Natural Resources Manager

City of Germantown Published: September 13, 2018
Location
Germantown, Tennessee
Skill Level
Mid Level
Job Type
Full-time
Categories
Admin/ Gen Mgmt / Natural Resources/ Restoration

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Description

~ Strengthening the community and creating quality recreation and leisure experiences is the mission of the award-winning Germantown Parks and Recreation department. ~

Four divisions: parks and recreation administration and planning, recreation and sports, the Farm Park and rangers enable the department the unique ability of being able to accomplish this mission in a variety of ways. 

In 1996, the Germantown Parks and Recreation department became accredited through the Commission on Accreditation of Parks & Recreation Agencies. This made the department the twelfth department in the nation and the only department in Tennessee to earn this accreditation. The department has maintained accreditation it was first achieved and continues to be the only department in the state with the honor.

Position Overview

Under direction, the Natural Resources Manager will manage staff and the overall operation of various programs within the Natural Resources Division of the Parks and Recreation Department. Key areas of responsibility include: Park Rangers, the Bobby Lanier Farm Park, Oaklawn Garden, urban forestry, wildlife management, greenways and trails including the Wolf River Nature Area and Riverwoods State Natural Area. Position is responsible for developing and implementing natural resources management programs and projects to protect and restore environmental conditions in the City's green spaces.

Responsibilities

  • Manage Natural Resource Division resources including personnel, budgets, operations and finances.
  • Provide oversight and signature authority for Division contracts and purchase requisitions.
  • Provide horticultural expertise, oversight and care for special park sites and public spaces as assigned.
  • Assist with the development of the annual business plan, project management operational schedules and necessary reviews/updates to the long-range comprehensive Natural Resources Management Plan.
  • As a part of a cross-functional team, provide technical assistance to other city departments on matters related to the Tree and Vegetation Ordinance, horticulture, wildlife management regulations, and other City policies related to natural resources.
  • Develop and implement natural resources related policies, regulations and practices.
  • Review and advise on new development regulations and policies for their potential impact to natural resources.
  • Lead all activities related to data collection and natural resources inventory management including the parks and open space urban forestry GIS tree inventory system.
  • Record and report natural resources performance measures and adjust work plans as necessary to meet targets.
  • Implement and manage the City's urban forestry program through comprehensive tree management including oversight and training of staff responsible for tree planting, removal, pruning, fertilization, watering, and insect and disease management activities.
  • Assist with the development and administration of contracts for street tree pruning and hazardous tree removals; coordinate this work through Public Works as necessary.
  • As a hands on leader, establish and maintain high horticultural standards and practices in special use areas as assigned; providing direction, training and oversight of other city staff, volunteers and interns.
  • Provide staff support to applicable boards and commissions as assigned.
  • Oversee special projects and environmental education including maintaining the City's status as Tree City USA, holding Arbor Day celebrations, public tree care workshops, environmental education programs, and maintaining the City's certified arboretum at Oaklawn Garden and Living Legacy tree program.
  • Respond and communicate to public, co-workers, multiple city departments/divisions and Parks and Recreation Director on natural resources inquiries regarding operations and projects.
  • Work directly with Code Enforcement and City attorneys on City park property and management issues including illegal tree cutting, encroachments, and risk management; keep records and prepare written reports, regarding property issues, projects and operations.
  • Represent the department in attending various conferences and meetings and stay abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of natural resources.
  • Recruit and coordinate volunteer efforts related to natural resource management and/or assigned program areas.
  • Complete other duties as assigned such as assisting other departments with projects that relate to natural resources including staff training on relevant natural resources and environmental topics.

Other Job Functions:

  • Performs related tasks as required.

Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

  • Thorough knowledge of forestry standards as set by the National Arbor Day Foundation and/or Tennessee Forestry Division.
  • Thorough knowledge of wildlife management practices as set by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of plants native to west Tennessee.
  • Knowledge of principles and practices of natural resource management, including restoration planning and implementation.
  • Knowledge of and/or the ability to use a GIS/GPS tree management software or comparable forestry and horticulture management software.
  • Ability to assist with the preparation of resource management plans, policies, procedures and guidelines, conduct baseline environmental surveys, and monitor resource conditions.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work and coordinate assigned activities with other City departments and agencies as required.
  • Ability to direct the work of assigned staff.
  • Ability to act quickly and appropriately in emergency situations.
  • Ability to handle sensitive or stressful situations with tact and diplomacy.
  • Ability to organize, plan and teach instructional classes in natural resources, horticulture and related topics.
  • Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
  • Physical ability to perform essential job duties.

Education and Experience:

  • Bachelor's degree in Natural Science, Urban Forestry, Horticulture or related field and 4 years of increasingly responsible experience in planning and implementing natural resource management programs and projects; or any combination of education, training, and experience providing the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform essential job functions.

Special Requirements:

  • Must possess valid driver's license; a Certificate in CPR and First Responder First Aid or ability to obtain.
  • Desirable certifications/experience: Wildlife rehabilitation/handling, Arborist certification and landscaping with native plants, State of Tennessee pesticide applicators license for ornamentals and invasive plants.

Working Conditions:

  • Duties are performed both outdoors and in an indoor office environment.
  • Work requires some exertion such as traversing uneven and slippery terrain, climbing, walking, bending, stooping and kneeling.
  • Traveling is often required to attend meetings and to perform site visits.
  • Some night and weekend hours required to attend meetings and events.

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