Description

  • Are you a strategic leader interested in managing a nature facility?
  • Do you enjoy collaborating with multiple units on programs and projects?
  • Are you passionate about connecting people from diverse backgrounds to nature, growing partnerships, and building community?

If this sounds like you, The Montgomery County Department of Parks is the place you want to be!  We are currently seeking a dynamic, highly professional Nature Facility and Program Manager for Black Hill Discovery Center and the SEED (Sustainable Education Every Day) Classroom in Boyds, MD.
 
Reporting to the Assistant Division Chief of nature centers, this position will manage and supervise all aspects of Black Hill Discovery Center and the Seed Classroom operations including programs, services, visitor experience, personnel, volunteer program, budgets, facilities, indoor and outdoor exhibits, native gardens, adjacent grounds, natural areas, and trails.

The mission of Black Hill Discovery Center is to connect people to nature.  We strive to create community around our center, our nature programming, and Black Hill Regional Park. Through community, people of all ages will become advocates and stewards for public and wild lands.

Black Hill Discovery Center and SEED Classroom is situated in Black Hill Regional Park in Boyds, MD which is owned and operated by the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission in Montgomery County, Maryland.  Black Hill Discovery Center provides interpretative programming for the public, special groups, and schools, specializes in early childhood education, summer camps, kayaking, water resources education, community engagement, and sustainable practices.  The SEED Classroom is a net zero energy, green building scheduled to open in the Spring of 2024.

The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) is a six-time National Recreational and Parks Association Gold Medal Award Winner.  Behind the vast and diverse Montgomery County Department of Parks system is a career staff complement of nearly 800 employees, 424 parks and almost 37,000 acres of park land that serves a diverse population of more than one million residents in the Washington, DC area. Go to our website to learn more:  https://www.montgomeryparks.org/

DIVERSITY STATEMENT: Montgomery County Department of Parks believes that diversity in all dimensions of the organization supports and bolsters the innovative thinking essential to its success. Montgomery County Parks does not make hiring decisions on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, political affiliation, ideology or status as a Veteran.
 
Please Note: The salary range listed above represents the earning potential for this position. Salary is commensurate with experience.

 

Examples of Important Duties

Supervision

  • Provides exceptional leadership in a collaborative team environment.
  • Recruits, screens, hires, onboards new staff and interns.
  • Trains, coaches, evaluates, and recognizes staff and interns.
  • Recognizes and resolves personnel issues.
  • Works with volunteer manager to oversee volunteer program.
  • Collaborates closely with Friends of Black Hill Nature Programs as the Parks liaison.

Interpretive Programming and Visitor Experiences

  • Develops and implements vision, goals, and strategic plan.
  • Reviews, approves, and evaluates programs and services.
  • Establishes and implements operating and program procedures.
  • Collaborates with other Montgomery Parks’ nature centers and other sections of Parks to develop and execute programs, events, services, and experiences such as exhibits.
  • Coordinates a balance of programs and services in response to community needs and interests, agency priorities, and revenue goals.

Advocacy and Community Building 

  • Maintains strong relationships with partners and community.
  • Proactively grows advocates and community partners with diverse backgrounds and located within Equity Focus Areas.

Building and Grounds Management

  • Evaluates facility operating systems for safety and function.
  • Plans, designs, and implements facility and grounds improvements in conjunction with Northern Parks and Facilities Management units.
  • Coordinates routine maintenance, repairs, and custodial services with Facilities Management units and contractors.
  • Collaborates with natural resources staff to maintain or improve natural areas.

Budget and Procurement

  • Manages operating and fee-based budgets
  • Submits requests for Major Maintenance and Capital Improvement Projects
  • Administers procurement functions including purchase requisitions, purchase cards, and petty cash.

 Important Skills and Characteristics 

  • Provides effective leadership, organizational, and managerial skills in a team-oriented environment.
  • Exemplifies a collaborative and cooperative spirit. Shows a proven ability to approach and interact with people of all backgrounds.
  • Has the skill and ability to plan, organize and direct the programs, services, and operations of a nature facility. Coordinate effectively other entities, staff, and units within the Commission, outside organizations, and the community in planning and conducting programs, events, and special projects.
  • Considerable skills in problem solving to select, organize and logically process relevant information.
  • Skill and ability to make presentations and communicate effectively orally and in writing.
  • Ability to perform first aid and CPR*.

*Typically acquired or fully developed primarily after employment in this job class.

Preferred Qualifications Ability to communicate in one of Montgomery County’s most common languages (Spanish, Chinese, African Languages, Persian, French) is a plus

 

Minimum Qualifications

  1. Bachelor’s Degree in Natural Science, Life Science, Physical Science, or any related field.
  2. Four (4) years of progressively responsible park naturalist experience.
  3. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted, which together total eight (8) years.
  4. Valid driver’s license in accordance with both State and Commission rules and regulations. Driver’s license must be unencumbered by restrictions, revocations, suspensions, or points that could limit the employee’s ability to drive Commission vehicles or perform driving duties required by the position of assignment.
  5. Depending on area of assignment, must be able to obtain and maintain all applicable certifications and licenses.

 

Supplemental Information

Classification Specification: Nature Facility Program Manager

Working Conditions:
Works primarily in an office. Works occasional weekends, evenings, and holidays. Exposed occasionally to inclement weather and outdoor hazards. Incumbents in this class must frequently: remain in a stationary position, move about inside and outside the office, communicate and exchange information with internal staff and the public.

Very competitive and flexible benefits programs available!
Get to know Montgomery Parks and the opportunities available:

May be subject to medical, drug and alcohol testing.

The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate a workplace culture of diversity, equity and inclusion without discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, gender identity, or any other non-merit factor.

Applicants with Disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

If you require accommodations or special arrangements due to a qualifying disability, please notify the Recruitment & Selections Services Unit at the time of applications at or 301-454-1411 (Maryland Relay 7-1-1)

M-NCPPC will make all efforts to reasonably accommodate you.