Nature Operations Supervisor

City of Gainesville•Gainesville, FL

3d•$52,000 - $84,052•Onsite

About The Position

This is supervisory and administrative work planning and directing the activities of a designated work section or nature center within the Nature Operations Division. The single position allocated to this classification reports to the Nature Operations Division Manager and works under general supervision. Work in this class is distinguished from other classes by its knowledge of biology, forestry, and natural science, as well as, supervisory responsibility for nature parks and trails to include facility and park development, programs, operations and maintenance.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in biology, ecology, ecological restoration, forestry, environmental education, natural resource management, wildlife ecology or other closely related field; and three (3) years of progressively responsible natural resource program administration experience to include one (1) year of leading or supervising experience.
Valid driver license required upon start date.
Valid Florida driver license required within 30 days of appointment and at all times while employed in this position.
Completion of S-130 Firefighter Training and S-190 Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior is required upon start date.
American Red Cross certification (or equivalent) in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), Automated External Defibrillator (AED) and First Aid is required upon start date.
National Recreation and Parks Association certification as a Certified Parks and Recreation Professional (CPRP) is required within 12 months of start date.
Thorough knowledge of Florida plants, animals, and natural communities.
Knowledge of the principles, theory, and practices of nature park administration and maintenance.
Knowledge of concepts, principles, and methods of natural resource management including wetlands, wildlife, forestry and ecology.
Demonstrated knowledge of personal computers and related departmental software.
Working knowledge and skill in use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and global positioning system tools.
Knowledge of grant sources and application procedures.
Knowledge of governmental budget procedures.
Knowledge of real estate transaction procedures.
Ability to prepare reports.
Ability to plan, assign, delegate and direct work of administrative and supervisory personnel.
Ability to administer and manage a city-wide system of nature parks.
Ability to develop short-term plans and programs and to evaluate work accomplishments.
Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
Strong interpersonal skills as demonstrated by emotional intelligence and the ability to interact collaboratively and productively and to establish and maintain effective working relationships with individuals of diverse backgrounds including elected and appointed government officials, Charter Officers, City employees, representatives of other agencies, and the general public.
Work requires physical strength and agility sufficient to safely perform all essential job functions, including the ability to walk on uneven terrain and to lift, carry, push or pull 50 pounds without assistance.
Requires the ability to use personal protection equipment including hearing, eye, foot, hand and head protection.

Nice To Haves

A Master’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in biology, ecology, ecological restoration, forestry, environmental education, natural resource management, wildlife ecology or other closely related field may substitute for one (1) year of the non-supervisory work experience.
Florida Prescribed Burn Manager Certification is preferred, or the ability to complete Florida Burn Manager Certification Process within one year of hire. This will include being qualified to take the The Florida Certified Prescribed Burn Manager Training Course and complete certifying burn within one year of hire.

Responsibilities

Plans, organizes, and schedules the activities and operations of assigned work section and/or nature education center within the Nature Operations Division.
Performs timely, fair and non-discriminatory evaluations of performance of employees under his/her supervision.
Recommends selection, promotion, discharge, and other appropriate personnel actions.
Represents the City at public meetings, onsite meetings and at other venues to provide information and obtain community input and support for divisional programs and services. This may include, and is not limited to, leading tours, being interviewed by the media, reviewing special use requests, speaking at schools and other higher learning institutions and delivering subject matter expert presentations.
Manages assigned projects to include contacting contractors, soliciting bids and quotes, developing scopes of work, participating in onsite planning or project review meetings, orienting and overseeing staff or contractors working on said projects.
Prioritizes projects using best available science, facility and natural resource conditions, and with input from staff, stakeholders, and management.
Assists Nature Operations Division Manager with preparing the annual division budgets.
Reviews expenses and monitors budget throughout the fiscal year.
Prepares grant applications, tracks grant expenditures and hours, and completes required reports.
Develops, revises or assists in developing and revising department, division, section, and nature center/park level policies and operating procedures.
Uses GIS technology to integrate data, identify site location and prepare maps.
Coordinates and/or participates in activities associated with prescribed burn programs in nature parks.
Performs field work, including but not limited to natural resource sampling and environmental evaluations.
Responds to emergency calls on nights and weekends.
Responsible for ensuring the safety of staff, natural areas and facilities in nature operations.
Supervises the maintenance of assigned nature center and/or facilities.
Attends work on a continuous and regular basis.
May act in absence of supervisor.
Provides assistance to other nature parks and/or nature education center in the absence of the other supervisor.
Recruits, trains, and supervises volunteers who assist in the activities of the nature parks.
Advises other City departments and divisions on natural resource-related matters.
Attends meetings and trainings held by professional associations and organizations to keep current in field and maintain certifications.
Performs other related duties as assigned.