NATURAL RESOURCES PROGRAM SUPERVISOR – OPEN UNTIL FILLED

OVERVIEW

Kitsap County Parks Department is committed to providing quality-of-life enhancing opportunities through the management of natural areas and specialized facilities, fostering community stewardship, and offering an outstanding service-oriented environment.

The Parks Department is looking for a professional in natural resources to plan, coordinate and adminster Parks Natural Resources Program! If you are a seasoned professional in natural resources, strong leader and communicator this may be the perfect opportunity for you!

#lovewhereyouwork #meaningfulwork #greatbenefits #worklifebalance #serveyourcommunity

Position Information
Under general supervision and direction from the Parks Director, performs professional and administrative work in the planning, coordination, and administration of the Park Department's Natural Resources program. This includes oversight and supervision of open space and natural areas, carrying out management plans, forest restoration program, invasive and non-native vegetation, wildlife habitat, trails and recreation, and volunteers and stewards.

QUALIFICATIONS FOR PERFORMANCE OF THE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelors Degree in environmental science, natural resources management, forestry, ecology or related field; and
• Four years of experience in natural resources management or land use management and one or more years of supervisory experience; or
• Any equivalent combination of experience and education that provides the applicant with the desired knowledge, skills and ability required to perform the work.

Preferred Education, Experience or Other Qualifications.

• Master's degree in environmental studies, environmental science, natural resource management, forestry, ecology, or related field
• 4+ years of experience in natural resource management or land use management
• Experience with resource conservation practices in park management
• Knowledge and use of Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and ArcGIS software
• experience working for a government agency, in the public sector, or in a parks and recreation department.

Driving Requirements
The successful incumbent must meet the driving requirements of this position and submit a copy of a current driving record/abstract (from state of residency) to review for eligibility to drive for Kitsap County prior to employment. The successful incumbent must obtain a valid Washington State Driver's License prior to hire and maintain a satisfactory driving record as outlined in the Kitsap County Vehicle Use Policy. This position is categorized as a Category 1: Driver and operates County-owned vehicle.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities
Knowledge

• Principles and practices related to open space, park, and natural resource management including forestry, horticulture, wildlife, fisheries, and noxious vegetation.
• Restorative thinning practices for silviculture and forestry management.
• Laws, principles, and practices of natural resources ecosystem management including conservation, protection and use.
• Research methods and standards as applied to the collection of environmental and other data essential to natural resource management.
• GIS and its uses related to natural resources management.
• Supervision, management, and leadership principles and techniques.
• Principles and practices of public administration as they apply to effective management of personnel, fiscal resources, program implementation, and legislative developments affecting natural resource management.
• Communications, public outreach strategies, and public relations.
• Contract administration, grant writing and administration practices and principles.
• Policies, laws, codes, ordinances and other regulations and guidelines applicable to area of assignment.
• Use and care of computers, peripherals and software used for park and open space planning.

Skills

• Extensive experience with natural resource management and public lands management policy.
• Superb interpersonal and leadership skills.
• Experience supervising and mentoring staff.
• Effectively plan, prioritize, organize and complete tasks within prescribed timeframes.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others using tact, courtesy and good judgment.
• Communicate effectively with excellent written and oral communication and strong presentation and facilitation skills.
• Work independently without regular direction and troubleshoot problems in assigned area of responsibility.
• Work successfully within the context of a team as a team player.
• Work with volunteer groups.
• Maintain a professional demeanor under heavy workload and stressful situations.
• Effectively respond to and reconcile competing interests of governmental entities, community organizations, contractors and the public.
• Focus on customer needs and provide exceptional service to both internal and external stakeholders.
• Effectively problem-solve and create innovative solutions.

Abilities

• Plan, organize and oversee natural resource programs for maintenance and repair work of parks and open space and related facilities.
• Plan and coordinate a complex natural resource management program, including implementing policies and applicable regulations.
• Develop program plans and anticipate alternatives for program adjustments.
• Manage projects in a timely manner and within budget.
• Exhibit excellent analytical skills and the ability to interpret and communicate complex natural resource issues.
• Represent the County and make major presentations to a variety of audiences.
• Communicate orally and in writing in a clear, concise, and effective manner.
• Operate office equipment including computers and supporting word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications.
• Interpret and apply applicable ordinances, regulations, and standard operating procedures.
• Develop and strengthen collaborative community partnerships focused on parks issues.
• Facilitate and promote public input and community education by organizing and coordinating public meetings and forums.
• Coordinate activities with staff, volunteer groups, and private contractors.
• Coordinate with various government agencies to obtain required permits.
• Prepare applications for grants and other funding proposals and provide feedback on program planning and effectiveness.
• Monitor budgets and funding, work schedules and grant requirements.

Working Conditions/Physical Activities

( The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Kitsap County provides reasonable accommodation to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions .)

Positions in this class typically require :

• Work performed in the office environment and in the field/community.
• Field work includes working around equipment in inclement weather, noise, and noxious fumes.
• Bending, stooping, reaching (over shoulders, at waist and below waist), walking, standing and working high above ground, adequate vision sufficient to view computer, and hearing sufficient to respond to audible alarms, speaking adequate to communicate effectively, manual dexterity to grasp/handle equipment and materials.
• Must possess sufficient physical strength, coordination and mental alertness to ensure safe and efficient performance of assigned duties including lifting and carrying up to 30 pounds.

ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLE OF DUTIES
In this position the successful candidate will get to perform the following essential functions:

• Program Administration
  • Develops, implements and oversees natural resources programs including forest management, habitat improvement and restoration, open space, trails, wildlife, noxious weeds management, and related issues.
  • Develops, implements and reviews Natural Resources Management plans for parks and open spaces.
  • Formulates policies, procedures, plans for existing, and new natural resources management programs.
  • Oversees department's Forest Stewardship program including restorative thinning/timber harvesting activities and associated contracts.
  • Develops or participates in the development and promotion of natural resource and environmental educational and public information programs.
  • Participates in planning for parks and open space areas.
  • Reviews design, drawings and specifications on trails and open space development projects.
  • Develop operating procedures and maintenance standards.
  • Assist with budget development and monitors spending activity.
  • Oversees the inventory, use, and maintenance of equipment and facilities used for natural resources management.
  • Advise the department on major environmental policy issues.
  • Leverage funding through grants, donations, contracts, and partnerships.
  • Participate in county-wide environmental/sustainability initiatives.
  • Provide input for master plans, management plans, policies, and other frameworks guiding park acquisition and development.
  • Analyze and make recommendations on the environmental impacts of recreational use and projects on park lands.
  • Provide contract supervision when directed and ensure timely preparation of contract documents for the planning and development of park and open space lands.
  • Works to implement PROS and other departmental goals and strategies.

Supervision

• Provide leadership, supervises, trains, and evaluates staff, schedules staff assignments and projects, determines work performance standards, conducts performance evaluations, provides direction to staff, conducts employment interviews, and manages disciplinary actions.
• Supervise Natural Resource Coordinators, interns, and seasonal positions and oversee the volunteer and stewardship program.
• Evaluates and verifies employee performance through the review of completed work assignments and work techniques.
• Identifies staff development and training needs and ensures that training is obtained.
• Assists with the recruitment and supervision of volunteers; organizes and directs volunteers in coordination with staff resources.
• Oversee and direct staff engaged in monitoring, stewardship, and restoration activities.

Public Outreach and Communication

• Develop and carry out public meetings and other outreach processes to solicit input during the development and implementation of plans.
• Conduct public needs assessments, public meetings, and workshops.
• Prepare and deliver oral and written materials for presentations.
• Represent the department at public meetings and serve as a liaison with other County departments and outside agencies.
• Presents to the Board of County Commissioners, Parks Advisory Board, and other community groups as needed.

Perform other related duties as requested.
OTHER POSITION RELATED INFORMATION
Positions in the classification are :

• Who May Apply: This position is open to the general public. Applications will be screened for qualifications and completion of all the required materials and forms. The most competitive applicants may be contacted for further steps in the selection process, which may include testing for office and computer skills.
• This position is classified as exempt for earning overtime under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)
• Non-represented and covered under the Kitsap County Personnel Manual.
• Kitsap County is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations and ordinances. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please contact our Human Resources Office.
• Flexible work hours are available, as approved by management.
• This recruitment may be used to fill other vacancies within this classification.

This position is open until filled and reviewed weekly!

At Kitsap County, we strive to take care of our team! Our employees are the greatest asset of Kitsap County, and we take pride in offering a highly competitive compensation and benefits package to all eligible employees.

County Paid Benefits Include:
Medical - Kaiser Permanente (HMO) or Aetna (PPO)
Dental -Delta Dental or Willamette
Vision - VSP
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
Life Insurance - Basic, Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D), Voluntary Term Life Insurance (VTL)
Disability - Short-term disability & Long-term disability
Voya Voluntary Insurance
Transportation incentives
Employee Assistance Program
Travel Assistance Program
Wellness program https://spf.kitsapgov.com/hr/Pages/Wellness.aspx
Benefits become effective on the first calendar day of the month following the month in which the employee is hired except if the employee's hire date is the first calendar day of the month, benefits begin on the day of hire. More information about employee benefits is available on the county's website at: https://spf.kitsapgov.com/hr/Pages/Benefits.aspx or the Kitsap County Digital Benefits Guide .

*Voluntary benefit options also available at the employee's expense

Retirement:
Employees are covered under the PERS retirement plan provided through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems and Social Security.

Deferred Compensation (IRS Plan 457b): tax-deferred savings program

Holidays
11 paid holidays and 2 additional floating holiday per year

Vacation Leave
New employees are credited with 48 hours of annual leave upon hire and will be begin accruing at the rate of 8 hours per month starting on their 7th month of employment. Employees may carry over 360 hours from one calendar year to the next. Annual leave accrual will increase upon tenure, as follows:

Upon completion of 3 years: 15 days per year (10.00 hours per month)
Upon completion of 5 years: 20 days per year (13.33 hours per month)
Upon completion of 10 years: 25 days per year (16.67 hours per month)
Sick Leave
All new hires will be credited with 48 hours of sick leave upon hire and will begin accruing at the rate of 8 hours per month starting on their 7th month of employment. Employees may carry over 1200 hours from one calendar year to the next.

***Part-time employees benefit contributions and leave accruals will beprorated***

Current County Employees
If you are transferring or promoting into this position you are responsible for reviewing these benefit changes; prior to accepting a position. In addition, it is your responsibility to notify the Auditor's Payroll Division of a change in union status.

NOTE: This is a general overview of the benefits offered through employment with Kitsap County, and every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy. If any information on this document conflicts or is incorrect with the provisions of the Personnel Manual, applicable laws, policies, rules or official plan documents they will prevail. The Personnel Manual is available at: https://www.kitsapgov.com/hr/Pages/Personnel-Manual-2019.aspx