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Description
The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) is a leader in historic and nature preservation and manages several historic sites, museums and programs that celebrate Prince George's County's rich history, culture, and nature. The Natural and Historic Resources Division (NHRD), oversees 22 historic sites that are open to the public, including Dinosaur Park, managed by the Paleontology Unit.
Overview
We are seeking a Paleontology Manager for the countywide Paleontology Unit. The paleontology team is responsible for preserving, studying, and interpreting the paleontological resources for the Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George’s County. Staff and volunteers conduct their work through excavations and public programs at Dinosaur Park, home to a rare Cretaceous period fossil deposit. From the bones and teeth of the Maryland State dinosaur Astrodon johnstoni, to the remains of early flowering plants, the fossils discovered the park help scientists reconstruct our region’s pre-historic past. The manager’s time will be divided between the office and lab in Upper Marlboro, Dinosaur Park in Laurel, and in the field developing a countywide register of fossil deposits. Attention to detail is vital for every aspect of the position.
The Natural and Historic Resources Division is seeking a thoughtful and engaging leader to serve as the Departments expert on Paleontology and lead a countywide program. The Manager will be responsible for county Paleontology programs/initiatives, day-to-day facility operations of Dinosaur Park, and the Paleontology Office and Lab. They will report to the Assistant Division Chief.
A successful candidate is expected to demonstrate the NHRD’s strategic pillars in their professional work:
- Enhance the Visitor Experience: Quantity and Quality
- Leaving a Legacy: Transforming Education into Advocacy
- Strengthening Inclusivity, Diversity, and Belonging
- Acting with Integrity, Respect, and Trust
The candidate will have knowledge, background, and experience in paleontology, natural history, and the Cretaceous period. They will have extensive experience in interpretation, community outreach, educational programming, strategic planning and research. They should have experience in managing facility operations, collections, and curation. They will also have excellent management and supervisory skills and be able to lead a team of one part-time career staff, 5 part-time staff, and volunteers. The work expectation is on-site Tuesday – Saturday, with occasional nights as needed.
Budgeted salary range $73,253.00 - $103,068.00 annually
Examples of Important Duties
Department Paleontology Expert
- Provides expert technical assistance and natural resources consulting to park planning and development projects, as the subject matter expert on any paleontology inquiries.
- Advises park managers, project coordinators and construction managers on natural resources issues.
- Plans and develop comprehensive countywide paleontology management plan. Plans and carries out the work in conformance with these parameters, established policies, procedures and accepted practices of the field of work.
- Leads complex projects, conducts extensive research, analyzes data, identifies needs and trends by conducting surveys and other methods, and defines paleontology program goals and objectives.
- Interacts with people inside and outside the organization to exchange information, coordinate, instruct, guide, advise and obtain agreement or compliance or achieve other desired actions.
- Handles public and in-house inquiries, requests, research information, and correspondence.
Administration/Operations
- Develops and manages operations, procedures, and policies; leads, trains, and onboards staff. Schedules part-time staff for day-to-day operations, special events and programs at Dinosaur Park and across the County.
- Manages lab/office responsibilities include ensuring fossil specimens are accurately bagged and labeled for transportation to the Upper Marlboro laboratory and maintains the fossil collection database.
- Manages the Paleontology budget, facilities, and maintenance needs.
- Manages contracts, purchase orders, and other financial paperwork in accordance with Commission policies and practices.
- Hires, trains, and supervises part-time staff and volunteers.
- Implements Commission’s personnel procedures and conducts performance evaluations in a timely manner.
- Prepares grant proposals/reports, facility annual reports, internal reporting for division leadership, public relations, budgeting, and marketing.
Programming/Outreach/Marketing
- Markets programs to the public through promotional materials, outreach exhibits and programs, and partnerships with other organizations.
- Develops marketing/advertising outreach, including oversight of social media, Constant Contact, and the website. Also coordinates the preparation of marketing materials such as press releases, flyers, mailers, and on-line calendars.
- Markets the mission of Dinosaur Park and Paleontology through the Department’s website, publication, and other materials as a public resource for research, information, and programs on county paleontology.
- Researches and develops relevant interpretive programs based on excavation of fossils.
- Develops and implements tours/programs at Dinosaur Park and around the county for audiences of all ages and abilities, creating inclusive programming for underserved communities.
- Designs and presents onsite and outreach programs to public schools and community groups.
- Conducts public lab days, and teach lab methods to volunteers and students.
- Works with the Department, other Divisions and facilities to plan and implement programs throughout the year, including lectures, exhibits, interactives, interpretive programs, etc.
Qualifications
The successful candidate should have the following skills:
- Ability to lead, support, mentor, and engage with their team.
- Outstanding communication skills, both written and verbal.
- Highly organized and able to successfully meet multiple deadlines and tasks with excellent attention to detail.
- Able to work independently and be a self-starter.
- Team player and effective people manager.
- Able to listen actively and be adaptable to guest needs and expectations.
- Strong dedication to excellent customer service, both internal and external.
- Must be computer savvy with experience using Microsoft Word, Excel and willing to learn other software.
- Experience planning and implementing major public programs, tours, events, and interactive experiences.
- Consistent track record of working positively with organizations, schools, and community groups.
- High aptitude of emotional intelligence.
- Proven problem-solving skills.
- Consistent record of success in a creative, fluid, and dynamic work environment
Preferred Qualifications
- MA/MS with knowledge of the Cretaceous period.
- Knowledge of and skills in using collections software.
- Experience successfully leading and developing emerging staff in a cultural institution.
- Knowledge in education, programming, exhibit development/innovation.
- Extensive partnerships/collaborations with professional paleontologists.
- Fluency in Spanish, both speaking and writing, is a plus.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree in Natural Resources Management, Environmental Science, Forestry, Ecology, Wildlife Management, Fisheries Management, or any related field.
- Four (4) years of progressively responsible natural resources or wildlife management experience or related experience.
- An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted, which together total eight (8) years.
- Valid driver’s license in accordance with both State and Commission rules and regulations. Driver’s license must be unencumbered by restrictions, revocations, suspensions, or points that could limit the employee’s ability to drive Commission vehicles or perform driving duties required by the position of assignment.
- Pass Commission medical examination.
- Depending on area of assignment, the ability to acquire related program certification (e.g., Maryland Deer Cooperator License, Maryland Wildlife Damage Control Operators Permit, Maryland Biological Stream Survey Fish and Macroinvertebrate Certification).
Note: May be subject to drug and alcohol testing.
The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate a workplace culture of diversity, equity and inclusion without discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, gender identity, or any other non-merit factor. We will do what we can to provide reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us at 301-495-4525 to request accommodation.