Natural Resources Volunteer Program Manager

The Natural Resources Volunteer Program Manager leads projects and programs in the District’s parks, trails, and open space. Organizes volunteer efforts consistent with District goals to facilitate restoration and stewardship in parks including invasive species removal, trail maintenance, seasonal planting, and more. Oversees contractors like EarthCorps, youth staff through Student Conservation Corps, and volunteers. Works closely with community partners providing conservation education to citizens, schools, and organizations.

• Organize all aspects of volunteer project planning and implementation in parks, trails and open space for community members of all ages and abilities.
• Develops Natural Resources volunteer schedule including monthly work parties, annual events (ex. MLK Jr Day of Service), volunteer projects, and more.
• Works closely with District staff to prioritize volunteer efforts in parks, trails, and open space.  Coordinating staff resources, equipment, and materials needed for project success.
• Onsite leadership of volunteers at project sites.  Recruiting, training, directing and monitoring volunteers.
• Coordinates and acts as onsite lead for contractors like EarthCorps and Washington Conservation Corps on restoration and trails projects.
• Works with public and private schools, afterschool programs and sports teams to coordinate stewardship projects for children of all ages.
• Conducts outreach activities in the community including preparing and giving presentations, distributing promotional materials, writing press releases and newsletters, and representing the District at community events.
• Oversees Student Conservation Corps; hires leadership staff and crews, supervises leadership staff and crews, directs projects and site selection, conducts staff training, oversees budget.
• Maintains volunteer programing records and presents annually to leadership.
• Assist in preparation and monitoring of division budgets and in research, selection, and purchasing of equipment and supplies.
• Attend various continuing education meetings, seminars, and workshops.
• Understand and knowledgeable in personnel and operations policies and procedures.
• Ensure Safety programs are followed by assigned staff.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned by supervisor.

• A minimum of five years’ experience leading volunteers and working with elementary to high school age youth in the outdoors
• A minimum two years' experience participating in ecological restoration
• Bachelor’s degree in horticulture, biology, environmental education, parks management or closely related field preferred.
• Requires valid WA State driver's license or equivalent.
• Have or obtain First Aid and CPR certification within one year of hire and maintain throughout employment.  Wilderness First Responder preferred.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to plan, direct, lead, and troubleshoot parks service maintenance and operations, services, and safety of a multi-department organization and its facilities.
• Thorough knowledge of parks services maintenance and development with knowledge of project services and facility administration.
• Ability to perform maintenance and operations duties including equipment operations, field and facility cleanups, game and event preparations, and building trades functions.
• Ability to effectively lead, communicate, and articulate division directions.
• Skill in forward thinking and ability to identify problems or issues and develop effective solutions, resolve complex problems, and gain cooperation among interested groups.
• Ability to lead others to common goals and to work cooperatively with other employees, division and department heads, user groups and leagues, and the public. Ability to accept direction for professional/departmental/divisional improvement.
• Knowledge of and the ability to implement trends and practices in parks services administration and community interests.
• Ability to work with a growing District and participate in collaborative activities.
• Ability to interpret and analyze program, regulatory, and management information.
• Ability to effectively supervise diverse work activities of skilled and technical colleagues in a manner conducive to proficient performance, high morale, and District effectiveness.
• Ability to work safely and effectively with diverse skilled and technical colleagues in a manner conducive to proficient performance, high morale, and District effectiveness.
• Basic competence in computers, and word processing, spreadsheet, and data management software.
• Ability to communicate both verbally and in writing using applicable software.

• Must be able to perform parks services duties that require sustained, strenuous physical exertion that includes activities such as moving and heavy lifting of items up to 50 pounds; also stacking, pushing, pulling, bending, twisting, climbing and standing for extended periods.
• Ability to work at heights, and in dark conditions and noisy environments.
• Must be able to sit, stand, walk, grab, pull and push objects, squat down, stoop, kneel, crouch and jump.
• Work environment may be noisy at times.
• May experience exposure to extended periods of sun, rain, cold temperatures, wind and potentially uneven terrain that may contain trip hazards.