Career Center

About the job: 

The Natural Resources and Trails Manager develops and manages two park divisions and supervises employees for natural resources and trails. Conducts long and short-range planning and budgeting for the natural resources and trails divisions. Oversees and manages specialized programs, performs technical functions, and overall supervision of crews and contractors in the area of trail management, forest health management, fuels reduction, noxious weed management, urban forestry, restoration projects, and waterfowl and wildlife programs. Negotiates and administers, contracts, grants, and cooperative agreements with federal, state, and local governments and community organizations. Provides input on planning and designing park and trail projects.

A day in the life: 
Duties may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Coordinates the activities of the natural resources and trails divisions with other district programs and with other community and government agencies; serves as liaison to program committees, the community and other government agencies. 
• Develops, implements and oversees the natural resources and trail programs including trails management, forest health management, fuels reduction, weed management, urban forestry, restoration projects, and waterfowl and wildlife programs.
• Plans and coordinates the activities of the two divisions; develops work plans, allocates resources and develops schedules to accomplish goals.
• Monitors and evaluates both divisions effectiveness in meeting established objectives; recommends improvements and modifications; maintains records; and prepares various reports on operations and activities.
• Supervises staff which includes prioritizing and assigning work; conducting performance evaluations; training staff, monitoring employees compliance with applicable policies and procedures; identifying and resolving potential health and safety hazards in the  work environment.
• Participates in the recruitment, hiring and onboarding of new employees including interviewing, pre-employment paperwork, setting up training opportunities and work place integration..
• Prepares and analyzes technical reports and budgets for the department, monitors expenditures and make recommendations for new resources and equipment to staff, managers, directors, other organizations and the Board of Directors.
• Manages natural resources and trail projects; prepares and manages contracts and contractors. Acquires all necessary permits for projects.
• Assists in design review and construction drawings, selection of design team and or contractors for new development projects.
• Solicits bids, order and maintains inventory and records of supplies, equipment and materials; works with vendors to identify more cost- effective equipment and supplies.
• Researches, develops, and writes grant applications; coordinates and implements the requirements/framework of the grant; ensures compliance with grant reporting requirements; serves as liaison with granting agency. 
• Responds to public concerns; maintains positive public relations.
• Works with other agencies and citizen groups to accomplish district goals for trails, open spaces and wildlife.
• Makes safety inspections, enforces safety regulations, and actively promotes safe work practices.  Maintains a variety of records; develops various reports and correspondence.   Performs other duties as assigned.
• Attends public meetings on a variety of natural resources issues.
• Contributes to a positive and constructive working environment. 
• Reports child abuse or suspected child abuse as a mandatory reporter under Oregon law.

• Natural resources; forestry; horticulture of open space and public land management; native and non-native wildlife; management of noxious weeds abatement; 
• Occupational hazards and related safety precautions; 
• Contracting, record keeping and budgeting; 
• Federal, state and local laws and regulations; 
• Principles and practices of natural resources ecosystem management including conservation, protection and use; 
• Design and maintenance of urban and park trails; 
• Recognizing and resolving trail issues including negotiation and conflict management techniques; pesticides and other invasive plants, insects, diseases,  control methods.

• Plan, organize and oversee natural resources program in managing and maintaining parks, trails, and open space, and related facilities; 
• Facilitate meetings with district staff, other organizations and volunteer groups;  
• Communicate effectively and persuasively in both verbal and written form; 
• Analyze, interpret, and present statistical data to audiences of varying levels of subject sophistication; 
• Develop, implement and manage programs and projects; 
• Develop and monitor a program budget; 
• Research and prepare grant applications; 
• Exercise good judgment, demonstrate initiative, meet deadlines, and make good decisions; 
• Excellent interpersonal creative problem solving and conflict resolution skills; 
• Strong planning and organization skills; 
• Listening, analytical and critical thinking skills; 
• Computer competency in data entry, word processing and spreadsheet applications; 
• Establish and maintain effective, cooperative and respectful working relationships with all contacts; 
• Physical ability to perform the duties associated with the position.
• Use GIS in creating maps

 
What we're looking for:  
Education, Experience, and Training:

1. Bachelor’s degree in a related field; AND 
2. Five (5) years of experience in a similar classification and/or performing similar tasks; AND
3. Three (3) years of supervisory experience; OR
4. Any satisfactory combination of education, experience and training.

 
License:

1. Possession of, or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire, a valid Oregon driver’s license. 

About Bend Park and Recreation District

Bend Park & Recreation District is located in Central Oregon and maintains and operates more than 3,035+ acres of developed and undeveloped parkland. That includes 81 parks/open spaces and 70 miles of trail. We offer over 1,000 recreation programs for all ages and abilities throughout the area and at the Juniper Swim & Fitness Center, The Pavilion and Larkspur Community Center, home of the Bend Senior Center. Bend Park & Recreation District is a special tax district, separate from the City of Bend. It is governed by a five member, elected Board of Directors and managed by an Executive Director.

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