Recreation and Parks Naturalist II – Farm Park Manager

Pay Schedule VI, Grade 28, Regular Schedule: 35 hours per week.

A vacancy exists in the Department of Recreation and Parks.

A list of eligible applicants will be established based on the examination as outlined below.

Current and future vacancies occurring within this class may be filled from the list of eligible applicants.

All interested transfer and promotional candidates must apply at this time.

List all promotions and changes in job duties due to reclassification as separate work experience on your application. Applicants must include the dates of the promotions and reclassifications.

NOTE: Failure to complete all fields of the “Work Experience” section of the application will result in your application not being considered. A resume will not be considered in determining your qualifications for a position. Applicants selected for an interview may provide a resume at that time.

You must attach your transcript(s), and/or degree(s), and/or certification(s) to your application. Unofficial copies are acceptable. 

Failure to submit proof of Licenses, Certifications and Education will result in your application not being considered. Proof of licenses, certifications, and/or education must be submitted with each application.

Examples of Duties

Job Purpose

Under general supervision, plans, organizes, and directs the operations of a nature center, natural area, historical center, or related facility. Plans, organizes and supervises nature and historical programs, activities, and events. Supervises programming and support staff.

Essential Job Duties

• Directs the operations of a nature center.
• Plans, organizes, develops, and directs programs, activities, and special events related to nature appreciation, natural and cultural history, environmental education, agriculture, and related fields. 
• Develops, publicizes, and administers seasonal calendars of events. 
• Develops program materials and exhibits.
• Collaborates with other departmental staff and outside agencies to develop and implement specialized programs and events.
• Supervises nature center and park staff including recreation leaders, park attendants, office assistants, and custodial staff.
• Develops work schedules and projects. 
• Develops and implements training for staff in natural and historical programming.
• Recruits, trains, and guides volunteers providing services in various aspects of nature center and park operations. 
• Coordinates and oversees the work of contractors and service providers at the facility.
• Oversees and coordinates the construction, maintenance, and repair of center facilities including buildings, grounds, and trails. 
• Coordinates the efforts of volunteer organizations maintaining park trails, planting trees and shrubs, and assisting in other aspects of park maintenance. 
• Inspects and evaluates facility conditions, requirements, and safety standards.
• Schedules the use of facilities.
• Prepares reports of center activities. 
• Prepares budget requests and monitors expenditures. 
• Procures supplies and equipment. 
• Develops grant proposals. 
• Writes articles for the council newsletter. 
• Represents the department at meetings. 
• Speaks before civic groups. 
• Responds to questions and requests from the public regarding center operations.

Examples of Other Duties

Leads hikes, canoe trips, and other nature programs and outings. Performs other related duties as required.

NOTE: The duties and responsibilities listed above are for the purpose of determining a common set of minimum qualifications for all positions in this class. They may not include all of the essential job functions of each position in the class. Each position may not be required to perform all of the essential job functions listed.

Qualifications

Training and Experience

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in recreation and parks, park management, forestry, a biological science, education, or a closely related field;

Plus 

Two years’ progressively responsible experience conducting organized naturalist, environmental, historical and/or related recreation and parks programs.

Education in one of the fields listed above beyond a bachelor’s degree may be substituted on a year-for-year basis for the required experience.

Additional qualifying experience may be substituted on a year-for-year basis for the required education.

Preferred Qualifications

• Degree in Agriculture, Education, Natural Resources or a related field. 
• Experience with farming, agriculture, and/or management of an equestrian facility.
• Skill in a variety of agricultural, animal husbandry, and maintenance tasks to ensure efficient operation of farm (e.g. tills, plants, cares for, and harvest crops using both historical methods and machinery; cares for farm animals; maintains and repairs farm equipment, fences, buildings, etc.).

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (Entry Level)

Knowledge of the principles and practices of conducting naturalist, environmental, historical, and related recreation and parks programs and activities. Knowledge of natural history, botany, zoology, and land and wildlife management. Knowledge of the principals and practices of nature center, environmental center, and historical center operations.

Skill in conducting naturalist, environmental, historical and/or related recreation and parks programs. Skill in providing environmental education. Skill in working with individuals and the public.

Ability to plan, organize, develop, and direct naturalist, environmental, and historical programs. Ability to plan, coordinate, and direct the operation and maintenance of a recreation and parks nature, environmental, or historical center. Ability to supervise staff. Ability to recruit, train, and guide volunteers. Ability to represent the department at meetings and community events. Ability to prepare reports. Ability to communicate effectively. Ability to maintain effective working relationships with recreation and parks councils, community groups, the public, other agencies, and co-workers. 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (Full Performance)

Knowledge of County and departmental rules, regulations, policies, and procedures. Knowledge of departmental recreation and parks programs, services, and operations.

Skill in planning, organizing, developing, and directing naturalist, environmental, and historical programs. Skill in planning, coordinating, and directing the operation and maintenance of a recreation and parks nature, environmental, or historical center. Skill in supervising staff. Skill in recruiting, training, and guiding volunteers. Skill in representing the department at meetings and community events. Skill in preparing reports. Skill in communicating effectively.

Licenses and Certificates

Possession of a valid driver’s license equivalent to a noncommercial, class C Maryland driver’s license is required at the time of appointment.

Proof of Licenses, Certifications and Education 

Applicants are required to submit proof of education beyond high school to meet the required qualifications of the position. Diplomas or transcripts must show the applicant’s major field of study. Copies and unofficial transcripts are acceptable.

Failure to submit proof of licenses, certifications and Education will result in your application not being considered. Proof of licenses, certifications, and/or education must be submitted with each application by the closing date on the job posting.

Proof of Degree Equivalency

Applicants who have obtained a degree from outside the United States of America are required to submit degree equivalence documentation from World Education Services, Inc. (www.WES.org)

Mail or deliver documents to:

ATTN: Naturalist II- Farm Park Manager

Office of Human Resources

Baltimore County Government

308 Allegheny Avenue

Towson, MD 21204

You must attach your transcript(s), and/or degree(s), and/or certification(s) to your application. Unofficial copies are acceptable. 

EXAMINATION PROCEDURE

Qualified applicants will be assigned a rating based on an evaluation of their training and experience, as submitted on their application and supplemental questions. Applicants are advised to state the dates, duties and responsibilities of past and present experience clearly and completely for evaluation purposes.

Conditions of Employment

Employees hired after July 1, 2022 are required to participate in the Baltimore County Employees’ Retirement System, with very limited exceptions. 

Employees in this classification may be assigned to work nights, evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.

Physical and Environmental Conditions

The work of this classification entails some physical labor including walking over rough and uneven surfaces in the inspection of facilities and grounds, infrequent exposure to adverse weather in the conducting of outdoor public programs and events, and some lifting and carrying in preparing for programs and events.

The work of this classification may entail travel to other recreation and parks sites, facilities, and meetings throughout the County.

Medical Examination and Employment Background Investigation

Applicants selected for employment with Baltimore County must successfully complete a physical examination, drug screening and employment investigation, including, but not limited to criminal background, education certification and fingerprinting checks.

Employment Benefits for Full-Time, Merit or Classified Employees

Baltimore County General Government offers the following benefits to full-time,merit or classified employees. Some benefits vary for sworn employees of the Police and Fire Departments. New employees are eligible for benefits upon hire, unless noted otherwise.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Baltimore County is an equal opportunity employer and encourages minority, female and disabled applicants.

Smoke free workplace

All Baltimore County offices are smoke free.

Drug free workplace

Baltimore County provides a drug free workplace. Prospective employees are required to submit to urinalysis drug testing as part of the pre-employment physical examination.

Salary

Annual Salary review – Step increases may be granted on anniversary date based on satisfactory job performance

General Increases – Cost of living increases and adjustments may be granted as legislated.

Longevity Increases – In accordance with the specific pay schedule, a full-time merit or classified employee may receive a longevity increase, equivalent to one step, upon completion of a certain number of years of classified service with the County.

Employee Assistance Program

Our Employee Assistance Program provides confidential and professional assessment and referral assistance for employees and eligible dependents in the household who are experiencing personal problems that may be affecting work performance, job satisfaction, or overall quality of life.

Health Insurance

Health Insurance benefits elected become effective the first day of the month following the date of hire if the employee has completed online enrollment prior to that date. New employees must enroll within thirty (30) calendar days of hire. Plans offered include:

Medical, Prescription, Dental and Vision insurance.

Flexible Spending Accounts

Opportunity to set aside pre-tax dollars, through payroll deduction, for eligible unreimbursed medical care expenses and/or dependent care costs.

Life Insurance

Employees may elect basic term life insurance for themselves equal to one time the employee’s annual salary, rounded to the next higher $1,000. Employees contribute a portion of the premium through monthly payroll deductions. The County also offers an Additional/Employee paid Life Insurance plan with coverage up to $100,000.

Retirement

Employees are required to participate in the Baltimore County Employees’ Retirement System (ERS), with very limited exceptions.

Paid Leave

Paid benefits listed below vary depending upon the Classification.

Sick Leave

Vacation Leave

Personal Leave

Holidays

Bereavement Leave

Jury Leave

Military Leave

Baltimore County Employees Federal Credit Union

Membership in Baltimore County Employees Federal Credit Union offers a full range of savings programs, loans, checking, direct deposit, payroll deduction, savings bonds, and other financial services.

Direct Deposit

Payroll through direct deposit to the financial institution selected by employee is required.

Educational Assistance

70 to 80 percent tuition reimbursement following successful completion of pre-approved courses related to position. Amount of reimbursement and fiscal year dollar limitations vary with bargaining group.

Deferred Compensation

Nationwide Retirement Solutions offers a 457 retirement plan allowing for payroll contributions of tax deferred dollars to investment options of your choice.

Disclaimer

This is only a summary of benefits and policies in Baltimore County. Any benefit or policy may be changed at any time at the discretion of the administration. This summary does not constitute an express or implied contract, nor does it constitute a guarantee that your employment relationship will continue for any specified period of time or end only under certain conditions.

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