Parks and Natural Resources Operations Manager

Polk County Board of County Commissioners•Bartow, FL

About The Position

Professional, managerial, and administrative work providing direct support to the Division Director with significant responsibility for overseeing and coordinating division-wide operations, personnel, and project implementation. This position exercises a high level of independent judgment in managing operational activities, advancing capital and construction projects, and ensuring alignment with strategic priorities. Work involves leading operational coordination across multiple program areas, overseeing project management systems and tracking, supporting construction and capital improvement initiatives, and supervising staff and resources to ensure efficient, effective, and accountable service delivery. The position serves as a key member of the division’s leadership team, driving performance, operational excellence, and continuous improvement.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Public Administration, Business Administration, Parks and Recreation Management, Engineering, Construction Management, Environmental Science, or related field.
Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in operations management, project management, construction coordination, or public administration, including at least two (2) years in a supervisory or leadership role.
An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the required knowledge, abilities, and skills.
Must possess a valid Florida Driver’s License at time of hire.
Ability to work evenings, weekends, or holidays as required for operational needs, construction activities, or emergency response.
All employees will be required to work before, during, or after an emergency. During an emergency, employees may temporarily be assigned to work and perform duties outside the normal scope of their position, location and work schedule to fit the needs of the County and its residents.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of principles and practices of public administration, organizational management, and governmental operations
Knowledge of project management methodologies, including capital project planning and construction oversight
Knowledge of budget development, financial management, and resource allocation
Knowledge of procurement, contract administration, and vendor management processes
Knowledge of Parks and recreation, natural resource management, and environmental program operations
Knowledge of Strategic planning, performance measurement, and operational analytics.
Ability to lead and coordinate complex operations across multiple functional areas
Ability to manage and track multiple projects, including capital and construction initiatives, simultaneously
Ability to supervise, motivate, and evaluate staff while fostering a collaborative work environment
Ability to analyze operational and financial data to support decision-making and continuous improvement
Ability to communicate effectively with leadership, staff, contractors, and external stakeholders
Ability to develop and implement policies, procedures, and operational standards
Ability to exercise sound judgment and decision-making with a high degree of independence.
Skills in project management and construction coordination
Skills in operational leadership and personnel management
Skills in budget tracking, forecasting, and financial analysis
Skills in process improvement and workflow optimization
Skills in data analysis, reporting, and presentation development
Skills in communication and cross-functional collaboration

Responsibilities

Provides direct leadership support to the Division Director and exercises delegated authority in managing division operations, personnel, and projects.
Oversees and coordinates day-to-day operations across all program areas, ensuring consistency, efficiency, and alignment with division goals and County policies.
Leads development, implementation, and oversight of project management tracking systems for operational and capital projects.
Monitors and reports on project schedules, budgets, milestones, and performance outcomes to ensure timely and successful project delivery.
Coordinates and supports planning, design, and construction of capital improvement projects, including parks, facilities, infrastructure, and natural resource initiatives.
Works closely with internal departments, contractors, consultants, and regulatory agencies to advance construction and development projects.
Reviews project scopes, schedules, and budgets to ensure alignment with operational needs and strategic priorities.
Provides oversight of operational budgets, including monitoring expenditures, forecasting needs, and identifying cost efficiencies.
Supervises, coordinates, and evaluates assigned staff, including program managers, supervisors, or administrative personnel as designated.
Assists with workforce planning, staff development, and performance management to support a high-performing organization.
Develops, implements, and enforces operational policies, procedures, and standards across the division.
Supports procurement activities, contract administration, and vendor management for operational and capital projects.
Coordinates cross-functional efforts between programs, divisions, and County departments to ensure collaboration and effective service delivery.
Assists in the development and execution of division strategic plans, operational goals, and performance metrics.
Prepares executive-level reports, presentations, and briefings for leadership and Board-related activities.
Supports emergency response, disaster recovery, and continuity of operations planning and implementation.
Identifies and implements process improvements, innovations, and best practices to enhance operational efficiency and service quality.
Acts on behalf of the Division Director as assigned, including representing the division in meetings and interdepartmental initiatives.
Performs related duties as required