Park Specialist

Essential Functions

• Aid in managing personnel: Plan, direct, and control the work of groups of employees in the operation and maintenance of park facilities, grounds, and equipment.
• Implement customer service program. Determine workload, assign priorities, schedule employees, and allocate resources.
• Promote high levels of work performance and employee morale.
• Aid in managing facility operations: Monitor operation to ensure customer satisfaction. Inspect park facilities for adherence to NOVA Parks standards. Operate facilities and fill in at all positions as needed. Apply and interpret safety standards and ensure compliance. Ensure security of park facilities and assets. Assess operations and procedures and make suggestions to the Manager.
• Plan, coordinate, implement, and evaluate community programs, special events, or activities as assigned.
• Maintain cleanliness of the park.
• Plan, coordinate, implement, and evaluate community programs, special events, or activities as assigned.
• Assist with management of facility and grounds maintenance: Inspect park facilities, equipment, and grounds for hazards and for adherence to NOVA Parks standards. Identify maintenance problems and hazards, initiate corrective action or refer to Park Manager. Operate various pieces of maintenance equipment as needed and perform related work including manual labor.
• Aid in development and management of budget: Recommend operations, maintenance, and development items for budget. Interpret and apply NOVA Parks policies and procedures to meet personnel, budget, property management, and general service needs of the park.
• Aid in establishing and maintaining positive public relations program: Foster a positive public image for the park and NOVA Parks. Provide information to the public and special interest groups through presentations and other means through accurate, courteous, and diplomatic communications. Post to social media on a weekly basis for special facilities.
• Encourage visitor comments; investigate and respond to complaints.
• Aid in performance of administrative duties: Investigate accidents, thefts, vandalism, and other violations and file appropriate reports in a timely manner. Represent NOVA Parks as designated legal authority in providing testimony and evidence in court. Prepare and maintain various business, personnel, and administrative reports and records. Initiate and monitor standard user permits; assists with the development of special contractual agreements.

Required Qualifications

• Education: Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a Bachelor's degree in park management or closely related field preferred or an exceptional combination of education, experience, and training that is equivalent to a four-year degree.
• Physical: Non-manual and manual work with strength and dexterity necessary to perform all required tasks, including lifting, stooping, bending and working in tiring and uncomfortable positions in office and outdoor settings; will perform heavy manual labor in all weather conditions, lift items at or greater than 80 pounds, climb ladders, use tools, and operate equipment.
• Experience: One year of responsible experience in parks or conservation work, or any equivalent combination of education, training, or experience which provides: Knowledge of principles, methods, and practices involved in park management; Cash handling experience; Knowledge and experience in personnel management; Ability to identify and isolate problems, and to initiate appropriate actions; Ability to deal effectively with the public and special interest groups and provide a strong, positive public relations program; Ability to interpret and explain NOVA Parks policies, rules, and procedures to employees and to the public; Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, with ability to prepare and present accurate reports; Ability to acquire a working knowledge of NOVA Parks, its development, traditions, and policies; Working knowledge of the materials, equipment, and procedures involved with park maintenance; Ability to maintain knowledge of current trends and developments in the park and recreation profession; Working knowledge of personal computers and various software applications; Possession of or ability to obtain and maintain driver’s license with safe driving record; Availability for call in emergency situations; Availability to work additional hours during peak operating times including shift work, nights, and weekends; Certification or ability to obtain certification in CPR and first aid and other licenses as required.

Benefits

• This position is a benefit eligible position. Benefits include medical and dental insurance, life insurance, long-term disability, retirement plan, and more.

Testing

• The Park Specialist position is classified as a safety sensitive position. Candidates for full-time, safety sensitive positions must submit to a pre-employment drug screening and achieve a negative result as a condition of employment.

Equal Opportunity

• No person shall be discriminated against on the basis of race, sex, color, national origin, religion, age, veteran status, political affiliation, genetics, or disability in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce.