JOB TITLE: ECOLOGICAL PROGRAM MANAGER

JOB CODE: 54495

SERIES NATURE OF WORK: The Ecological Program job series describes professional work in the development and administration of an agency ecological program.

DEFINITION: This is professional managerial work administering a statewide ecological program designed to protect and conserve plant and wildlife resources and their habitats.

The employee in this job manages the administration of agency ecological programs, to include wild plant conservation, natural heritage programs, ecological communities, hydrology, watershed restoration, forest ecology, forest soils, wildlife and fisheries habitat management, ecological resource inventory and monitoring, and natural resource conservation. Work involves determining and directing the development of program goals and developing ecological regulations, policies, and procedures. Work is performed independently and is reviewed by an administrative supervisor for the attainment of objectives, adequacy of problem resolution, and overall effectiveness of operations.

   DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

     • Manages, through subordinate Ecological Program Supervisors, the implementation of statewide ecological programs in a forest, watershed, or wildlife habitat setting which have significant impact on the agency’s conservation mission.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: (NOTE: The examples of work are representative of the work, but every position classified to this job may not perform all examples of work listed. Conversely, this is not an all-inclusive list of work examples.)

• Directs technical agency ecological program goals, objectives, and priorities

• Plans and directs the design and evaluation of ecological research projects.

• Coordinates, directs, and participates in the evaluation of ecological

conservation and research project proposals submitted for grant funding.

• Represents the commonwealth’s ecological programs in dealings with federal and state government officials and agencies.

• Reviews and analyzes reports and research to determine program trends and adherence to established goals.

• Establishes training goals for field staff on plant and wildlife ecology, habitat identity parameters, and ecosystem management.

• Directs changes to program policies, regulations, and procedures.

• Prepares and manages program budget and re-budget requests.

• Serves as a public relations contact for issues related to ecology.

• Collaborates with agency policy and general counsel offices to develop legislation and guide it through the commonwealth’s regulatory process.

• Performs the full range of supervisory duties.

• An employee in this job may participate in the performance of subordinates’ work consistent with operational or organizational requirements.

• Performs related work as required.

ENTRY LEVEL KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of ecology.

• Knowledge of the principles of natural resource conservation.

• Knowledge of plant, wildlife, dendrology, ecosystem, and natural heritage management techniques.

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of supervision.

• Knowledge of the use and functionality of Microsoft Office Suite.

• Ability to direct the development and evaluation of policies, goals, and objectives for large-scale ecological programs.

• Ability to analyze and interpret policies, procedures, and regulations.

• Ability to communicate effectively orally.

• Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: (NOTE: Based on the Entry Level Knowledges, Skills, and Abilities)

• One year of experience as an Ecological Program Supervisor, Forest Program Manager, or Natural Resources Program Supervisor (commonwealth titles);

or

• Two years of experience as a Forest Nursery Operations Manager (commonwealth title);

or

• Five years of professional experience in ecology, forestry, or natural resource program development and management, which includes one year of professional supervisory experience and a bachelor's degree in biology, botany, ecology, environmental science, forestry, natural resources management, or a closely related field;

or

• An equivalent combination of experience and training that includes one year of professional supervisory experience in ecology, forestry, or natural resource program development and management.