Program Manager V - Rivers District Manager, Boston Region

The Department of Conservation and Recreation manages one of the largest and most diverse state parks systems in the nation and protects and enhances natural resources and outdoor recreational opportunities throughout Massachusetts. The DCR system includes over 450,000 acres of parks, forests, water supply protection lands, beaches, lakes, ponds, playgrounds, swimming pools, golf courses, skating rinks, trails and parkways.

The Department of Conservation and Recreation seeks applicants for the position of Program Manager V, Rivers District Manager in the Boston Region. 

The District Manager manages several geographic complexes within the Region and works with the Field Operation Team Leaders to oversee the creation and implementation of operational management plans for the complexes to achieve the long- and short-term goals for resource protection and recreational enhancement in keeping with the goals and objectives of the Department. The District Manager prepares budget and spending plans for capital and operational needs to ensure management plans are implemented. The District Manager is responsible for daily management of operations  within the district which includes working with the Field Operation Team Leaders to deploy and determine efficient use of     staff, allocation of resources, prioritizing initiatives, development of partnerships and programs, developing standard operating procedures, coordination of bureau involvement in district, special events preparation, procurement issues, emergency response and all other issues associated with managing all aspects of a geographically diverse district. The District Manager has functional oversight responsibility of work being done by bureau staff in their District; including but not limited to, Bureaus of forestry and fire control, ranger, pool and waterfront safety and visitor services. The District Manager provides public outreach to the community and is responsible for working with and fostering friends groups, partnerships and special events. The District Manager's actions are to ensure department policies are implemented throughout the district and to ensure adherence of policies developed by the agency.

Duties

Oversight and management of natural and cultural resources, facilities, parkways and all operational aspects of the district through managing personnel and determining the allocation of personnel and funding resources, determine and prioritize work activities, evaluate performance, determine equipment needs, resolve conflicts with competing priorities.

Coordination of all Emergency response at all times (including nights, weekends and holidays) preparedness for district in terms of snow removal, flood hazard, weather related issues etc. through reviewing and implementing procedures/Emergency Action Plans (EAPS), oversee response equipment maintenance, develop methods for staff deployment and implement plans to keep district operational.

Responsible for supporting Field Operation Team Leaders in all hiring practices ensuring all Labor Relations and Human Resources best practices are being upheld during the interview process and selection.  Support Field Operation Team Leaders in progressive discipline issues and  guide them  in resolving conflicts and documenting issues.  . If required, follow case through each step of grievance process, arbitration and hearing on behalf of department to ensure fair labor practices are instituted at district level in all areas of employment. Ensure all staff (FT and Seasonal) in District have required trainings.  

Provide supervision and direction to Field Operation Team Leader and Park Supervisors through the review and reinforcement of DCR BMPs, creation and enhancement of standard operating procedures that are targeted toward the District to ensure compliance with all facets of management plans for facilities, reservations, parkways, district and region.

Serve as District-level point person/liaison to internal and external partners, departments, and divisions including but not limited to local law enforcement agencies, fire departments, sister agencies within EEA, local municipalities, Friends and advocacy groups, and DCR: Ranger Services, Interpretive Services, Pool and Waterfront Safety, Universal Access, Director of Health & Safety, Camping Program Manager, Planning & Engineering, Forestry/Fire Control, Conservation and Resource Stewardship, Legislative Affairs, Office of Water Resources.

The District Manager contributes to a work environment that fosters diversity, equity, inclusion, collaboration, and the understanding of working toward a common goal.

Oversight of capital planning, expenditures and implementation through assisting Regional Director and Assistant Regional Director in developing annual and multi-year capital plans. Assist with developing initiatives for capital expenditures for equipment, facility upgrades, maintenance and assist with oversight in the implementation of such capital projects.

Coordinate procurement issues for district through drafting of specifications for equipment, services and other activities; oversee contracts, RFR and RFP process at district level.

Oversee delivery of Mandatory drug testing program for district which includes coordinating with Human Resources; determining staff to be enrolled in Testing program based on assigned job title and responsibilities. Receive results and take necessary action as determined in program procedures. Maintain files of a confidential nature.

Manages the allocation and distribution of shared resources, equipment, and personnel to maximize productivity and meet visitor and user needs throughout the district. Protects district's land and resources by implementation of short- and long-term management plans.

Manages boundary delineation and works with the Assistant and Regional Directors to resolve encroachment issues.

Provide input into special events and programs; develop programming, authorize or deny special use permits in consultation with staff. Coordinate property use with various organizations. Coordinate with land acquisition staff to recommend acquisition and to ensure that acquisitions are in keeping with defined management plans for the regions.

Develop Public/private partnership opportunities for the district through interaction with organizations, business, state, local and federal entities; work with Community Relations, Office for Public and Private Partnerships, Bureau of Special Events to develop volunteer opportunities in parks as well as new revenue sources.

Develop and/or recommend revision and creation of agency policies and procedures by evaluating impact to increase effectiveness.

 The District Manager will be responsible and oversee safety inspections and implementing all safety protocols.  They will also oversee the implementation and be point of contact for constituent services requests and responses including 311 program other protocols and policies related to customer service and public information and response. 

Other duties, as assigned.

Preferred Qualifications

Knowledge of public administration management practices.

Knowledge of collective bargaining agreement policies and procedures.

Knowledge of project management practices.

Knowledge of full-time and seasonal hiring processes

Knowledge of Labor Relations practices in regard to staff planning, hiring and resolution of issues

Knowledge of public works maintenance practices related to snow and ice removal, storm water management, highway maintenance, park and open space maintenance, urban forestry practices and facility maintenance.

Ability to work independently and operate pro-actively in a fast-paced environment.

Ability to multi-task and prioritize responsibilities in an efficient manner.

Ability to motivate and effectively lead a team to complete critical operational needs.

Ability to exercise good judgment and make sound decisions.

Ability to stay focused and maintain a calm, focused demeanor during periods of high stress.

Ability to understand, explain and apply the laws, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, etc. governing unit activities.

Ability to analyze and determine the applicability of data, to draw conclusions and make appropriate recommendations.

Ability to gather information by examining records and documents and by questioning individuals.

Ability to write concisely to express thoughts clearly and to develop ideas in logical sequence.

Ability to give written and oral instructions in a precise, understandable manner.

Ability to establish rapport and deal tactfully with others.

Ability to establish and maintain harmonious working relationships.

Ability to adjust to varying or changing situations to meet priority operational needs.

Ability to exercise discretion in handling confidential information.

Skill in motivating staff to work effectively and determining the need for disciplinary action when necessary.

Knowledge to be acquired on the job:

Knowledge of Commonwealth of MA public procurement practices

MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS:

Applicants must have at least (A) five (5) years of full-time or, equivalent part-time, professional, professional internship, administrative, supervisory, or managerial experience in business administration, business management, public administration, public management, clinical administration or clinical management or (B) any equivalent combination of the required experience and substitutions below.

Substitutions:

I. A certificate in a relevant or related field may be substituted for one (1) year of the required experience.

II. A Bachelor's degree in a related field may be substituted for two (2) years of the required experience.

III. A Graduate degree in a related field may be substituted for three (3) years of the required experience.

IV. A Doctorate degree in a related field may be substituted for four (4) years of the required experience.

Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!

An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer.  Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law.  Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements.  We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.