Region 2 Newsletter now online

Please click the “Newsletter” tab to view the “Chesapeake Chat” Region 2 Newsletter.  For those looking to receive the newsletter by email, you will receive that email soon.

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Job Announcement: NATURAL RESOURCE SPECIALIST

Here is a career opportunity in our region:

There is a job opening for a Natural Resource Specialist in the Natural Resource Management and Protection Branch of the Fairfax County Park Authority in Virginia. Click on the link below for the job announcement:

Natural Resource Specialist Job Announcement

The Naturalist II Natural Resource Specialist is a critical part of this agency’s team, which will be overseeing the agency’s non-native invasive management program, conducting technical reviews of projects, working on natural resource management, and site restoration.  Also, you will be serving on project teams in the agency and county, and you will be responsible for numerous other job responsibilities.

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Career Opportunity: PARK MANAGER

Here is an employment opportunity for a park manager in our region:

www.nvrpa.org
NORTHERN VIRGINIA REGIONAL PARK AUTHORITY
Equal Employment Opportunity Employer
Opportunity Announcement ##12-04-05
POSITION: PARK MANAGER
LOCATION: Potomac Overlook
APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED UNTIL : Open until filled
GRADE: 19     ANNUAL SALARY: $53,657.74 – $58,876.29
PARK MANAGER is responsible for planning, developing, coordinating, and executing an operational management plan for a park. Work is performed under the general direction of the Park Operations Superintendent with considerable latitude for independent judgment and action. Will supervise staff which may include Assistant Park Manager, Park Specialist, maintenance employees, part-time staff, and volunteers. Annual performance goals will be set for the Park Manager. Park Managers are subject to lateral transfer within the organization.
PARK MANAGER
GROUP: MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENT: OPERATIONS
FLSA STATUS: EXEMPT NVRPA OVERTIME STATUS: EXEMPT
GRADE: 19 REVIEWED: FEBRUARY 2012
APPROVED BY: CHRIS W. PAULEY
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (with illustrative examples of work):

Manage personnel:

<plan, direct, and control the work of employees in the operation and maintenance of park facilities, grounds and equipment.

<determine workload, assign priorities, schedule employees and allocates resources.

<maintain attendance records, approve leave and authorize payment of wages.

<develop and implement training programs for employees.

<analyzes and resolve employee work problems through application and interpretation of Personnel Policies.

<develop performance standards and indicators and evaluate employee performance against those standards.

<ensure adherence to fair and equitable employment practices.

<interview and hire applicants for part-time employment; assist Director of Operations with interview and selection of applicants for full-time employment.

<promote high levels of work performance and employee morale.

Manage facility operations:

<monitor operation to ensure customer satisfaction.

<inspect park facilities for adherence to Park Authority standards.

<monitor revenue-producing operations (to include programs and special events) to ensure compliance with business standards and procedures

<operate facilities and fill in at all positions as needed.

<ensure compliance to federal, state and local regulatory standards including safety and health issues.

<ensure security of park facilities and assets.

Manage facility and grounds maintenance:

<inspect park facilities, equipment and grounds for hazards and for adherence to Park Authority standards.

<develop and implement preventive maintenance program.

<identify maintenance problems and hazards, implement corrective action or refers to Central Maintenance.

<operate various maintenance equipment as needed and perform related work including manual labor.

Develop and manage budget:

<recommend operations, maintenance and development items for budget; implement operating budget.

<interpret and apply Park Authority policies and procedures to meet personnel, budget, property management, and general service needs of the park.

<monitor operating budget, resale inventories and revenue projections to ensure sound fiscal management.

<authorize procurement of required items and/or services.

Establish and maintain positive public relations program:

<develop and foster a positive public image for the park and the Park Authority.

<coordinate with Marketing and Communications Office on marketing and promotion of programs and facilities.

<provide information to the public and special interest groups through presentations and other means through accurate, courteous and diplomatic communications.

<maintain effective relationships with groups such as vendors, local law enforcement, and special user groups.

<encourage visitor comments; investigate and respond to complaints.

Perform administrative duties:

<develop short- and long-term goals and recommend operating objectives, strategies and implementation plans.

<investigate accidents, thefts, vandalism, and other violations and file appropriate reports in a timely manner.

<prepare and maintain various business, personnel and administrative reports and records

<initiate and monitor standard user permits; assists with the development of special contractual agreements.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS (minimum):Education:  Any combination of education, experience, and training equivalent to:  graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a Bachelor’s degree in park management or closely related field.

Physical: Non-manual and manual work with strength and dexterity necessary to perform all required tasks, including lifting, stooping, bending and working in tiring and uncomfortable positions in office and outdoorsettings;will perform heavy manual labor in all weather conditions, lift items at or greater than 80 pounds, climb ladders, use tools and operate equipment.

Experience: Four years of progressively responsible experience in parks or conservation work or any equivalent combination of education, training, or experience which provides:

<Considerable knowledge of principles, methods, and practices involved in park management.

<Considerable knowledge and experience in personnel management.

<Ability to develop comprehensive operating procedures and performance standards and to evaluate programs and employees against such standards.

<Considerable ability to review and analyze expenditures and revenues in determining appropriate budgets.

<Considerable ability to identify and isolate problems, and to initiate appropriate actions.

<Considerable ability to deal effectively with the public and special interest groups, and to provide a strong, positive public relations program; w/considerable ability to interpret and explain Park Authority policies, rules, and procedures to employees and to the public.

<Considerable ability to communicate clearly and effectively, with ability to prepare written correspondence and present accurate reports.

<Considerable knowledge of the materials, equipment, and procedures involved with park maintenance.

<Ability to maintain knowledge of current trends and developments in the park and recreation profession.

<Working knowledge of personal computers and various software applications.

<Certification or ability to obtain certification in CPR and first aid and other licenses as required.

<Possession of or ability to obtain and maintain drivers’ license with safe driving record.

<Availability for off-duty phone calls and/or ability to report to work in emergency situations when off duty.

<Availability to work rotating schedules, additional hours during peak operating times including weekends.

<Park Managers are subject to lateral transfer.

Duties and responsibilities are designed to be the essential elements of the job.  They do not preclude the performance of related, or even unrelated, jobs which may be necessary to properly and efficiently complete all work assignments.  NVRPA reserves the right to amend job specifications to meet current needs.  

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Career Opportunity: SENIOR INTERPRETER, NATURALIST/HISTORIAN PROGRAMS

Are you seeking employment in the area of natural and historical interpretation?  Fairfax County in Virginia has a position opening with their park system: 

SENIOR INTERPRETER, NATURALIST/HISTORIAN PROGRAMS 

Riverbend Park & Scott’s Run Nature Preserve,
Park Authority 
Job # 12-0677
$41,146 to $54,862  (Grade S19)

Description: Park location: 8700 Potomac Hills Street in McLean, Virginia. Supervises and manages all aspects of interpretive programming for Riverbend Park and Scott’s Run Nature Preserve. Researches, writes and evaluates the annual site programming and marketing plan. Writes and evaluates site programs and program activities. Develops the budget for site programming and purchases program materials. Designs, creates, conducts, evaluates and markets natural and cultural history programs. Plans and produces interpretive learning aids. Routinely is manager on duty and sole person responsible for park operations and patron safety. Opens, closes and inspects the facility for safe public use. Greets the public and provides technical information. Supervises, evaluates and schedules staff and volunteers at multiple locations. Plans, creates, and maintains natural and cultural exhibits and displays. Researches, writes or reviews brochures, technical publications, audiovisual productions and trail interpretation.
Minimum
Qualifications:
Any combination of education, experience and training equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in natural or life sciences, history, education, park management or a related field; plus one year of responsible experience in interpretation/programming, environmental or historical education, or a closely related field.
Special
Requirements:
The appointee to this position will be required to complete a criminal background check to the satisfaction of the employer. Must have first Aid/CPR certification or be able to obtain these certifications within 90 days of employment. Must be able to walk on rough and unpaved trails.
Preferred
Qualifications:
At least two years of experience developing interpretive programs in a natural setting for a variety of audiences, and hiring and supervising staff. At least one year of experience developing historical programs. Knowledge of natural and biological sciences, including the theory, principles, and practices of interpretation, conservation and environmental education. Experience: managing budgets and inventory; in interpretive writing; developing marketing items using a variety of media; and using Microsoft Office Suite software. National Association of Interpreters (NAI) certification.
Selection
Procedure:
Panel interview.
Note: Morning or evening work is required for opening and closing the park. Requires some weekend and holiday work.
To Apply: Submit your resume on-line through the AIMS system.

If this is the first time you have used AIMS, you will need to create an account.

Fairfax County is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, creed, religion, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veterans’ status or disabled veterans’ status. Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. Contact 703-324-4900 for assistance; TTY 703-222-7314. Minorities and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. EEO/AA/TTY.

Closing Date: 5/18/2012
Date Posted: 5/5/2012
Benefits: Most positions advertised here are merit system positions funded for full benefits such as health insurance, retirement, life insurance and paid leave. Follow the link for details on Fairfax County’s comprehensive benefits program for merit system employees. If a position is not funded for benefits that information will generally be included in the job announcement
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Regional Event with Beltway Chapter

Are you looking to enhance your knowledge of Region 2′s natural resources AND network with other interpreters?   The beltway chapter is offering this event:

 Ferns and Lycophytes: Introduction and Natural History

Tuesday, June 5, 2012

10am – noon, Riverbend Park

12:45 – 3:00pm, Scotts Run Nature Preserve

Join Carl Taylor, Research Associate at the Smithsonian Institution, for an introduction to the natural history and identification of ferns and lycophytes (ferns and fern allies). This Beltway Chapter session will begin with an indoor presentation from 10am to noon at the Riverbend Park Visitor Center, followed by a quick lunch and end with a search for ferns Scotts Run Nature Preserve. Carl will also share handouts and bring some samples of the area’s ferns for you to examine. Be sure to bring a 10?14X hand lens. We’ll be looking at some tiny, but super neat things that you won’t want to miss.

Carl completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Missouri and received a Ph.D. in botany from Southern Illinois University. For much of his career he was employed at the Milwaukee Public Museum as Curator of Botany. Carl also has taught courses in plant taxonomy, local flora, and molecular systematics at the University of Wisconsin and Old Dominion University. Recently, he served as a Program Director at the National Science Foundation. Carl flunked retirement and currently teaches at George Washington University and conducts research at the Smithsonian Institution.

To register for this session, please contact Beltway Chapter Co-chair Mona Enquist-Johnston at mogar@cox.net. Bring a bag lunch and dress for the weather and hiking. The session is limited to 25 participants. Carpooling is encouraged.

Riverbend Park, a 418-acre site managed by the Fairfax county Park Authority, is located at 8700 Potomac Hills Street, Great Falls, VA 22102. Take Beltway Exit 44 (Georgetown Pike, Route 193) west to right on River Bend Road to right on Jeffery Road. Proceed one mile to Visitor Center entrance (Potomac Hills Street).  For more information go to the park’s website: http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/riverbend/

Direction for Scotts Run Nature Preserve will be provided, or you can get directions here.

 

 

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Nature Preschool Conference

Here’s an exciting opportunity for educators and education administrators working in our region:

Nature Preschool Conference

Irvine Nature Center in Owings Mills, MD

 June 8-9, 2012

At the Nature Preschool Conference, educators and administrators will connect to discover and share activities, insight and best practices. Topics include nature-based curriculum and program development, meaningful live animal lessons indoors and out, creative arts and nature activities, and the role of natural play spaces and encounters in nature.

  • $125 for full conference (discounts available for select days, or keynote only).
  •  Camping allowed on site.
  • David Sobel, who has done extensive writing on children and nature,  will be the keynote speaker and will also be directing a workshop.

 To register or get more information, visit:

http://explorenature.org/experience-irvine/nature-preschool-conference

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Regional Event: NASA Space Science Workshop

Are you looking to become more involved with science education activities in our region? Here is a great workshop for science educators in our region (see below).  You can apply for this workshop at http://www.lpi.usra.edu/education/explore/workshops/pa2012

 

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Help Wanted!

Alapocas Run and Wilmington State Parks

 Nature/Recreation Educator

Alapocas Run and Wilmington State Parks, located near downtown Wilmington,  is seeking a part time person to deliver informal education programs.  The programs may include environmental science, history, recreation such as rock climbing, arts programs, guided walks, special events and more!  We are looking for a person with great people skills, a self-starter who is energetic, positive, creative and interested in working with people of all ages.  For consideration please fax or email resume with cover letter.

Hours:  Part time flexible schedule Monday through Sunday.

Salary: $9.75-10.25/hour

Closing Date:  When Filled

Requirements for all positions:  Teaching skills, valid driver’s license, good physical condition, experience in recreation, history, arts and/or science education.

Send Resume and Cover Letter To:

Barbara Woodford, Interpretive Program Manager

 Fax: 302-577-7084

Email:  Barbara.Woodford@state.de.us

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Calvert County, Maryland hiring Natural Resources Division Chief

Calvert County, Maryland is now advertising the following position:

Natural Resources Division Chief

To view the job announcement, please go to: http://www.co.cal.md.us/government/administration/employment

Then click on the link to view the employment opportunities.

Please feel free to call the Office of Personnel with any questions at extensions
410-535-1600 x 2402

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Long Branch Nature Center job announcement Arlington County parks

To apply: An online application is required. To see the full job announcement and the link to the application go to www.arlingtonva.us/pers and click on “Apply for a Job”. Have questions? Call 703/228-3500.

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