Job Tag: Conservation

Job Summary: Responsible for the appearance and cleanliness of the Keystone Ancient Forest and facilities thereof to include customer service, maintenance, and assistance of volunteers and guests.

Major Responsibilities:

Opens and closes facilities during operating hours.
Greets visitors and provides information as needed.
Maintains cleanliness of visitor center and grounds.
Assists in trail maintenance schedule and practices trail safety techniques.
Implements conservation techniques and strategies.
Assists KAF Visitor Center Coordinator with various clerical duties including coordinating volunteer activities and maintaining databases
Trains, directs, and participates in the work of volunteers, teachers, school groups, interest groups, and the public.
Performs custodial tasks before and after daily visitations, park programs, and community events.
Under direction of Project Manager, the KAF Park Maintenance Specialist performs grounds maintenance such as mowing, digging, filling, clearing brush and debris, seeding, fertilizing, etc., assuring the public’s safety and maintaining overall condition of park grounds and natural areas.
Performs other duties as assigned, including assisting other departments as required.

Minimum Qualifications & Required Knowledge:

High school diploma or GED
Valid Oklahoma Driver License
Six months of customer service experience
Trail development/maintenance experience preferred
Ability to obtain Service Technician Certification
Knowledge of relevant city, state, and federal laws, regulations, and policies
Knowledge of Parks and Recreations guidelines
Knowledge of Parks and Recreations equipment and facilities
Curfew enforcement
Knowledge of various forestry and landscaping tools
Ability to identify trail hazards
Problem solving skills
Assist in prescribed burns
Removal of invasive species of plants/animals
Minor equipment maintenance
Special event planning, promotion, set-up, and tear down
Skill in the operation of computers and other types of modern office equipment
Skill in oral and written communication
Ability to organize and prioritize
Ability to perform routine maintenance

The San Francisco Estuary Institute (SFEI) is seeking a Program Manager for an applied science program working to protect water quality in San Francisco Bay (SFB).

The SFB Nutrient Management Strategy (NMS) is a regional applied science program focused on investigating water quality impacts from elevated nutrient inputs to SFB, and evaluating management options for protecting water quality now. SFEI partners with NMS stakeholders (regulators, dischargers, resource agencies, NGOs) to identify critical scientific uncertainties underlying key management questions, and in collaboration with regional partners, designs and carries out studies targeting those uncertainties using approaches including monitoring, targeted experiments, data analysis/interpretation, and numerical modeling

The NMS Program Manager will play a leading role across a range of program management activities that are critical to accomplishing the NMS’ core science goals and to fulfilling the program’s broader mission of engaging stakeholders to translate improved understanding of nutrient dynamics and SFB’s change responses to nutrients into actionable information targeting upcoming nutrient management decisions. Core focus areas for the Program Manager will include: leading overall NMS financial management and budget tracking (~$4mill/year); Leading program-wide project management to support producing high-quality, on-time/on-budget work products; and playing a key role augmenting NMS stakeholder engagement, strategic planning, and program development.

If you are excited about this role, but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this, or one of our other roles.

Required Skills and Experience

Master’s degree in environmental science, civil/environmental engineering, or a related field with 12-15+ years of relevant experience; or a B.S. in the same fields with 15-20+ years of relevant experience, including substantial experience (5+ years) in the program management areas below.

5+ years of work experience in relevant external project and program management areas, including stakeholder governance and communication; building and maintaining scientific collaborations; developing strategic programmatic goals and priorities; and holding teams accountable for deadlines and deliverables.

Work experience in relevant internal project and program management areas, including being responsible for implementing strategic programmatic goals, overseeing scientific teams on complex environmental projects, supervising staff, overseeing deliverables tracking, and work flow planning.

5+ years of work experience developing and managing budgets, and creating quarterly and annual expenditure summaries for projects showing amount and percent spent compared to percent complete of project

Excellent written and oral communication skills. Experience communicating complex scientific information to a broad range of audiences, ability to understand key messages, and translate those to others

Team player who inspires staff and is enthusiastic about SFEI’s mandate of providing science to inform decisions

The City of Fort Collins is on watch for a full-time Natural Areas Trail Ranger who will patrol and assist visitors in some of our 52 conserved habitats which include prairies, foothills, waterways, and forests. These properties are a treasure to the community. The Natural Areas Trail Ranger provides visitor and staff safety, assistance, and education, as well as enforcement of applicable municipal codes. The Natural Areas Trail Ranger coordinates internally and externally with other Departments and teams to coordinate planning, management policy, maintenance projects, and address possible trail closures. The Natural Areas Trail Ranger patrols in a variety of ways, including on foot, on bicycle, or in a marked patrol vehicle.

This position requires effective communication skills related to conflict resolution and de-escalating situations in a professional manner. Situations can engage a variety of people with diverse backgrounds which might include those with mental health-related concerns and homeless community members. Subsequently, having former law enforcement, ranger, or military experience is beneficial. Three to six months of previous related experience and/or training are required. Upon hiring, the successful candidate must complete the Fort Collins Police Academy by attending classes pertinent to Ranger skills and knowledge, and satisfactorily completing a three-month field training with a Ranger Field Training Officer. In addition, attendance at Ranger Excellence School is expected within an introductory review period.

Required Knowledge Skills and Abilities

Demonstrated commitment to natural area/open space/public lands conservation and management.
Knowledge and understanding of natural resource management practices and techniques.
Ability to become knowledgeable of applicable municipal code.
Skills in public relations and communications.
Ability to operate specialized communication systems.
Ability to become knowledgeable and work effectively with Fort Collins and Larimer County law enforcement and emergency services protocols and procedures.
Prior medical training desirable (CPR, First Aid, First Responder, EMT) desired
Ability to become certified as a (medical) First Responder or similar certification.
Knowledge of Search and Rescue Techniques desired.
Knowledge of visitor impact management assessment tools
Ability to handle stressful & emergency situations.
Strong skills with computers, ipads and other technology.
Knowledge of natural ecosystems and human influences.
Ability to become knowledgeable of regional, county and state fire, health and safety and animal welfare codes pertinent to natural areas and trails.
Ability to qualify as a wildland firefighter

Under supervision of the lead staff, Manager, or their designee, assists full-time staff in the maintenance of county conservation board lands, facilities, and equipment. Performs a variety of semi-skilled maintenance and laborer duties within the Conservation department; performs related work as assigned.

Illustrative Examples of Work

Assists full-time staff with a variety of manual labor tasks required to maintain a county park system.
Assists in the application of chemicals; assists with prescribing fire, invasive species control, prairie seed harvest and processing, and timber stand improvement duties.
Participates in the care of trees, shrubs, and other plants. Clears brush, and removes invasive species.
Assists with minor equipment repair and maintenance.
Maintains and operates equipment such as hand tools, power tools, pick-ups, sprayers, tractors, utility vehicles, gators, mowers, and pressure washers.
Assists in the maintenance of trails.
Completes forms as necessary.
Performs related duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

General knowledge of the techniques and methods used in tree maintenance, care and removal.
Knowledge in the care and planting of nursery stock.
Knowledge and use of hand and power tools in performing manual labor tasks.
Knowledge in the mixing and application of herbicides is preferred.
Knowledge of the principles of prescribed fire is preferred.
Knowledge of the principles of native prairie, woodland, and wetland management is preferred.
Skill in the safe use and maintenance of outdoor power equipment (mowers, trimmers, sprayers, chainsaws, brush cutters, etc.)
Ability to perform manual labor tasks in all types of weather conditions.
Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
Ability to establish and maintain satisfactory working relationships with other County employees and the general public using courtesy, patience, and tact.
Ability to walk and stand for prolonged periods.
Ability to walk on uneven surfaces.
Ability to back equipment with a trailer attached.

Training and Experience

Must be 18 years of age or older.
Graduation from high school or equivalent, and
Experience with operation of outdoor power equipment such as chainsaws, sprayers, brush cutters, and blowers is preferred, or
Any equivalent combination of training and experience that will have provided the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Pesticide Applicator’s License per Iowa Code Section 206.6 is preferred.

NYC Parks is the steward of over 30,000 acres of land 14 percent of New York City including more than 5,000 individual properties ranging from Coney Island Beach and Central Park to community gardens and Greenstreets. We look after 600,000 street trees, and two million more in parks.

Environment and Planning division aims to protect, restore, and expand New York City Parks including green spaces and natural areas to maximize their benefits for environmental and community health and resilience. The Natural Resources Group’s mission is to protect, restore, expand, and manage New York City’s over 12,000 acres of natural spaces and green infrastructure across the five boroughs, including forests, grasslands, and wetlands.

Employees who work for 6 months or longer are eligible for healthcare benefits.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES
– Under general supervision, with latitude for independent initiative and judgment, provide technical and field assistance in the restoration, protection, and management of natural areas parkland across New York City.
– Coordinate and conduct ecological and ecological monitoring and data collection in one of three focus areas: 1) salt marshes, 2) streams, freshwater wetlands, and lakes, or 3) aquatic ecology, including fish and water quality.
– Conduct wetland delineations to inform restoration and protection.
– Assist in identifying opportunities for restoration and protection, including stormwater management opportunities and capital and crew-led restoration projects.
– Assist in preparing permit applications for ecological restoration and stormwater management.
– As needed, assist in community engagement including public meetings and stewardship events.
– Provide technical design review and support construction supervision for Capital projects.
– Use software, such as ArcGIS, Python, and R, to map, visualize, and analyze data.
– Collaborate with multiple stakeholders in an interdisciplinary and governmental context to achieve project goals.
– Prepare maps, technical reports, and presentations for technical and public audiences.

Duration: October 2025 to June 30, 2026
35 hours per week.

Job Summary

Under direction, is responsible for performing professional level work for the management of natural area parks, to include developing educational and informational programs. Assists in monitoring program budgets related to park facility maintenance and improvement. Exercises direct supervision over assigned staff.

Work Location
8400 N.W. Military Hwy., 78231 (Phil Hardberger Park) OR
15890 TX-16, 78264 (Medina River Natural Area)

Work Hours
6:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., Monday – Friday. Shifts are subject to accommodate evening coverage, rotating weekends and holiday shift work as dictated by business needs
Essential Job Functions

Plans and organizes educational and informational programs.
Develops and administers long-range program and facility planning and develops program goals and objectives.
Acts as liaison between the City and public support groups.
Prepares reports and written correspondence.
Promotes the availability and utility of the park through public contacts, media promotion, or direct solicitation of events.
Analyzes park operations and functions and recommends improvements.
Oversees the maintenance of facilities, trails, and property within park boundaries.
Assists in developing policies and procedures necessary to manage the facility.
Supervises, trains and evaluates assigned staff.
Performs related duties and fulfills responsibilities as required.

Job Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university
Three (3) years of experience, including one (1) year as a supervisor, in natural science, natural or urban park operations, or a related field.
Valid Class ‘C’ Texas Driver’s License.

Preferred Qualifications

Three (3) years field experience in natural resource management, wildlife management, land management, or a similar field
Three (3) years project management experience
Experience developing short and long range management plans in collaboration with staff, partners and stakeholders
Experience using work order systems.
Experience working with local, state and federal agencies
Experience working with outside contractors and vendors
Experience with desktop computers, Microsoft Office Suite, and Excel
Experience working with volunteer groups.

The Parks and Natural Resources Division comprises of over 180 employees, managing over 130 parks and centers, including diverse amenities such as athletic fields, an ATV park, gun ranges, livestock arenas, boat ramps, trails, nature parks, resource centers, an environmental center and a history center. Mosquito control is extremely important for public health, reducing the threat of disease carrying mosquitoes that are harmful to people. The Parks and Natural Resources Division offers a wide range of programs focused on recreation, environmental education, and community outreach. The overall goal is to offer a varied array of programs to enhance the quality of life, protect and enrich natural resources and respond to the needs of the changing demographics and growth of Polk County. The Parks and Natural Resources Director provides the overall leadership for the Division.

Performs highly responsible professional work involved with leading the Parks and Natural Resources Division towards achieving the goal of providing residents and visitors with diverse park facilities, recreation programing, interpretation of cultural resources and history, reducing mosquito populations for public health reasons, and providing protection of important natural resources. Assists in creating a customer-focused approach to programs. This position is integral in overseeing the financial aspects for programs expenditures and revenues and securing appropriate funding for operating budgets and important projects to be included in the Community Investment Plan. Responsible for pursuing outside funding sources. Coordinates and manages the overlap between programs to create a work environment that encourages collaboration with staff. Continuously communicates with Polk County leadership and the public on key projects to highlight project benefits.

ILLUSTRATIVE DUTIES

Personnel Leadership

• Directly supervises at least seven (7) direct reports and oversees 180+ employees.
• Leads a team of senior level staff to support operational excellence and work towards developing staff through effective coaching, feedback and accountability.
• Manage initiatives designed to effectively hire, compensate, develop and retain quality staff as well as overseeing various personnel matters including discipline, training and development along with managing performance goals.

Strategic Planning and Oversight

• Keep up to date on trends in the varied fields relating to the Division.
• Provides direction for the organization through appropriate planning efforts, such as strategic plans, master plans and capital plans.
• Establishes work plans with short- and long-term goals along with assigned responsibilities.
• Develop guidelines and standard operating procedures to carry out the responsibilities of Parks and Natural Resources Division.
• Evaluate Division programs with changing population dynamics to determine the need to repurpose existing facilities and/or revamp programs so they are relevant and effective.
• Evaluate technology and other processes to become more effective and efficient.

Community Engagement and Public Communication

• Develop and nurture partnerships, working relationships and communication with government organizations including other County Divisions, community, and the public.
• Serve as the technical and administrative liaison for Board appointed advisory boards and other appropriate groups. Actively participates in appropriate professional organizations.
• Create avenues and opportunities for members of the community to engage in providing suggestions and feedback on a consistent basis.
• Communicate with the public on key project timelines and highlight benefits of the project.

• Works with the Communications Division to continuously provide relevant information about programming, services and upcoming projects, temporary closures and other beneficial public notices.
• Prepare and give presentations to residents, Deputy County Manager, County Manager and the Board of County Commissioners.

Operations and Emergency Management

• Serve as the lead in all actions concerning the acquisition, development, operation and maintenance of assets.
• Oversee on average over 200 projects ranging from simple to highly complex.
• Direct staff and implement processes during emergencies and disaster situations as directed by the Deputy County Manager and County Manager.
• Perform tasks as assigned.

Financial Management and Budgeting

• Responsible for financial management, including preparing operating and capital budgets along with monitoring budget expenses and presenting this information to the Deputy County Manager, County Manager and Board of County Commissioners.
• Directs staff in pursuing funding from federal, state and other sources to supplement county funding.
• Oversees grant compliance for the Division and legislative funding if secured.
• Administrative Review and Project Implementation
• Review County Agenda items as required, procurement documents and other related items to facilitate project and program implementation.

KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS

Knowledge of:

• Environmental/natural resources and historical resources
• Mosquito control programs
• Constructing and maintaining stormwater infrastructure for the benefit of lakes and streams health
• Modern principles and objectives of public parks and recreational administration
• Techniques needed to construct, maintain and operate park recreational areas/facilities
• Types of management practices and equipment utilized in maintaining active and passive parks
• Rules and regulations relating to water resource quality regulations
• Technology related to operations to provide efficiencies and/or customer satisfaction
• Financial and budgeting principles
• Fiscal management, reporting systems and budget preparation

Ability to:

• Plan, assign, schedule, review and evaluate the work of others
• Use good judgement in administrative and personnel situations
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with County officials, employees, technical professionals and the general public
• Present and interpret data
• Interpret and administer various county requirements, along with state and federal statutes
• Research, investigate, experiment, detect, inspect, verify, recognize, and recommend solutions to issues
• Maintain strong organizational skills

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Graduate of an accredited four (4) year college or university with a degree in Environmental Science, Soil Water and Ecosystems, Parks and Recreation Administration, Leisure Studies, Public or Business Administration or a related field. Have a minimum of fifteen (15) years’ work experience in environmental sciences, parks and recreation or related field and ten (10) years supervisory, management or administrative experience

OR

Master’s degree in a related field and a minimum of ten (10) years’ work experience in environmental sciences, parks and recreation, or related field and seven (7) years of supervisory, management or administrative experience.

AND

Five (5) years of experience with preparing and managing operating budgets and capital projects is required.

Must have a valid driver’s license and be able to secure a valid Florida Drivers’s License at time of employment.

POSITION RELATIONSHIPS: Reports to the Laurels Preserve Assistant Manager. Works with the Preserve Assistant Manager and the Natural Resources Manager on other Brandywine properties, and occasionally with other staff and consultants.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Maintains trails, conducts invasive removal, tree work, and other activities to ensure that the Laurels constituents have safe access to the Preserve.
Acts as the ambassador to the Laurels Preserve while ensuring compliance with access policies and procedures.
Under the direction of the Laurels Preserve Assistant Manager, plans and coordinates property stewardship and ecological restoration projects.
Ensures that stewardship equipment, including truck and tractor, are in good working order.
Trains volunteers and leads regular volunteer workdays.
In conjunction with the Laurels Preserve Director and Assistant Manager, manages a deer hunting program at the Preserve.
Coordinates visits to the Preserve by private groups upon request and as necessary.
In conjunction with the Laurels Preserve Director and Assistant Manager, supervises outside contractors performing maintenance.
Maintains contact with Laurels Preserve neighbors and assists Laurels Preserve Director and Assistant Manager in resolving boundary disputes, fencing issues, encroachments, and agricultural issues.
Educates visitors to the Laurels Preserve about the Conservancy’s management philosophy, policies, and procedures.
Leads occasional interpretive walks at the Preserve for Conservancy members or private groups.
Works with the Natural Resources Manager to implement the Miller Farm Management Plan including general property stewardship and routine maintenance and conducts stewardship on other properties under his care.
Contributes content to Conservancy publications and social media upon request.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Minimum of two years’ professional experience in land management, trail maintenance, agriculture, or landscaping.
Bachelor’s degree in natural resource management, ecology, forestry, or related field; or compelling evidence of commensurate experience.
Ability to identify regional flora and fauna; or commitment to learn about flora and fauna, and other natural resource topics.
Experience with invasive removal and herbicide use.
Demonstrated ability to operate land management equipment in a safe and proper manner, to include, but not be limited to, truck with trailer, tractor with front-end loader, mowers, chainsaws, and weed eaters.
Good interpersonal skills and the ability to build positive relationships with co-workers, preserve visitors, and neighbors, and to handle enforcement of regulations with diplomacy and tact.
Personal initiative and the ability to prioritize and carry out tasks in the absence of direct supervision.
Ability to work equally well independently and as part of a team.
Ability to work outdoors in all seasons and weather conditions and to lift a minimum of 50 pounds.
Experience and physical strength to use power and hand tools, tractors, mowers, ATVs, and chainsaws.
Availability to work a regular 37.5-hour/week Tuesday through Saturday work schedule, and occasional evenings or Sundays as needed.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Outlook, and familiarity with handheld GPS devices.
Have and maintain a valid Pennsylvania driver’s license and a safe driving record.
Passionate commitment to the environment and to the mission of the Brandywine Conservancy.

This professional horticultural position oversees the city gardens, parks, lawns, and public grounds. Work involves responsibility for performing skilled horticultural tasks and directs employees to maintain grounds and other landscapes of City-owned properties. An employee in this class uses independent judgment and discretion to advise and supervise the quantity and quality control of the department. Assignments are generally received indicating the location of work and results desired, and work is subject to review upon completion by the Parks Supervisor. The employee in this position requires creative talents to initiate and carry to completion major beautification projects for the City of Lakeland.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Reviews general program results with employees, counseling on objectives and major procedures; determines or recommends revisions in work priorities and reassignments of personnel and equipment by working with the Parks Specialist and the Parks Supervisor.
Prepares project and operations budget; analyzes financial information for future construction and maintenance program needs.
Supervises the rate of expenditures within the parks beautification program; reports necessary or desirable changes in utilization of resources to meet changing work requirements or financial circumstances.
Supervises training and safety programs for employees in ground maintenance, use of equipment, chemical spraying, horticulture, and arboriculture.
Prepares and submits periodic detailed reports relating to division activities.
Plans and design parks and recreation areas and facilities include the design and preparation of plans, drawings, and sketches.
Prepares estimates, specifications, documents, and written reports concerning park development and/or improvements.
Inspects construction in progress.
Operates trucks, tractors, aerators, thatchers, mowers, and other light equipment.
Locates plant sources and compiles bid specifications.
Assigns, leads, trains, and assists Parks Division employees and volunteers assigned to grounds maintenance duties, including, but not limited to, planting, transplanting, renovating, pruning of shrubs and trees, mowing, edging, blowing, irrigation installation, and maintenance.
Ensures that needed supplies and materials are stocked.
Performs the more skilled gardening and pruning work; chooses the proper fertilizers to be used and designates schedules for applications.
Prepares and applies mixtures of fertilizers, insecticides, herbicides, and other chemical compounds used in gardening and landscaping.
Confers with the Parks Supervisor, the Parks and Recreation Director, and others in developing facilities and programs.
Provides landscape and tree mitigation consultation for commercial and subdivision plans before implementation.
Conducts Code Enforcement inspections to ensure the City Ordinances are met in dealing with commercial violations.
Oversees and supervises Ground Maintenance Supervisors in the Nursery, Landscape Crew and Hollis Gardens.
Conducts community outreach presenting to groups and schools.
Assigns Storm Team in an emergency.
Maintains and sustains the City’s Tree City USA status.
Organizes Memorial tree plantings and Arbor Day tree plantings with various groups and individuals.
Curates the city-wide International Arboretum and its various collections.
Works with ArcGIS mapping system to keep the digital arboretum maps up to date.
Compiles an arboretum collections policy for review.
Works towards increased levels of the arboretum.
Plans future collections and additions.
Serves as an expert for the arboretum.
May be required to work alternate hours as necessary for the efficient operation of the department.
Position is designated as Mission Critical by Department Director.

ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS:

Prepares and submits grant applications of state and federal improvement/construction funds.
Provides and interprets landscape inspections to the public for commercial site plan review and construction. Exercises independent judgement daily to comply with the Land Development Code.
Acts as department representative on the City Beautification Board.
Supervises and coordinates the activities of consultants and/or contractors.
Speaks to interested parties as a member of the City of Lakeland speaker bureau.
Performs related work as required.

QUALIFICATIONS (EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE)

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four (4) year college with major coursework in Park Management, Landscape Architecture, Horticulture, Urban Forestry, or a related field.
Three (3) years of experience in landscape construction.
Two (2) years of experience in plant production.
Two (2) years of supervisory experience.