Natural Resource Program Supervisor

~ County Park’s six decade legacy of providing outstanding recreational opportunities in beautiful natural locations has resulted in one of the largest regional park systems in the California. ~

Since the first County parkland was acquired in 1924, the Santa Clara County park system has grown to include 28 regional parks encompassing over 52,000 acres of land.

Our dedicated ranger, maintenance and interpretive staff are necessary complements to the overall park experience, taking an active role in the stewardship of the County’s finest natural resources and waterways especially with the assistance from our 1,400 volunteers who selflessly donate more than 60,000 hours of labor each year.

Position Overview

The County of Santa Clara County Parks and Recreation Department is recruiting for a Natural Resource Program Supervisor.  The Natural Resource Program Supervisor assist the Manager of the Natural Resource Division with implementation of the Deparment's Natural Resource and Trail Programs, and supervises the Natural Resource and Trails Program Staff.

Responsibilities

• Develops, implements, and coordinates resource management policies, procedures, plans, and joint resource management projects in accordance with established policies with academic institutions, related County and outside agencies.
• Develops, implements and coordinates long-range strategic planning for department- wide natural resource, wildlife, vegetation, geology, aquatic ecosystems and other sensitive ecosystems programs.
• Develops and implements natural resource, wildlife, vegetation, geology, aquatic ecosystems and other sensitive ecosystems programs.
• Develops a library of resource management literature for department-wide use.
• Develops and recommends potential grant funding projects and assists with preparation of grant proposals related to resource management.
• Prepares and administers operation budget for the Natural Resource Management Program, including Performance-Based-Budget development and implementation and staff resource allocation.
• Prepares or directs consultant work on biotic surveys for environmental assessments.
• Prepares or assists with preparation of regulatory permit applications required for resource management programs.
• Establishes a method and documents baseline conditions of natural resources for various park and up-to-date practices in resource management techniques.
• Serves as departmental liaison with resource management agencies and organizations and participates in public meetings regarding resource management issues.
• Supervises, coordinates, assigns, trains, reviews, evaluates, counsels, and recommends disciplinary action of assigned staff.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Employment Standards:

• Possession of a 4 year degree from an accredited college or university in natural resource management, environmental resources, biological sciences, environmental studies or a closely related field.
• 2 years experience in an organization similar to the Santa Clara County Parks and Recreation Department that demonstrates possession and direct application of the following knowledge and abilities.

Special Requirements:

• Possession of a valid California driver's license prior to appointment.
• Possession of a Standard First Aid and CPR certificate issued by the American Red Cross before completion of the probationary period. 
• Willingness to work weekends, holidays, or other irregular hours and to conform to departmental uniform standards.
• An ability to swim one hundred (100) yards.

Knowledge Of:

• Ecology of wildlife communities typical of Santa Clara County.
• Principles of employee supervision, training and development.
• Wildlife habitat impact assessment techniques, including modeling methodologies.
• California Environmental Quality Act, National Environmental Protective Act and other environmental laws and regulations.
• Design and implementation of wildlife and vegetative monitoring programs.
• Principles and techniques of re-vegetation and restoration ecology.
• California plant species and communities, particularly those typical of or similar to those in Santa Clara County.
• Environmental regulation related to wetlands, lake and riparian environments, endangered and threatened species; non-point source pollution and erosion control and other environmental issues.
• Planning and practice of resource monitoring, including collection techniques.

Ability To:  

• Work independently as well as in a team environment.
• Prepare resource management plans, policies, procedures and guidelines, conduct baseline biotic surveys and monitor resource conditions and design practical and successful re-vegetation projects.
• Prepare and administer operation budget for Natural Resource Management Program, including Performance-Based-Budget development and implementation and staff resource allocation.
• Develop, implement and coordinate long-range strategic planning for all Parks Department natural resource, wildlife, vegetation, geology, aquatic ecosystems and other sensitive ecosystems programs.
• Prepare and maintain accurate records or resource monitoring and program data.
• Plan and implement mitigation, monitoring, and vegetative management programs, including the use of prescribed burning, grazing, mowing, herbicides and manual controls.
• Interpret and apply environmental regulations, guidelines, and policies.
• Read, interpret and understand plans, specifications and other contract documents related to resource management.
• Communicate clearly and effectively both orally and in writing in order to prepare and deliver presentations.
• Establish and maintain cooperative relationships with the public and other agencies.
• Deal effectively, develop and maintain cooperative relationships with the public, employees, management, and representatives of other groups and organizations.
• Manage programs and delegate to supervisors and direct staff.