Deputy Director - Parks And Rec

COUNTY OF BUCKS

POSITION SUMMARY:

Under general direction of the Executive Director of Parks and Recreation, the Deputy Director, Parks and Recreation is responsible for a variety of functions and programs that may include organizing, managing, and directing the operations and activities, and may serve as the department head in the absence of the Executive Director. The Bucks County Park system is the 3rd largest County-owned park system in the state of Pennsylvania, encompassing 9,000+ acres of parkland, trails, lakes, and streams. The department oversees parks, open space, recreation facilities, environmental education centers and historic resources. This is senior level leadership position will work in coordination with other County departments and external agencies.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide leadership and clear direction of department natural resource management in accordance with the County and Department plans.
• Determine natural resources management program needs and opportunities in an assigned geographic or program area and coordinates with programs in other department areas as well as, other agencies, departments or public or private groups.
• Research, write, collect data, and execute resource Department management plans and procedures.
• Conduct surveys, assessments, and control actions to reach resource management objectives for vegetation & wildlife.
• Identify, research, apply for, and manage grants related to achieving the Department’s overall goals.
• Provide technical support on land and water resource stewardship issues.
• Plan for and manage multifaceted projects in a park or natural setting.
• Identification of challenges and cost-effective and efficient solutions.
• Direct the coordination of all volunteer organizations in park and open space natural areas.
• Collaborate with General Services, Bucks County Conservation District and Bucks County Planning Commission on a regular basis.
• Directs the management and maintenance of park system trails.
• Coordinate with Department Naturalists to improve biodiversity on nature center lands and trails.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

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 accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Bachelor’s degree and seven or more years of progressively responsible work experience in forestry, forest management, wildlife management, wildlife biology, animal ecology, natural resources, resources management, Parks and Recreation management/administration, or a related field;
• Seven or more years of progressively responsible work experience in management at a park site with significant natural resources;
• Knowledge of the laws, principles, and practices of natural resources ecosystem management including conservation, protection and use;
• Knowledge of nature conservation theory and philosophy;
• Knowledge of conservation program and resource management practices;
• Knowledge of the natural and biological sciences including the theory, principles and practices of interpretation and environmental education;
• Knowledge of best practices relative to trail development and management;
• Knowledge of invasive species control and management;
• Knowledge of habitat requirements for various wildlife species and communities and the accepted methods for producing and maintaining suitable habitat for those species and communities;
• Polished written and verbal communication skills;
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office software products;

ABILITY TO:

• Plan, organize and direct a comprehensive natural resource management program in a large department, and engage in ongoing process improvement review and implementation;
• Obtain the Park and Recreation Professional Certification, within one year of hire;
• Maintain and exhibit discretion, honesty and integrity when handling sensitive situations and deal constructively with conflict and develop solutions;
• Participate in a collaborative and positive manner with internal and external stakeholders and generate options and make recommendations.
• Provide vision and set operational goals to achieve this vision and set priorities and multitask;
• To grasp concepts quickly and strategically and to be innovative and willing to take initiative;
• Interpret and analyze complex data to inform and direct cost and operational improvements;
• Effectively represent the department on a variety of matters with other organizations;
• Act as liaison to advise and/or resolve differences with organizations, the general public, and department employees;
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships; and
• Prepare clear and concise correspondence and reports.

Job Details