Park & Education Manager

About the role

The Park and Education Manager oversees nature and interpretive programs, supervises staff, and manages daily operations at the facility. This role includes securing funding, preparing budgets, and developing public relations materials.

Responsibilities

• Directs nature and interpretive programs and coordinates resource management activities for assigned facility.
• Supervises and directs daily activities of education and program staff; training, technical instruction and evaluation of performance.
• Aids Park Superintendent in pursuing funding sources and developing grant applications.
• Creates displays and exhibits for Nature Center Facilities. Coordinates the development of wayside exhibits.
• Prepares and administers Education Division budget for facility. Oversight of revenue collection and authorizations of expenditures.
• Prepares various reports to include program attendance and evaluations as well as long and short range educational program planning.
• Develops public relations material for interpretive programs and special events.
• Oversees day to day operations of nature center; provides guidance/support to part-time staff including educational programmers, gate house staff, receptionists, and rental hosts.
• Aid in closing rental sales.
• Responsible for organization and client safety. Investigates and resolves safety issues.
• Provides professional support developing and implementing Master Plan and performing duties of Park Superintendent.
• Performs all other duties as assigned, including overtime as required.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Parks and Recreation, Education, Public and Environmental Affairs, Natural Sciences, or related fields.
• Minimum of three years of relevant experience.
• Thorough knowledge of department functions and ability to direct staff operations in alignment with program initiatives.
• Working knowledge of local, state, and federal laws related to department operations, with the ability to assist in drafting proposed legislation.
• Proficiency in cost-effective purchasing, grant writing, and budgeting.
• Familiarity with various trades and ability to oversee maintenance operations of park facilities, grounds, vehicles, and equipment; ensuring proper construction of new parks and facilities.
• Effective communication skills, both oral and written, with a diverse range of stakeholders including government officials, community leaders, businesspersons, foundation executives, landowners, special interest groups, media, and the general public.
• Ability to respond to emergencies on a 24-hour basis.
• Certified Interpretive Guide.
• First Aid and CPR certification.
• Valid driver's license with the ability to legally operate a motor vehicle and drive through irregular terrain.
• Proficiency in using office and computer equipment, audio-visual and communication equipment.
• Ability to use hand and power tools, woodland firefighting tools, and operate a vehicle.