Natural Resource Division Manager

Salary : $110,339.38 - $152,238.18 Annually
Location : Bellevue, WA
Job Type: Regular
Job Number: 24-00041
Department: Parks and Community Services
Division: PCS Parks NatRes
Opening Date: 03/14/2024
Closing Date: Continuous
Come Join the City of Bellevue!
Please fill out your application as fully as possible. The City evaluates candidates based on the information provided in the online application only. Do not submit resumes and cover letters. Read the "Hiring Process" section below to learn more.
Job Summary
The Natural Resource Division Manager's responsibilities include park and natural area management, park property and geographical information inventory, division budget development and maintenance operations including personnel, operating/CIP budget administration, contract administration, project management and capital construction and environmental education program development and implementation. This position develops long-term and short-term strategic plans for the allocation of resources and budgets for park operations and projects including staffing, equipment needs and funding requirements for CIP, Renovation Fund, Park Levy, King County Levy projects. This position monitors, manages and administers the budgets to ensure that city and department fiscal goals are met.
Forest Management & Native Growth Protection Areas - a comprehensive land management program based on an inventory and analysis of site assets including vegetation, soils, slope, aspect, recreation opportunities, adjacent land use and fish and wildlife habitat which results in a site-specific management plans identifying specific actions to achieve a desired set of community goals and objectives. Program objectives include the preservation and enhancement of the City's open space park system for healthy plant communities, wildlife habitat, water quality, recreation opportunities, land use buffering and for the safety of citizens. Bellevue's natural assets are located on sites ranging from sensitive riparian corridors and wetlands to forested open space.
Greenways & Trails Program - responsibilities include pedestrian and bicycle system planning, design project implementation and maintenance. The Park's Department has 85 miles of greenways and trails that provide access to nature spaces including wetlands, forests, streams, and lakes, and connect people with parks, neighborhoods, schools and businesses. This program ensures a safe trail system for the community, provides access to natural areas while preserving fish and wildlife habitat. Trails staff work cooperatively with the park rangers to design and construct kiosks, way-finding and interpretive signage that helps enrich the visitor experience and provides outdoor recreation for physical and mental health.
Nature Parks & Visitor Centers - this program is responsible for 4 visitor centers focused on environmental education and community outreach. The program facilitates the stewardship of park resources by providing meaningful, memorable visitor experiences through hand-on environmental education and community stewardship activities. Oversight includes the ongoing management, operation and staffing of the Mercer Slough Environmental Education Center (MSEEC), Lake Hills Greenbelt Ranger Station, Lewis Creek Visitor Center and the F.W. Winters House. Activities include programming, partnership agreements, volunteer management, greeting visitors, answering question, leading tours, coordinating rentals, and over-sight of special events including Arbor Day/Earth Day.
Street Trees & Arterial Landscapes - this program is involved with the planning, management, project implementation, and maintenance of 10,500 trees and 220 acres of landscaping planted, primarily through the implementation of City capital improvement projects, on the City's arterial street right-of-way. Bellevue's street trees and landscaping combined with sidewalks and pathways, natural drainage systems are an integral component of Bellevue's park, open space and greenway system.
Water Conservation & Irrigation - oversight and maintenance of the park and streetscape irrigation system in coordination with the Grounds Division Manager. Water Conservation oversees 200 plus water meters, 225 irrigation controllers and over 2,250 separate irrigation zones. A major focus is water conservation and efficiency utilizing the latest technology including programming and operation of a Rainbird Maxicom multi-site irrigation and central control system providing water to community parks, neighborhood parks, waterfront parks, sports fields, streetscapes and civic facilities.
Bellevue is a dynamic, multicultural, future-focused, and high performing city. Five essential principles guide our actions: exceptional public service, stewardship, commitment to employees, integrity, and innovation. If you are a collaborative problem solver and proven leader, apply today and join our team!
City Council Vision Statement
Bellevue welcomes the world. Our diversity is our strength. We embrace the future while respecting our past.
Bellevue Parks & Community Services Vision
In Bellevue everyone can connect to each other and to nature through experiences that help them to live, grow, and thrive.
Bellevue Parks & Community Services Mission
We build a healthy community through an integrated system of exceptional parks, natural areas, recreation, arts and culture, and a broad base of community services.
Bellevue Parks & Community Services Equity Statement: A System of Fairness
Equity acknowledges and removes disparities in opportunities, power, and resources so that everyone can reach their full potential to thrive. Bellevue Parks & Community Services practices equity, which is the responsibility of every individual in the department. Equitable access is a right, not a privilege, and is fundamental to our mission of serving all people. Through equitable policies and practices, we cultivate ties that connect people to the fabric of our community.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Manages divisional resources including personnel, budgets, operations and finances.
• Provide oversight and signature authority for division contracts and purchase requisitions.
• Manages staff in 5 key program areas: Forest Management, Greenway & Trails, Nature Park and Visitor Centers, Street Tree & Arterial Landscapes, and Water Conservation & Irrigation
• Oversees the planning and preparation of options/alternatives and proposals for short and long-term strategic planning
• Responds and communicates to public, co-worker and staff and park leadership team inquiries regarding operations and projects
• Develop annual and long-range comprehensive planning and project management. Oversees the Park Department geographic information system inventory of park property and assets.
• Work directly with Legal Department attorneys on City park property and management issues including illegal tree cutting, encroachments, risk management and keeps records and prepares written reports, regarding property issues, projects and operations.
• Identify, plan, design, permit and manage/oversee implementation of levy, renovation, CIP projects and division park projects and prioritize work using a seven year workload plan.

Supervision Received and Exercised:

• Works under the general supervision of the Deputy Director of Parks & Community Services
• Exercises supervision over operations managers, maintenance staff, and administrative employees, as assigned.

Qualifications
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Considerable Knowledge of construction, design, and horticultural practices
• Knowledge of the principles of landscape design and maintenance management
• Skill in negotiating
• Ability to effectively communicate with staff and the general public, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to deal effectively and discretely with highly visible or politically sensitive information.
• Ability to accomplish objectives through teamwork and collaboration
• Ability to lead a high performing team
• Knowledge of principles and practices of effective employee management including union negotiations
• Ability to effectively collaborate and resolve conflicts across organizational boundaries
• Experience in developing and monitoring operating and capital budgets - preferably for a large public agency
• A demonstrated commitment to ongoing learning of diversity, equity, and inclusion and a commitment to implement these principles in your work

Education, Experience and other requirements:

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a Bachelor degree in Forest Resource Management, Urban and Community Forestry, Landscape Architecture, Natural Resource Science, or related field and/or an equivalent combination of education, experience, and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities will be considered.
• Five or more years of progressively responsible experience related to the management of a comprehensive urban and community forestry program, trails system, environmental education, street tree and landscape maintenance, and water conservation and irrigation systems.
• Five or more years of progressive responsibility related to direct supervision and management of staff, including represented and non-represented employees.
• Equivalent combination of education, experience, and training that pro
• Desirable qualifications include: Society of American Foresters - Certified Forester, ISA Certified Arborist and ISA Certified Tree Risk Assessor (TRAQ), Washington Recreation Park Association (WRPA) Pacific NW Resource Management School
• Valid Washington State driver's license
• Completion of a Background Check

Supplemental Information
Physical Demands:
The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable the individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Work involves walking; talking; hearing; using hands to handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reaching with hands and arms.
• Vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.
• The employee may be required to push, pull, lift, and/or carry objects up to 20 pounds
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderately quiet while in the office or moderately loud when in the field.
• Work may periodically require the employee to climb, balance, bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, and/or crawl.
• The employee may be required to work in outside weather conditions, near moving mechanical parts, near risk of electrical shock and/or vibration.

HIRING PROCESS
The City evaluates candidates based on the information provided in the online application only. Do not submit resumes and cover letters. To evaluate all candidates fairly and equitably, the City will make all applicants anonymous when we are screening the applications. We will redact information from our application such as your name, address, and other demographics. To help us, please complete the online application form as fully as possible.

• Answer the Questions when requested and can be found on the Questions tab of the Job posting.
• We do not accept resumes and cover letters during the anonymous application screening stage, unless otherwise stated in the job description.
• Applicants advancing to the next stage may be required to provide a cover letter, resume, writing sample, and references.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• All candidates will be required to establish employment authorization and identity at the time of hire. The City is not able to sponsor work visas.
• All positions the completion of references checks, including at least one prior supervisor.
• Some positions may require completion of a criminal background check prior to start employment
• Some positions may require obtaining a commercial driver's license (CDL), licensures, or additional certifications.

At the City of Bellevue, you'll be part of a team committed to providing exceptional customer service, upholding the public interest and advancing the community vision. The five essential and enduring principles that guide our individual actions, our interactions, and our decision making in the City of Bellevue organization is: exceptional public service, stewardship, committeed to employees, integrity, and innovation. You'll work in an environment that is innovative, collaborative, future focused, and committed to excellence. Bellevue welcomes the world. Our diversity is our strength. We embrace the future while respecting our past. It's what makes the City of Bellevue an exciting place to work, live, and explore.
Have we piqued your interest yet? Come join our team! The City of Bellevue supports workplace diversity. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, genetic information, disability, age, veteran status, or any other protected status. Persons needing assistance with the application process may call the Human Resources Office at 425-452-6838 or If you are invited to participate in the selection process and need ADA accommodations, please notify HR before you are scheduled for an interview or testing.
The City of Bellevue participates in the E-Verify program. Learn more about the E-Verify program.
For any technical difficulties with your application, please contact the NEOGOV support line at 855-524-5627.
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