Natural Resources Manager

Salary: $82,999.00 Annually

Location : Durango, CO

Job Type: Full-Time

Job Number: 2023-00143

Department: Parks & Recreation

Division: Lake Nighthorse Ops Full Time – 4415FT

Opening Date: 09/01/2023

Closing Date: 9/24/2023 11:59 PM Mountain

Schedule Details:: M-F 8:00 am to 5:00 pm

Description

If you’re eager to contribute to Durango’s quality of life and lead a dedicated team in maintaining and developing local resources-including open spaces, trails, and parks-apply to be the Natural Resources Manager at the City of Durango.

As the Natural Resources Manager, you will guide and direct operations and activities of the Parks Division within our Parks and Recreation Department. You will oversee the stewardship of more than 3,000 acres of open space, 100 miles of natural surface trails, Animas River and Lake Nighthorse recreation areas, and 1,850 open space acres to be developed as Durango Mesa Park.

Your knack for streamlined operations and thoughtful decision making will shine as you assign and prioritize projects, analyze service and staffing levels, and strategically allocate resources. With a focus on efficiency and effectiveness, you’ll manage budgets, deliver timely reports, and stay up to date with recreation trends. You will engage and collaborate with diverse stakeholders and supervise, train, and evaluate the performance of individuals assigned to the division. Most importantly, you’ll play a critical role in enhancing the city’s natural resources, promoting sustainable practices, and ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all residents and visitors.

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW

Durango Parks and Recreation is committed to providing a diverse range of programs, public spaces, and natural areas to be enjoyed by people of all ages, backgrounds, and ethnicities. We’re proud to be recognized with the “Gold Medal Award” from the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) and to hold national accreditation from NRPA’s Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA). Learn more about our Parks, Open Space & Trails division

Essential Job Duties
GENERAL PURPOSE: Lead, guide and direct operations and activities of the Parks Division including maintenance and stewardship of City natural resources, open space, natural surface trails, the Animas River, and Lake Nighthorse Recreation Area. Formulates and oversees operational procedures, maintenance, budgeting, and inventory. Responsible for the supervision, training, and evaluation of personnel assigned to the Division.

The following duties are normal for this position. However, they are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each duty satisfactorily. Other duties may also be required or assigned.

• Management responsibility for natural resources operations, services, activities, and programs.
• Plan, direct and coordinate the natural resources operation’s work plan; assign and prioritize projects; review and evaluate work methods and procedures; and meet with staff responsible for maintenance functions in the City’s natural resources, open space, natural surface trails, the Animas River and Lake Nighthorse to resolve problems.
• Analyze service and staffing levels; monitor and evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; allocate resources accordingly.
• Assist with the management, development, and implementation of the City’s strategic plans, Division goals, objectives, budget, and priorities for each assigned service area.
• Monitor and review capital construction projects to ensure projects to be maintained by natural resources staff are constructed in accordance with City standards.
• Select, train, direct and evaluate natural resources personnel; identify opportunities for improvement; work with employees to correct deficiencies; and implement disciplinary procedures as appropriate.
• Supervise natural resources operational procedures and ensure that records are appropriately maintained.
• Oversee and participate in the development and administration of the Durango Mesa Park, Lake Nighthorse and natural resources operational budget; submit budget recommendations; monitor and authorize expenditures.
• Solicit and prepare grant applications and complete required reporting and closeout documentation on awarded grants.
• Prepare analytical and statistical reports on operations and activities.
• Ensure adherence to proper safety precautions.
• Develop, coordinate, and monitor work of contracted and volunteer services involving City natural resources, open space, natural surface trails, the Animas River and Lake Nighthorse.
• Maintain accurate GIS data for the open space and natural surface trails and distribute as necessary to other agencies and map sources.
• Identify and prioritize open space land acquisition opportunities. Provide research, evaluation, and management of acquisitions.

Fiscal Responsibilities: Incumbent has authority to release funds using purchasing policies of the Department and City. Prepares, monitors, and oversees the Division budget related to assigned area of responsibility.

City Organization Duties and Responsibilities:

• Represent the Department and City to other staff and members of the public.
• Provide quality customer service to individuals needing assistance.
• Serve as liaison for City with area land management agencies or community collaborations as appropriate.

Supervisory Relationships: Develops objectives and general policies and procedures for area of responsibility. Regularly exercises independent judgment and is responsible for the development, implementation and management of department programs or operations. Supervises employees and contractors.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS – KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of:

• Operations, services and activities of a City natural resources development, improvement, and maintenance program, including natural resources, open space, natural surface trails, rivers, and lakes.
• Principles of supervision, training, and performance evaluation.
• Modern and complex principles and practices of natural resources conservation, maintenance, and usage, including but not limited to erosion control, fire mitigation, trail building, weed mitigation and habitat protection.
• General design principles and practices applicable to development of natural resources and natural surface trails.
• Encumbrances associated with conservation easements.
• Codes, standards and general construction principles and practices applicable to development of natural resources and natural surface trails.
• Operational characteristics of light and heavy power-driven equipment needed to maintain City natural resources, open space, natural surface trails, rivers, and lakes.
• Hand and power tools used to maintain natural resources.
• Protection of cultural resources methods and techniques.
• Grant preparation, project oversight, and applicable reporting requirements.
• Herbicide and pesticide application methodologies for natural resources.
• Principles and practices of natural resources maintenance.
• Pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, codes, and regulations.
• Occupational hazards and standard safety precautions.
• Pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, codes, and regulations.
• Procedures, policies, and operations within area of assignment.
• City employee handbook policies and procedures.

Skill in:

• Recruiting, supervising, organizing, and reviewing work of facility staff.
• Interpreting, explaining, and enforcing Department policies and procedures.
• Preparing and presenting clear, concise, and accurate reports.
• Communicating clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

Ability to:

• Design, develop and implement programs and services related to City-owned natural resources.
• Supervise, organize, and review work of facility staff.
• Operate a computer and relevant software programs.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Attend and participate in professional meetings; stay abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of recreation and facility management.
• Working the required hours of the job.

Work Environment: Work environments include both an office setting and outdoor recreational facilities. Includes irregular work hours. May work in or around water and slippery surfaces, exposure to noise, dust, grease, smoke, fumes, gases, and inclement weather conditions.

Physical and Mental Requirements/Activities:

• This work requires the frequent exertion of up to 50 pounds of lifting/moving or force and occasional lift, move or drag 75 pounds or more while performing essential functions of the job.
• Work regularly requires the ability to stand, walk, sit; use hands to finger, handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; balance, climb, stoop, kneel crouch or crawl; and speak and hear.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close, distance and peripheral vision; depth perception; and the ability to adjust focus.
• Acceptable verbal and conversation skills to effectively communicate with others in English.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to read and write English and interpret documents such as safety rules, material safety data sheets, operation and maintenance instructions, procedure manuals, and so forth.
• Ability to recognize occupational hazards in work activities and take safety precautions.
• Maintain mental capacity which allows the capability of making sound decisions and following directions.

Minimum Qualifications
Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in park and recreation management, landscape architecture, natural resources management, public administration, or a related field. Minimum Experience: Four (4) years of progressively responsible related experience in stewardship and maintenance of public open space and natural surface trails, as well as natural resources, facility improvements, operations, and maintenance, including a minimum of one year of supervisory or lead responsibility. Or a combination of education and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the position duties and responsibilities. Certifications Required: Must maintain a valid State Driver’s License. Possession of, or ability to obtain valid CPR/AED and First Aid Certificate as well as Colorado Watercraft Inspection and Decontamination Certification. Certified Park and Recreation Professional designation preferred.
Supplemental Information

Nothing in this job description limits management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

We offer a complete benefits package to full-time employees including medical, dental & vision insurance, retirement, deferred compensation plans, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, long-term disability, holidays, and paid time off.

To learn more details, visit our

01

Do you have a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in park and recreation management, landscape architecture, natural resources management, public administration, or a related field?

• Yes
• No

02

Do you have any relatives who currently work for the City of Durango?

• Yes
• No

03

If you answered yes, provide your relative’s name, the department they work in, and their relationship to you.

04

Have you been previously employed by the City of Durango?

• Yes
• No

05

If you answered yes, provide previous City positions and approximate dates for those positions.

06

Do you have four (4) years of progressively responsible related experience in stewardship and maintenance of public open space and natural surface trails, as well as natural resources, facility improvements, operations, and maintenance, including a minimum of one year of supervisory or lead responsibility. Or a combination of education and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the position duties and responsibilities?

• Yes
• No

07

Are you able to maintain a valid State Driver’s License?

• Yes
• No

08

Have you ever been convicted of a crime, including misdemeanors, deferred sentences/judgments?

• Yes
• No

09

If you answered yes to having been convicted, you are REQUIRED to provide DATE(S) and DESCRIPTION(S) of offense(s) below.

10

Are you in possession of, or have the ability to obtain valid CPR/AED and First Aid Certificate as well as Colorado Watercraft Inspection and Decontamination Certification?

• Yes
• No

11

Do you have the preferred certified park and recreation professional designation?

• Yes
• No

Required Question