NATURE CENTER SUPERINTENDENT 69170

(Competitive)

 

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

 

The work involves responsibility for overseeing the operation, program development and property management of a Nature Center in the Onondaga County Department of Parks and Recreation. An employee in this class plans and develops programming, oversees financial matters related to the Nature Center and is responsible for the development and maintenance of the lands and facilities at the Nature Center. This position requires interaction with state and local government employees, teachers, naturalists, park rangers and the general public. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Commissioner of Parks and Recreation. The employee is allowed wide leeway in carrying out the responsibilities of operation, maintenance and program planning. An employee in this position exercises functional and direct supervision over related department staff. Does related work as required.

 

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES

 

Directs and oversees the coordination and quality of the environmental education program at the Nature Center, including staff training and development and program evaluation;

Manages wildlife and land resources by planning, developing and implementing land maintenance, upkeep of trails and facilities; identifies need for long range capital development and improvements and makes recommendations to the administration;

Oversees personnel functions for the Nature Center, including interviewing, hiring, supervising, evaluating, disciplining and training;

Oversees and directs staff to prepare written materials, exhibits and historic presentations based on research of natural history and the history related to the historic sites; assures a final product that is both historically accurate and of public interest.

Oversees the development of programs for visitors including directing staff to prepare written materials, exhibits and presentations and assures the accuracy and appropriateness of such programs;

Directs and leads fundraising efforts as well as researches and prepares grants proposals and manages funds received through grants;

Prepares annual operating budget for the Center, reviews expenditures from the budget and monitors budget status;

Performs research and oversees the accuracy of historic programs and the preservation of historic materials; performs research tasks pertaining to natural history, ecology, resources management, environmental science and programs; when required confers with specialists in these fields.

Prepares various reports, documents, and correspondence;

Maintains professional relationships with other facilities and organizations.

 

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

 

Thorough knowledge of the natural environment and the methods and principles of the management of wildlife and vegetation as applied to educational and recreational programs.

Thorough knowledge of promotion and marketing skills and ability to develop private sources of funding.

Thorough knowledge of administrative planning, management and supervision as it applies to the department.

Good knowledge of the methods and principles of public park administration as applied to personnel management, budgeting, planning and physical plant management.

Good knowledge of the methods and principles of research in the areas of natural

science and history.

Good knowledge of the methods and procedures of educating and interacting with the public with emphasis on nature and the environment.

Good knowledge of community and public relations and media techniques.

Ability to supervise and lead staff effectively.

Ability to identify site planning and operation needs in the areas of exhibits, program development, acquisition and storage of interpretive materials.

Ability to communicate clearly both orally and in writing.

Physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

 

 

69170

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

 

Promotion:

 

Two (2) years of permanent competitive status as a Park Naturalist II.

 

Open Competitive:

 

A. Graduation from a regionally accredited college or university or one accredited by the New York State Board of Regents to grant degrees with a baccalaureate degree in environmental science, resource management, wildlife biology or a closely related field, and two (2) years of professional level experience, or its part time equivalent, in nature center or wildlife preserve operations, maintenance or management, or in wildlife or resource management; or,

B. Graduation from a regionally accredited college or university or one accredited by the New York State Board of Regents to grant degrees with an associate degree in environmental science, resource management, wildlife biology or a closely related field and four (4) years of professional level experience, or its part equivalent, in nature center of wildlife preserve operations, maintenance or management, or in wildlife or resource management; or,

C. Six (6) years of professional level work experience, or its part time equivalent, in nature center of wildlife preserve operations, maintenance or management, or in wildlife or resource management; or,

D. An equivalent combination of training and experience as defined by the limits of (A), (B) and (C) above.

 

 

 

 

6/02 Date of Revision