Manager Brookside Nature Center

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 Brookside Nature Center in Wheaton, MD.

Reporting to the Assistant Division Chief of nature centers, this position will manage and supervise all aspects of Brookside Nature Center operations including programs, services, visitor experience, personnel, volunteer program, budgets, facilities, indoor and outdoor exhibits, native gardens, adjacent grounds, natural areas, and trails.

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.

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 with assistance from regional park staff 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

May be subject to medical, drug and alcohol testing.

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.