Green Spring Gardens Site Manager (Naturalist IV)

Job Announcement

Join the Park Authority and our nationally recognized team of professionals! The Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) is seeking a site manager to be a part of one of the most highly regarded park systems in the country. With more than 25,000 acres of parkland, nine Rec Centers, eight golf courses, three lakefront parks, and more, FCPA is an exciting organization to be a part of and there are many opportunities for staff to make a difference at every level.

As the Green Spring Gardens Site Manager (Naturalist IV) this position leads a 31-acre accredited public garden that welcomes 100,000 visitors annually who tour the 18 themes gardens and natural areas and participate in a variety of educational programs. Featured on the site is a 1784 brick historic house listed on the national register for its 1942 interior design by architect Walter Macomber and landscape design by Beatrix Farrand. This position manages the Park Authority countywide horticulture program including other satellite sites (White Gardens and Clark House), the Fairfax County Farmers Markets, Gardens Plots, and liaison to the Friends of Green Spring (FROGs), Virginia Cooperative Extension, and the Green Spring Extension Master Gardeners. The site manager at Green Spring Gardens will connect the community to natural and cultural resources through horticulture, education, and stewardship and will work closely with colleagues whose expertise spans cultural resources, archaeology, heritage conservation, and natural resources. Occasional weekends, holidays, and evenings may be required.

Illustrative Duties

(The illustrative duties listed in this specification are representative of the class but are not an all-inclusive list. A complete list of position duties and unique physical requirements can be found in the position job description.)

• Directs and coordinates the implementation of conservation or horticultural policies and procedures for the division;
• Develops long- and short- term goals, operating objectives, strategies, and implementation plans;
• Makes recommendations to the division manager or branch manager regarding long range plans;
• Coordinates research studies and the preparation of technical reports;
• Provides technical expertise to agency and county regarding key issues related to parklands and natural resources;
• Contributes to the development of Park Authority and county-wide strategic plans related to natural or horticultural resources;
• Maintains liaison with other key park officials, other agencies, citizens' organizations, and the public on issues of environmental concern pertaining to parklands and natural resources;
• Develops and submits an annual operating budget and monitors revenue / expenditure performance levels;
• Directs staff operations and training.

Required Knowledge Skills and Abilities

The knowledge, skills and abilities listed in this specification are representative of the class but are not an all-inclusive list.)

Employment Standards

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS :

Any combination of education, experience, and training equivalent to the following :

(Click on the aforementioned link to learn how Fairfax County interprets equivalencies for "Any combination, experience, and training equivalent to")

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor's degree in horticulture, natural or life sciences, natural history, park management, public gardens management, education, or a closely related field; Plus, five years of progressively responsible experience in the field of conservation management, environmental education, park programming, or a closely related field.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS :

CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES REQUIRED :

Driver's license (required)

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENT :

The appointee to the position will be required to complete a criminal background check and driving record check to the satisfaction of the employer.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS :

Ability to lift up to 30 lbs. with or without assistance. Ability to walk over varied terrain such as park trails and grounds. Ability to work in adverse weather conditions. All duties performed with or without reasonable accommodations.

SELECTION PROCEDURE :

Panel interview; may include exercise.

Fairfax County is home to a highly diverse population, with a significant number of residents speaking languages other than English at home (including Spanish, Asian / Pacific Islander, Indo-European, and many others.) We encourage candidates who are bilingual in English and another language to apply for this opportunity.

Fairfax County Government prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetics, political affiliation, or military status in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce.

Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during application and / or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. TTY 703-222-7314. DHREmployment@fairfaxcounty.gov . EEO / AA / TTY.

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