Nature Center Manager

Posted	12/02/2019
County	Linn
Location	Toddville ,Iowa
Salary	Minimum $66,651; Midpoint $79,606; Maximum $103,155
Deadline	01/03/2020

Description

Oversees the Conservation Education program and Wickiup Hill Learning Center facility. Directs and supervises work activities of education and office support staff. Engages the public to provide relevant and innovative conservation education programming, department communications and marketing. Responsible for administrative functions regarding program budget management, program development, staff development, communications and marketing, etc. Work is performed under general supervision of the Deputy Director.  

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

·         This class specification represents only the core areas of responsibilities; specific position assignments will vary depending on the needs of the department.

·         Directs and manages Linn County Conservation Education program and related communications and marketing. Supervises the operation, programming, development and maintenance of Wickiup Hill Learning Center for the residents of Linn county and other visitors. Supervises education and office staff to effectively and efficiently coordinate department education programming, communications, and office administrative support. Coordinates with the Community Outreach & Marketing Specialist for program marketing and communications.

·         Oversees educational and informational programs designed to highlight conservation, environmental and historical topics regarding the local area.

·         Develops alternative funding and other resources through cultivation of partnerships & donor relationships and the research and pursuit of grant opportunities and preparation of applications.

·         Monitors Nature Center facility custodial, program and maintenance needs. Coordinates with Conservation staff, Facilities staff or contractors to address related Learning Center needs.

·         Creates and maintains educational displays and interpretive signage of natural and cultural history and recreation including, but not limited to, identification of native plants, ecological principles, outdoor recreation and local cultural history.

·         Responsible for program communications, program marketing efforts and office administration. Promotes innovative communications and marketing efforts to reach all segments of the community through collaboration with the Community Outreach & Marketing Specialist. Promotes creative deployment of new technology, programs and methods to maintain cutting-edge, effective and efficient operations.

·         Regularly engages community stakeholders and thought leaders to guide program creation and communications efforts that meet customer needs, engage new populations and continually elevate customer satisfaction related to Linn County Conservation and Linn County’s vision and mission.

·         Assists Executive Director and Deputy Director in budget planning. Responsible for the purchase of necessary equipment, supplies and services.   Nature Center Manager

·         Knows the County’s Customer-Centered Culture principles, the County’s Mission, Strategic Plan and Core Values and demonstrates them on a regular basis.  Uses LC3 principles to identify, develop, and refine departmental products so they are aligned with the Linn County Strategic Plan and enhance Customer Satisfaction. Collaborates with customers to enhance Customer Satisfaction.  Facilitates capturing the “Voice of the Customer” and uses it to measurably improve departmental performance.  Empower direct reports to close gaps between customer expectations and experience wherever possible.

·         Performs other duties as assigned; regular work attendance is required.  

QUALIFICATIONS:  Bachelor’s degree in environmental education, natural resources, business administration, marketing or a related field required.

·         Three (3) to five (5) years of experience in a conservation-related field required, or an equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

·         Additional relevant education or directly related experience may count towards minimum qualifications on a year for year basis at the discretion of the hiring manager.

·         Ability to manage contracts and perform project reporting. Requires strong business acumen, with the ability to think strategically and creatively, meet deadlines and work in a dynamic environment to effectively manage change. Ability to provide effective supervision of regular and volunteer staff. Ability to work autonomously. Requires excellent organizational and office administration skills.

·         Requires excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to prepare and deliver presentations and educational programs regarding conservation, environmental and historical topics. Ability to maintain effective working relationships with employees, the media, officials and the general public. Ability to lead and inspire cross-functional teams in meeting organizational goals. Ability to exemplify and promote Linn County’s Core Values.

·         Ability to research, analyze, interpret and explain conservation laws, principles and practices and materials to provide general knowledge of Iowa’s native ecosystems and associated flora and fauna.

·         Ability to prepare and deliver proposals, reports, program summaries, and marketing materials. Knowledge of marketing principles and the ability to employ innovative marketing strategies, technology and communication tools to market and promote Linn County Conservation. ·         Ability to manage budgets and grant awards. Requires demonstration of knowledge of basic accounting practices and principles and experience maintaining a line-item budget.

·         Ability to analyze and exercise judgement in accomplishing diversified duties.  Requires the exercise of independent thinking within the limits of policies, standards, and precedents.

·         Machines, Tools, Equipment and Work Aids: Computer programs (Adobe Pagemaker, Microsoft Word, Access, PowerPoint, Excel, Mail, Calendar Creator, Alpha Page, Scanning Gallery, Photo Paint, Norton Utilities).

·         Reports to Conservation Deputy Director; supervises Lead Conservation Education Specialist, Conservation Education Specialist, Office Coordinator I, Senior Account Clerk, Senior Clerk Typist.

·         Must pass a County physical examination which includes a drug test after offer of employment, with random testing as determined by Linn County.

·         Valid Iowa Driver’s License required.

·         Subject to criminal background and credit history review.