Natural Areas Manager
: Job Details :

Title: Natural Areas Manager - Natural Resources CHARACTERISTICS OF THE CLASS: Under general direction, responsible for every aspect of projects from analysis and conceptual design through construction completion. Fully accountable for success (or failure) of projects. Measures include user satisfaction, budget and schedule requirements, change orders, team spirit and motivation and ability to prevent and resolve conflicts. Professional range of work includes landscape architecture, civil, electrical, mechanical and structural engineering; interior design, facilities planning and analysis, ecology and environmental science. Performs related duties as assigned or required. EXAMPLES OF DUTIES: Responsible for the management of the Park Districts' Nature Areas, including lagoons, woodlands, prairies, wetlands and bird sanctuaries. Manages maintenance contracts for natural areas. Assists with the identification and preparation of grant proposals for natural area development and restoration. Develops and implements management plans for nature areas. Works with the Manager of Outdoor and Environmental Education on school stewardship projects. Oversees the work of nature area volunteer stewards who perform land management and restoration work in park district natural areas. Oversees the preparation of marketing materials. Provides professional management in all areas including administration, planning, scheduling, construction management and staff coordination. Coordinates and oversees concurrent projects involving a number of teams. Defines and manages scope of work, budgeting and scheduling. Identifies conflict issues and negotiates resolutions. Identifies and helps investigate issues of federal, state and local code requirements and other legal issues. Performs or oversees the performance of facility analysis and natural resources auditing and management. Affixes Project Manager's professional stamp to work prepared by project team in accordance with State of Illinois professional registration requirements. Maintains project schedules, assures quality design, construction and cost controls. Coordinates design contract activities. Serves as project liaison to public and to Park District Board and executives. Performs field inspections. Supervises and directs team members and evaluates performance. Maintains complete and current project files of correspondence and documents. DESIRABLE MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Training and Experience: Bachelors degree in landscape architecture, architecture, construction management or civil, electrical, mechanical or structural engineering, natural resource management, ecology, environmental science or related field plus five (5) years of professional experience is required. Masters degree preferred. Illinois Drivers License required. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Professional knowledge of natural resource management and restoration ecology. Professional knowledge of architecture, landscape architecture, engineering and construction management principles. Knowledge and expedience in volunteer management. Knowledge of computer methods and techniques. Ability to work with community groups and various user groups to gain consensus. Ability to lead, direct, coordinate, motivate and supervise professional and paraprofessional teams. Designs skills. Budgeting, scheduling and administrative skills. Strong oral, written communication and public presentation skills. Excellent judgment. Career Service: Exempt EEO: Professional FLSA: Exempt