Natural Resources Manager, Nature Preserves

The Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Department oversees and maintains 210 parks and facilities located on more than 17,600 acres of parkland throughout Mecklenburg County. With 27 recreation centers, 5 public golf courses, 3 indoor pools, 2 outdoor pools and disc golf courses, you'll always have somewhere fun and exciting to go.

For outdoor enthusiasts, there are 33 miles of developed greenways in Mecklenburg County and 147 miles of undeveloped greenways. Mecklenburg Park and Recreation is the steward of 11 nature preserves.

Position Overview: 

We are seeking a dedicated and skilled person to lead the department's highly recognized Natural Resources section. The manager supervises 9 full-time professional employees and is responsible for the management of over 6,800 acres at 21 county nature preserves, as well as the 17,000 acre parks department.

Responsibilities: 

Coordinates all natural resources projects and initiatives, including strategic planning, master planning, human resource management, budget management, creation and implementation of natural resource management plans, development of scientific and technical papers and publications, technical assistance regarding natural resources on all county-owned lands with regard to county land purchases, assessments, and property development reviews.

Additional duties include database management, scientific literature review, evaluation of data collection techniques, and report preparation. The incumbent must effectively interact with various academics, state and federal agency personnel, local politicians, environmental groups, journalists, and the general public.

Qualifications: 

Specific desired skills include:

• Ability to hire, train, supervise and motivate staff. Specifically the ability to set priorities, establish work plans, conduct performance reviews, and coach and reward staff as appropriate.
• Ability to prepare and manage a budget, understand and adhere to financial policies, seek and obtain alternative funding, and ensure fiscal responsibility and proper reporting.
• Ability to ensure a successful natural resources program is in place to inventory, monitor, and properly manage sensitive natural areas, nature preserves, endangered and rare species, and Natural Heritage Sites within Mecklenburg County.
• Ability to prepare and write natural resource management plans for individual natural areas, and ensure the coordination, implementation and evaluation of those plans.
• Ability to review development plans and provide technical comments regarding natural area impacts.
• Assist Division Director and Department Director in local and regional strategic planning and land conservation initiatives, including land acquisition.
• Ability to maintain, strengthen and increase partnerships with outside agencies, stakeholder groups, and various county divisions and departments.
• Experience with computer data entry, spreadsheet and database management, report preparation, statistical analysis, and the application of data to adaptive natural resource management.
• Strong organizational, collaborative, and verbal and written communication skills. Ability to prepare and present scientific information in a clear, concise manner to diverse audiences, including public groups, elected officials, and partners.
• Must be able to traverse rigorous terrain and endure difficult field conditions at times.
• Experience using GPS, Arc MAP, MS Excel, and MS Access.

Minimum Qualificatoins:

Bachelor's degree in conservation biology, conservation planning, botany, wildlife biology, ecology, environmental science, natural resource management, or a related field. Master's degree preferred. Minimum 5 years professional experience required. Position requires technical knowledge and field experience in the assessment of natural community types, identification of plant and animal species, and biological inventory and monitoring.

Compensation: Starting Salary $46,613 - $61,180 with full benefits package

Closing Date: August 14, 2009

To Apply: 

Applicants must apply online. Click on the county Jobs link, then on the Jobs Listing link. Select the Natural Resources Manager position (Job ID 4497) and begin the application process. Please attach a resume to the online application.