Environmental Education Manager

About the role

Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation is seeking an innovative and dynamic Environmental Education Manager to lead all operational and environmental education program initiatives at 5–7 nature center facilities. The incumbent will directly supervise five to seven Nature/Cultural Center Managers, the Sr Aquarist, Master Naturalist Coordinator and Historian, and oversee strategic planning, budgeting, performance management, inter-agency collaboration, and interpretation in parks and preserves. Evening, weekend, and emergency-response work may be required.

Responsibilities

• Plan and direct environmental education programs and operations at multiple nature centers in support of protecting natural and cultural resources for future generations
• Supervise five to seven Nature/Cultural Center Managers, the Sr Aquarist, Master Naturalist Coordinator and Historian
• Participate in strategic planning, develop and monitor annual budgets, manage employee performance, and facilitate cross-division communication
• Oversee cost recovery and revenue projections, contract management, and maintenance plans to ensure clean, safe, and attractive facilities
• Assess park conditions and recommend long-range capital needs; determine public workshop schedules and implement community-input strategies
• Network with towns, churches, government agencies, businesses, CMPD, outside organizations, and district advisory councils
• Maintain inventories of equipment, supplies, rolling stock, facilities, and undeveloped properties
• Serve as staff liaison to district advisory councils, including arranging meetings, setting agendas, and submitting minutes
• Respond to emergency situations as they arise
• Approve contracted services and ensure contract compliance

Minimum Qualifications

• Experience: Minimum of six years in area of assignment; one year of supervisory experience or completion of an approved supervisory training program
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in a related field (or an equivalent combination of relevant experience and education)
• Licenses/Certifications: Valid North Carolina or South Carolina driver’s license with County driving privileges; First Aid/CPR
• Computer Skills: Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite

Preferred Qualifications

• Ten years of experience in environmental education and/or natural resource management, including at least five years of supervisory experience
• Master’s degree in a related field
• Certified Interpretive Trainer (or Manager), NC Environmental Educator certificate, Master Naturalist certification, or other related certifications/licenses

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Business and management principles for strategic planning, resource allocation, leadership, and coordination
• Customer service principles, needs assessment, quality standards, and satisfaction evaluation
• English language structure, composition, and grammar
• Applicable laws, regulations, and agency rules
• Expertise in environmental education and natural resource management
• Judgment and cost–benefit analysis; problem identification and solution evaluation
• Effective oral and written communication
• Adaptability to others’ actions

Leadership & Workplace Abilities

• Focusing and guiding others to accomplish work objectives
• Developing collaborative relationships to facilitate goal accomplishment
• Delivering presentations suited to audience needs
• Keeping organizational vision and values at the forefront of decisions
• Strategic decision making based on facts, resources, and constraints
• Building trust and providing timely coaching and feedback
• Working effectively with others; establishing and maintaining good working relationships
• Ensuring customer perspective drives service practices
• Identifying issues and drawing conclusions from multiple data sources
• Delegating authority and task responsibility appropriately
• Planning and supporting individual development to meet current and future roles
• Facilitating innovation and change within the workplace
• Demonstrating leadership traits and behaviors that meet leader role demands
• Managing conflict and reducing tension between individuals
• Establishing efficient courses of action for self and others
• Identifying and correcting safety hazards; upholding safety standards

Work Environment

Primarily in-office with occasional outdoor work.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, life, short-term disability, long-term disability, accident, cancer, critical illness, medical bridge, and pet insurance
• Dependent care, healthcare, and commuter flexible spending accounts; health savings account
• Paid holiday, vacation, and sick days
• Near-site clinics for preventive care and illnesses
• Employee discount program (retail, dining, shopping, travel, tickets, etc.)
• Employee assistance program including financial and legal counseling
• Access to Mecklenburg County fitness and aquatic facilities
• Paid family leave
• Tuition reimbursement
• 5% employer match on retirement savings plan contributions and a defined benefit retirement plan