Natural Resource Program Manager

Description Under supervision of the Parks Director, is responsible for County nature programs. Supervises and provides daily work direction to nature center staff. Develops and implements environmental education programs within the Park system. Instructs County residents and Park visitors in learning conservation practices. Performs related duties as required. Examples of Duties Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

Plan, organizes, directs and assists the work of natures center staff and volunteer nature guides; including but not limited to: assigning tours and daily tasks while monitoring the quality and quantity of work, making adjustments as needed.

Directly responsible for the effective management of County nature programs and ensuring nature programs operate as directed by management and in accordance with policy and procedure.

Provides input to the Parks Director in updating a five-year plan for the Park system nature programs.

Reports to the Park Commission, in person or in writing monthly, on attendance and programming.

Assists Park Director in coordinating maintenance and supervises planting, landscaping and other improvements.

May prepare and distribute brochures and other educational material to promote the facilities and activities at the Park system nature centers; may do this in coordination with the Parks Office/Program Manager and Naturalist Assistants.

Develops and conducts training programs for employees and volunteers; coordinates their work as it pertains to the Park systems nature center and programs.

Visits area schools to aid students in preparation for nature study and environmental sciences within the school.

Establishes and maintains a technical laboratory for indoor and outdoor use by visitors.

Conducts nature tours, learning abilities and workshops to inform visitors of the many aspects of the environment and the theories of conservation and preservation.

Serves as a source of technical information in the field of natural resources.

Assists in caring for nature center live animal displays, feeding, cleaning and assisting in general nature center maintenance.

Assists Park Director in other areas as necessary.

It is unlikely an employee will perform all the duties listed on a regular basis, nor is the list exhaustive in the sense that it covers all the duties an employee may be required to perform. The examples are merely indicative, not restrictive.

Supervisory Responsibilities Directly supervises employees at the Nature Center and oversees the work of volunteers in accordance with the County's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include assisting with training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and coaching employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems. Provides information to Parks Director on issues concerning employee work performance by reporting outstanding performance, misconduct, or disciplinary matters. Coordinates with Parks Office/Program Manager as needed.

Typical Qualifications Qualifications To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Education and/or Experience Bachelor’s Degree in Natural Science, Environmental Interpretation or Education with specialization in Natural Sciences or related field; two to three years of experience in the field of natural resources, environmental education or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Prior leadership or supervisory experience is a plus. Valid Wisconsin driver’s license required. Language Skills Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Public speaking skills required. Ability to effectively present information one-on-one and in small or large group situations to persons of various age groups representing diverse backgrounds including visitors, children, employees of the County; and the general public. Mathematical Skills Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Reasoning Ability Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations. Ability to carry out special and general assignments requiring organization of material and development of procedures without direct supervision. Computer Skills To perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge of word processing software and internet. Ability to manage and update County’s website. Ability to learn business accounting software. Certificates, Licenses, Registrations Wisconsin Commercial Pesticide Applicators License CPR and First Aid certification or the ability to obtain Other Skills and Abilities Good knowledge of the principles of ecology, wildlife, forestry, and speleology. Ability to work variable days and hours to meet programming requirements. Desire and ability to perform physical work associated with the implementation of nature study programs and routine maintenance of facilities. Ability to use tact and diplomacy in establishing and maintaining effective relationships with the public of various age groups, volunteers, and other County employees. Ability to exercise judgment and discretion in the application and interpretation of departmental policies and safety regulations. Ability to provide effective leadership and plan and direct the work of others. Ability to initiate and install procedures and to evaluate their effectiveness. Physical Demands The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear; stand and walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee is occasionally required to sit and smell. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. Work Environment The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to wet, muddy, and/or humid conditions, small spaces, a variety of temperatures, and outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Benefits

The benefits listed below represent an employee who works full-time (100%). Regular part-time employees working half time or more per week shall receive fringe benefits on a prorated basis.

1. PTO. (Paid Time Off). Calumet County’s PTO Plan combines vacation, sick leave, and bereavement leave into a single leave plan – PTO. Newly hired full-time employees will be credited with six (6) days of PTO immediately upon hire. Employees will immediately accrue PTO upon hire. The accrual will be based on the employee’s length of service with the County. PTO may be carried over from year to year provided the balance does not exceed the maximum allowable amount. Special Education staff are provided with personal days, sick leave and funeral leave.
2. ELB. (Extended Leave Bank). The Extended Leave Bank is a bank of time separate from PTO that is intended for use in situations where the employee is absent from work due to medical necessity lasting more than three (3) days, or for events qualifying under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).
3. Holidays. You will be credited with ten (10) holidays: New Year’s Day, Friday before Easter, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Day After Thanksgiving, the Day Before Christmas Day, Christmas Day, and the Day Before New Year’s Day.
4. Insurance. Employees eligible to participate in a High Deductible HMO Health Insurance Plan. The County pays eighty-eight (88%) percent of the single or family premium for full time employees who complete the Wellness Program criteria. To assist in meeting deductibles, the County will also contribute, to an HSA, for eligible employees. Dental and Vision Insurance is also available.
5. PEHP. (Post Employment Health Plan). The County provides a PEHP for regular full-time and eligible regular part-time non-represented employees. The PEHP is a multi-employer trust (IRS Code 501(c)(9)). The plan allows for a tax-free pre-funding of post employment medical expenses. The County contributes a biweekly flat dollar amount per employee. Contributions will be allocated to the universal reimbursement sub-account.
6. Life Insurance. The County provides a life insurance policy equal to the estimated calendar year earnings of the position, with the County paying the premium. Additional units of insurance are also available along with spouse and dependent coverage, with the employee paying the full premium.
7. Disability Insurance. Long-term disability insurance is available, with the employee paying the full premium.
8. Retirement Plan. The County provides a pension plan through the Wisconsin Retirement System. The County pays 50% of the actuarially required WRS contributions for general employees.
9. Section 125 Flexible Spending Program. The County provides a Section 125 Flexible Benefits Program wherein you may set aside pre-tax dollars to use for expenses not covered by insurance or for dependent care expenses.
10. Deferred Compensation Program. The County provides a Section 457 Deferred Compensation Program wherein pre-tax dollars can be deposited in an investment of your choice through providers used by the County.
11. Social Security Program. The County provides Social Security and Medicare contributions.