Natural Resources Area Manager - West

Job Description

The Natural Resources Area Manager develops, continuously updates, implements, administers and evaluates comprehensive natural resource management plans for assigned reservations and programs. The Natural Resources Area Manager monitors natural resources, makes management recommendations and implements practices to conserve natural resources.

Essential Functions:

• Effectively supervises assigned employees, including the following: Interviews, selects and trains employees.Coaches’ employees in proper job performance techniques and procedures.Directs work of employees and sets/adjusts hours of work.Maintains records on employee productivity and appraises employees’ productivity and efficiency to recommend promotions or other changes in status.Handles employee complaints and disciplines employees when necessary.Apportions work among different employees.Monitors or implements legal compliance measures.Determines the type of materials, supplies, or tools to be used by employees and controls the flow and distribution of materials and supplies.Provides for the safety of employees and the property of Cleveland Metroparks.
• Regular and predictable attendance is expected and required. All Cleveland Metroparks employees must be prepared to work flexible schedules, including evenings, weekends, and/or holidays as required.
• Implements, administers, and evaluates comprehensive natural resource management activities for assigned reservations in collaboration with other division staff, other divisions, and with outside agencies: Implements management goals to enhance wildlife and plant communities to strengthen population dynamics of various species and heighten interactions with the park visitor; assists with deer, fire, and invasive plant management programs; prepares inventory, and orders equipment and supplies; manages wetlands by adjusting water levels to maintain optimal seasonal habitat and maintains water control structures so that they function properly; oversees Timber stand improvement; rotates brush-hogging of old fields and meadows; assesses and assists with nuisance populations both in the western reservations and district wide.
• Monitors natural resources and management activities, makes recommendations, and where appropriate implements a course of action to maintain or improve ecological condition and ecosystem services: Inventories natural resources and prepares cover maps for assigned reservations; assesses impacts from site disturbances, high or low population levels from animal and plant species and disease; prepares vegetative inventory and assesses fixed photo plots; participates in wildlife surveys including spotlighting, telemetry, and fish surveys.
• Develops an innovative and comprehensive series of natural resource management plans for assigned reservations, and develops programs for assigned reservations and park-wide areas in support of those plans: Devises long and short-term land management plans by implementing best management practices; works with Director of Natural Resources, Research Coordinators, and Wildlife Ecologists to give input for development of comprehensive management plans
• Monitors work of outside agencies, contractors, and other divisions whose work may impact the natural resources of the Cleveland Metroparks: Oversees and monitors work on site and managers compliance of permits issued; monitors construction, trail building, and other activities in assigned reservations to gauge impact to natural resources and advises on best management practices.
• Updates and enhances knowledge by continuing education for professional growth, i.e., attends relevant conferences, seminars and certification programs: Attends workshops and trainings to maintain current knowledge; maintains certifications (pesticide license, wildlife permits).
• Participates and provides recommendations for acquisition of new properties and new uses of existing land: Provides input on natural resource value of lands being considered for acquisition.
• Travels throughout the park district, including to remote areas, using various types of motor vehicles, to identify, implement and monitor natural resources management activities, transport materials and equipment, and perform other activities related to the natural resource management plans and programs such as invasive plant and pest control.