).

Applicant must possess or obtain valid CPR, First Aid and AED certifications 3 months of placement in role.

Applicant must possess, or obtain by time of appointment, a valid driver license. The applicant must authorize Arlington County to obtain, or the applicant must provide a copy of the applicant's official driving record. Any offer of employment may be contingent upon a favorable review of the applicant's driving record.

A pre-hire background check including the following will be required: criminal record, driving record, education, professional licensure, references, and credit history. You will be required to sign a release authorizing the County to obtain your background information. Any offer of employment is contingent upon a successful background check.

Physical Requirement: Must have the ability to work both indoor and outside including during inclement weather. Work environment includes working outdoors in all weather conditions. Walking for extended periods of time (leading hikes), and ability to perform intensive manual labor that involves bending, standing, climbing, stooping for extended periods, and lifting up to 20 pounds.

Work Hours: Monday through Friday, ranging between 9:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. and one weekend day.

• Weekend and evening hours will be required on a regular basis during regular business hours; and

• Employee must be available for callback in emergency situations.