Job Description

Under the direction of the Director of Parks and Recreation Commission, oversees stewardship and natural resources planning, restoration, protection, and management functions. Develops and implements comprehensive County wide short and long-term plans for the stewardship, protection and natural resources management for all County parks, open space lands and facilities to meet current and future demands and threats. Coordinates and assists the Director in a wide range of administrative functions including budgeting, property acquisition strategies and policy development. Responsible for the volunteer program, developing and presenting natural resources management expertise on a wide variety of topics and in wide variety of venues, and represents the department in regard to natural resource issues and efforts with other organizations, outside groups, residents, and in the media.

Essential Job Functions

The essential functions of this position include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Coordinates and participates in the development, updating and implementation of the natural resources management plans, including field work for county parks and open spaces properties. Solicits input from staff, Parks Commissioners and industry experts in all matters affecting the stewardship of County natural resources and properties. Develops, prepares or oversees the preparation of natural resource management plans including but not limited to an inventory of guiding documents, natural recourses assessment and analysis, goals, strategies, restoration project description, the development of cost estimates, and implementation strategies. Oversees implementation of all aspects of complex, multi-year, high-stakes, high-profile natural resources management projects, include development of budgets, identification of funding sources, request for proposals, management of staff, stakeholders, and consultants, and post-project evaluations.
• Analyzes data to assess current and forecast future stewardship, natural resources, environmental preservation and conservation best practices throughout the county, state and country. Evaluates threats to current park lands, natural resources and develops plans to meet current and projected future needs through the expansion of existing and the development and recommendation of new park and county educational resources, protocols, policies and procedures.
• Prepares and coordinates the Natural Resources Division budget, participates in the preparation of the annual Parks and Recreation operating and capital budget requests, including preparation of natural resource-based needs projections and cost estimates.
• Prepares a variety of reports and makes verbal presentations for audiences ranging from staff, Parks Commission, general public, educators, students and local/state officials. Coordinates and participates in the planning of training and public programs related to natural resource management. Coordinates, oversees, reviews and recommends approval of requests, and oversee the documentation of natural resource field research and projects associated with parks and properties.
• Identifies grant funding opportunities and prepares grant applications for submission to state, federal and private funding sources to meet identified needs and goals of the park system as established by the Parks Commission. Implements grant funded projects, while monitoring and complying with grant requirements.
• Provides expertise to parks staff, commissioners, the general public, local communities and other organizations on natural resource issues, recommends appropriate policies including invasive plant control and habitat restoration methods to ensure long-term sustainability of natural features. Represents the Ottawa County Parks and Recreation Department in regard to natural resource management issues with the media and outside groups. Serves as liaison representing the department as assigned with various organizations as assigned.
• Coordinates and participates in the development, implementation and management of the volunteer program serving all functions within the Ottawa County Parks and Recreation Department. Works to meet established goals for volunteer participation and works with other department staff to identify volunteer needs and oversees volunteer use within the department. Coordinates the development and oversee the implementation of a comprehensive volunteer recognition program.
• Coordinatesand participates in the selection, hiring, training and management of park staff involved in natural resource management and volunteer management functions. Schedules work and provides direction; evaluates performance and fulfills other supervisory functions as needed. Coordinates and monitors the develops and implements daily work schedules for natural resource management staff, volunteers, alternative labor workers, and others.
• Performs other functions as assigned.

Required Education, Training and Experience

Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in environmental science, natural resources management, ecology, biology or a related field required. A Bachelor’s degree and relevant professional level work experiences as approved by the employer may be accepted. Seven (7)to ten years’ experience in a natural resources management position, including experience with natural resource management plans, natural resources inventories, budget development and oversite and other stewardship activities including presenting reports and information in writing and verbally. Significant experience working with volunteers and volunteer programs in a leadership role including participate in recruiting, organizing and coordinating, on site supervision and recognition of service. Experience grant writing with proven success required.

Licenses and Certification:
A valid motor vehicle driver’s license. Training and/or certification regarding grassland prescribed burns with certification through the National Wildlife Coordinating Group Firefighter Type 1 or higher, preferred. A certified pesticide applicator license with three (3) months of employment

Additional Requirements and Information

• Thorough knowledge of the ecology of the Great Lakes region including native flora, fauna and natural communities; thorough knowledge of Michigan’s invasive species, their impacts and control methods; wildlife and wildlife management techniques; land planning and GIS mapping and use of GPS as it relates to natural resources management.
• A strong ability to formulate, communicate and implement natural resource management plans based on accurate and realistic estimates of field conditions; staff time and materials needed for completion.
• A strong ability to make written and verbal presentations to various groups including staff, commissioners, other organizations, and individuals.
• Considerable knowledge of research protocols as it relates to natural resource management.
• Considerable knowledge of volunteer management, including effective recruiting and retention techniques, coordination of events and ongoing volunteer services, on site supervision and appropriate recognition.
• The ability to effectively supervise paid staff, alternative labor including community service workers and volunteers.
• The ability to work weekend and evening shifts; and be available for non-routine events and activities in order to ensure success and accomplish scheduled activities and necessary functions.

Physical Requirements:

• Must have sufficient visual acuity, with or without corrective lenses to visually identify plants, animals and other natural resource elements in the field; and to perform extended work on a computer and with writtenmaterials.
• Must have sufficient auditory acuity, with or without audio logical devices to hear and discern natural resource elements in the field; hear alarms and other warning signals.
• Must be able to physically access all Commission natural resource features and areas including trails, park grounds, dunes, wetlands, and other areas in the course of daily activities.
• Must have sufficient physical strength and dexterity to operate tools commonly used in natural resources land management, invasive plant removal, and other related tasks.
• Must be able to tolerate exposure to extreme temperatures; dirt, dust, pollen, and other airborne particulates; inclement weather, insects and pests.
• Must be able to tolerate exposure to pesticides, herbicides and other chemicals routinely used in the control of invasive species.
• Must be able and willing to wear all required protective clothing and equipment.

Working Conditions:
While performing the essential functions of this position, the employee is exposed to moving mechanical hazards, dust, dirt and other airborne particulates; inclement weather, including extreme temperatures, wind, rain and snow; herbicides and pesticides, insects and other outdoor pests and other outdoor hazards. Must be willing and able to work regular weekend and evening shifts in order to accommodate scheduled job functions.

Disclaimer:
This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

Job Description

Under the direction of the Director of Parks and Recreation Commission, oversees stewardship and natural resources planning, restoration, protection, and management functions. Develops and implements comprehensive County wide short and long-term plans for the stewardship, protection and natural resources management for all County parks, open space lands and facilities to meet current and future demands and threats. Coordinates and assists the Director in a wide range of administrative functions including budgeting, property acquisition strategies and policy development. Responsible for the volunteer program, developing and presenting natural resources management expertise on a wide variety of topics and in wide variety of venues, and represents the department in regard to natural resource issues and efforts with other organizations, outside groups, residents, and in the media.

Essential Job Functions

The essential functions of this position include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Coordinates and participates in the development, updating and implementation of the natural resources management plans, including field work for county parks and open spaces properties. Solicits input from staff, Parks Commissioners and industry experts in all matters affecting the stewardship of County natural resources and properties. Develops, prepares or oversees the preparation of natural resource management plans including but not limited to an inventory of guiding documents, natural recourses assessment and analysis, goals, strategies, restoration project description, the development of cost estimates, and implementation strategies. Oversees implementation of all aspects of complex, multi-year, high-stakes, high-profile natural resources management projects, include development of budgets, identification of funding sources, request for proposals, management of staff, stakeholders, and consultants, and post-project evaluations.
• Analyzes data to assess current and forecast future stewardship, natural resources, environmental preservation and conservation best practices throughout the county, state and country. Evaluates threats to current park lands, natural resources and develops plans to meet current and projected future needs through the expansion of existing and the development and recommendation of new park and county educational resources, protocols, policies and procedures.
• Prepares and coordinates the Natural Resources Division budget, participates in the preparation of the annual Parks and Recreation operating and capital budget requests, including preparation of natural resource-based needs projections and cost estimates.
• Prepares a variety of reports and makes verbal presentations for audiences ranging from staff, Parks Commission, general public, educators, students and local/state officials. Coordinates and participates in the planning of training and public programs related to natural resource management. Coordinates, oversees, reviews and recommends approval of requests, and oversee the documentation of natural resource field research and projects associated with parks and properties.
• Identifies grant funding opportunities and prepares grant applications for submission to state, federal and private funding sources to meet identified needs and goals of the park system as established by the Parks Commission. Implements grant funded projects, while monitoring and complying with grant requirements.
• Provides expertise to parks staff, commissioners, the general public, local communities and other organizations on natural resource issues, recommends appropriate policies including invasive plant control and habitat restoration methods to ensure long-term sustainability of natural features. Represents the Ottawa County Parks and Recreation Department in regard to natural resource management issues with the media and outside groups. Serves as liaison representing the department as assigned with various organizations as assigned.
• Coordinates and participates in the development, implementation and management of the volunteer program serving all functions within the Ottawa County Parks and Recreation Department. Works to meet established goals for volunteer participation and works with other department staff to identify volunteer needs and oversees volunteer use within the department. Coordinates the development and oversee the implementation of a comprehensive volunteer recognition program.
• Coordinatesand participates in the selection, hiring, training and management of park staff involved in natural resource management and volunteer management functions. Schedules work and provides direction; evaluates performance and fulfills other supervisory functions as needed. Coordinates and monitors the develops and implements daily work schedules for natural resource management staff, volunteers, alternative labor workers, and others.
• Performs other functions as assigned.

Required Education, Training and Experience

Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in environmental science, natural resources management, ecology, biology or a related field required. A Bachelor’s degree and relevant professional level work experiences as approved by the employer may be accepted. Seven (7)to ten years’ experience in a natural resources management position, including experience with natural resource management plans, natural resources inventories, budget development and oversite and other stewardship activities including presenting reports and information in writing and verbally. Significant experience working with volunteers and volunteer programs in a leadership role including participate in recruiting, organizing and coordinating, on site supervision and recognition of service. Experience grant writing with proven success required.

Licenses and Certification:
A valid motor vehicle driver’s license. Training and/or certification regarding grassland prescribed burns with certification through the National Wildlife Coordinating Group Firefighter Type 1 or higher, preferred. A certified pesticide applicator license with three (3) months of employment

Additional Requirements and Information

• Thorough knowledge of the ecology of the Great Lakes region including native flora, fauna and natural communities; thorough knowledge of Michigan’s invasive species, their impacts and control methods; wildlife and wildlife management techniques; land planning and GIS mapping and use of GPS as it relates to natural resources management.
• A strong ability to formulate, communicate and implement natural resource management plans based on accurate and realistic estimates of field conditions; staff time and materials needed for completion.
• A strong ability to make written and verbal presentations to various groups including staff, commissioners, other organizations, and individuals.
• Considerable knowledge of research protocols as it relates to natural resource management.
• Considerable knowledge of volunteer management, including effective recruiting and retention techniques, coordination of events and ongoing volunteer services, on site supervision and appropriate recognition.
• The ability to effectively supervise paid staff, alternative labor including community service workers and volunteers.
• The ability to work weekend and evening shifts; and be available for non-routine events and activities in order to ensure success and accomplish scheduled activities and necessary functions.

Physical Requirements:

• Must have sufficient visual acuity, with or without corrective lenses to visually identify plants, animals and other natural resource elements in the field; and to perform extended work on a computer and with writtenmaterials.
• Must have sufficient auditory acuity, with or without audio logical devices to hear and discern natural resource elements in the field; hear alarms and other warning signals.
• Must be able to physically access all Commission natural resource features and areas including trails, park grounds, dunes, wetlands, and other areas in the course of daily activities.
• Must have sufficient physical strength and dexterity to operate tools commonly used in natural resources land management, invasive plant removal, and other related tasks.
• Must be able to tolerate exposure to extreme temperatures; dirt, dust, pollen, and other airborne particulates; inclement weather, insects and pests.
• Must be able to tolerate exposure to pesticides, herbicides and other chemicals routinely used in the control of invasive species.
• Must be able and willing to wear all required protective clothing and equipment.

Working Conditions:
While performing the essential functions of this position, the employee is exposed to moving mechanical hazards, dust, dirt and other airborne particulates; inclement weather, including extreme temperatures, wind, rain and snow; herbicides and pesticides, insects and other outdoor pests and other outdoor hazards. Must be willing and able to work regular weekend and evening shifts in order to accommodate scheduled job functions.

Disclaimer:
This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

This position is benefited and is subject to the Unclassified group manual.

Ottawa County offers a wide range of benefits to support you in your career. View the Benefits page for more information.

The current Unclassified group manual can be viewed here. The 2023 Ottawa County Universal Wage Scale can be found here (Download PDF reader).