JOB TITLE: NATURAL RESOURCE PROGRAM MANAGER

JOB CODE: 54930

SERIES NATURE OF WORK: The Natural Resource Program job series describes work in the development, evaluation, and communication of natural resource programs or projects.

DEFINITION: This is responsible managerial work directing natural resource, outdoor recreational, and interpretive learning and educational programs and projects designed to manage, protect, conserve, promote, and enhance outdoor recreational, natural, and cultural resources in state owned parks and forests.

An employee in this job is responsible for directing, through subordinate supervisors, the planning, development, implementation, and evaluation of natural resource programs to include geologic, mineral, forest, plant and wildlife, terrestrial, land management, and aquatic and invasive species management programs and projects. Work involves directing the planning and development of projects for outdoor recreational facilities; new park and forest activities and development; and capital projects to include major improvements to offices, buildings, and camp sites. Work also involves budgetary authority for program areas, including developing budget requests, monitoring expenditures, approving purchase requests, and administering all procurement related functions. Work is performed independently and reviewed by an administrative supervisor for program effectiveness and attainment of objectives.

   DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

     • Work at this level is differentiated from the lower level jobs based on the responsibility to manage subordinate Natural Resource Program Supervisors in the development and implementation of large-scale natural resource programs that have significant impact on the agency’s mission, field operations, and environmental education services.

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.)

• Develops and revises management plans for statewide, regional, and individual outdoor recreational areas to ensure effectiveness and efficiency of implementation.

• Directs the assessment of environmental impacts associated with development of recreational facilities, including infrastructure and trails.

• Develops interpretive management plans to include policies and guidelines for parks or forestry programs.

• Makes recommendations to improve field operations and directs the implementation of approved changes.

• Reviews and analyzes program activity reports to evaluate work being performed, program trends and effectiveness, and adherence to established goals and objectives.

• Interprets regulations, policies, and procedures for staff, stakeholders, special interest groups, and the public.

• Collaborates with the agency’s Legislative, Policy, and Chief Counsel Offices on legislative, legal, and policy issues that affect natural resource programs.

• Makes recommendations to municipal officials, planners, consultants, and the public on the development of programs.

• Represents state park and forestry programs on committees and special interest groups to provide guidance on program issues and solutions.

• Performs the full range of supervisory duties.

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

• Performs related work as required.

ENTRY LEVEL KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of natural resource management, outdoor recreation planning, and interpretive learning planning principles and best practices.

• Knowledge of the objectives, specialized programs, and services offered by outdoor recreation, interpretive learning, and cultural and natural resource organizations and related agencies.

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

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of employee supervision.

• Knowledge of the principles and techniques of employee training and development.

• Knowledge of technical writing

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

• Ability to apply critical thinking skills to identify and resolve problems.

• Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

• Ability to communicate effectively orally.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: (NOTE: These are expected of an employee performing the work of this job at the full performance level. These may not be evaluated by the State Civil Service Commission or used for Civil Service examination purposes and are not position-specific performance standards.)

• Knowledge of agency programs and projects.

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

• One year of experience as a Natural Resource Program Supervisor (commonwealth title);

or

• Five years of professional experience in natural resource management or outdoor recreation management, which includes one year of professional supervisory experience and a bachelor's degree in natural resource management, parks and recreation, education, biology, forestry, ecology, geosciences, environmental sciences, or a closely related natural resources major;

or

• An equivalent combination of experience and training that includes one year of professional supervisory experience in natural resource management or outdoor recreation management.