Manager Brookside Nature Center and Maydale Nature Classroom (10870, Grade 28)

About the Role

Montgomery Parks is seeking a collaborative leader to manage Brookside Nature Center and Maydale Nature Classroom. Reporting to the Assistant Division Chief for Nature Centers, this position oversees staff, programs, volunteers, budgets, facilities, exhibits, gardens, trails, and visitor services and experiences. This role blends leadership, community engagement, and operations. You will help shape how visitors experience nature while leading a dedicated team of naturalists, educators, volunteers, and support staff.

What You'll Do

• Provide exceptional leadership in a collaborative team environment
• Recruit, screen, hire, onboard, train, coach, evaluate, and recognize staff and interns
• Recognize and resolve personnel issues
• Work with volunteer manager to oversee volunteer program
• Develop and implement vision, goals, and strategic plan for interpretive programming
• Review, approve, and evaluate programs and services
• Establish and implement operating and program procedures
• Collaborate with other Montgomery Parks' nature centers and sections to develop and execute programs, events, services, and experiences such as exhibits
• Coordinate programs and services in response to community needs, agency priorities, and revenue goals
• Maintain strong relationships with partners and community
• Proactively grow advocates and community partners with diverse backgrounds, including those located within Equity Focus Areas
• Evaluate facility operating systems for safety and function
• Plan, design, and implement facility and grounds improvements with assistance from regional park staff and Facilities Management
• Coordinate routine maintenance, repairs, and custodial services with Facilities Management and contractors
• Collaborate with natural resources staff to maintain or improve natural areas
• Manage operating and fee-based budgets
• Submit requests for Major Maintenance and Capital Improvement Projects
• Administer procurement functions including purchase requisitions, purchase cards, and petty cash

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Natural Science, Life Science, Physical Science, or any related field
• Four (4) years of progressively responsible park naturalist experience
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted, which together totals eight (8) years
• Valid driver's license unencumbered by restrictions, revocations, suspensions, or points that could limit the ability to drive Commission vehicles
• Depending on area of assignment, must be able to obtain and maintain all applicable certifications and licenses

Skills & Characteristics

• Effective leadership, organizational, and managerial skills in a team-oriented environment
• Collaborative and cooperative spirit
• Proven ability to approach and interact with people of all backgrounds
• Skill and ability to plan, organize and direct the programs, services, and operations of a nature facility
• Ability to coordinate effectively with other entities, staff, units, outside organizations, and the community
• Considerable problem-solving skills 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

Preferred Qualifications

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