Park Stewardship Supervisor

Are you a visionary leader with a passion for parks, open green space, and working with engaged citizens or non-profit environmental groups? The City of Bellingham is hiring a working supervisor to expand and increase our efforts in the areas of park stewardship, habitat restoration, engagement, community gardens, removing invasive plant species, and implementing work related to Department principles, goals, and objectives.  We’re looking for a dedicated professional to direct the work of and provide guidance and support to a dynamic, talented, and passionate team. 

The Park Stewardship Supervisor plans, develops, implements, and leads the Parks and Recreation Department’s community engagement programs and projects that support the growing trends, resiliency, and environmental needs of the Department. Program areas include park stewardship and volunteer programs, community gardens, restoration, environmental education, and other public engagement that furthers the goals of the Department’s programs, projects, and policies. Participates in management and planning of park environmental restoration and mitigation efforts.  Develops and maintains relationships with a variety of City staff, local and regional agencies, non-profit organizations, and local businesses.

SALARY AND BENEFITS: 

The current full salary range for this position is $7,722/month - $9,355/month. Employees receive step increases annually in accordance with the Teamsters Collective Bargaining Agreement and City policy.

Research has demonstrated that salary negotiation can further inequality due to bias across gender and race. To prevent negotiation bias, the City places new employees within the published salary range based on qualifications and professional experience as listed on the application material, in accordance with City policy. This is in line with the City's commitment to accessibility, diversity, equity, and inclusion. Candidates who exceed the minimum experience requirements shall be given credit for advanced step placement at the rate of one additional pay step for each two full years of directly related or equivalent professional experience beyond the minimum requirements. Candidates who meet minimum qualifications or have experience that is not directly related or in a lower-level position will be placed at step one in the salary range. For positions that require a bachelor’s degree, one additional step may be granted for applicants with a master’s degree in a related field when the master’s degree is not required to meet minimum qualifications. The City's HR Department regularly evaluates minimum qualifications to provide equitable employment opportunities.

For internal candidates, placement within the range is based on City Pay Placement Procedures.

At the City of Bellingham, we offer a comprehensive benefits package that helps you thrive in both your career and personal life. Join our team and enjoy peace of mind knowing that you and your loved ones are well cared for. Here’s a closer look at the outstanding benefits that come with being part of our team. You can find more details on our employment benefits page and labor agreements page.

• 10 hours of vacation leave per month, with increased accrual over time
• 12 paid holidays 1 floating holiday per year
• 8 hours of sick leave accrued monthly
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and their families
• Life insurance and long-term disability coverage
• Flexible spending accounts and medical insurance opt-out program
• Access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Washington State Retirement plan (DRS) for retirement security
• Optional 457 deferred compensation (Retirement Savings Plan) with employer match

 

Leave accruals are based on 1.0 FTE, accruals are pro-rated if part-time and require employees to be in paid status at least 120 hours/month.

Closing Date/Time: Mon. 3/31/25, 8:30 AM Pacific Time

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE JOB:

1. Supervises and coordinates the community engagement program area within the Park Operations Division; plans, recommends, implements, and coordinates a wide variety of public education, volunteer programs and stewardship opportunities for groups and individuals with a focus on environmental restoration. 
2. Develops, recommends, and implements program goals and objectives, subject to management approval. Organizes and delegates day-to-day operations and special projects. Develops and recommends policies and procedures for program areas.
3. Effectively recommends hire, trains, supervises, and evaluates performance of assigned staff. Conducts pre-disciplinary investigations; recommends and delivers corrective action as appropriate. Reviews and approves employee timesheets and oversees scheduling. Responsible for training, motivating, and supervising the work team and establishing a system of communication and cooperation.
4. Assists with managing, planning and oversight of key park restoration and environmental mitigation sites in City parks and open space with a focus on project construction, maintenance, and monitoring. Activities include invasive species removal, planting, mulching, fencing, and signage. Schedules and oversees work by program volunteers and staff. Prioritizes assigned locations. Coordinates with Park Grounds, Trails, Design and Development Division, and Public Works Natural Resources staff on restoration and environmental mitigation planning. Monitors and evaluates the effectiveness of program activities against standards and works cooperatively within division to meet goals. Maintains associated program files and records. 
5. Manages the Community Garden program to promote food security and resiliency within neighborhoods. Provides support to community gardens and assists committees. Provides resources and outreach materials to promote native pollinator habitats within the City in collaboration with other City Departments.
6. Plans and organizes resources to leverage volunteers and stakeholder efforts based on data and recommendations generated by the Urban Forestry Management Plan (UFMP) and Climate Action Plans. Participates in setting goals to improve forest health, makes recommendations, and manages volunteer projects and programs to address climate resiliency. Coordinates with advocacy groups and oversees volunteer projects related to tree planting and reforestation in support of the UFMP. 
7. Provides input on program area budget; develops recommendations for manager’s review. Implements and monitors approved budget. Submits reports to manager and outside advisory boards. Oversees ordering, inventory, and maintenance of program supplies, vehicles, and equipment. Works with other Department managers to allocate resources.
8. Administers Washington Department of Natural Resources restoration grant, AmeriCorps grants and other grants as assigned. Responsible for identifying grant sources, develop grant proposals and applications, reporting requirements, determining appropriate budget allocation, strategy, and priorities for program areas.
9. Works with other City staff and departments and outside agencies to comply with all applicable local, state, and federal regulations, policies, guidelines, reporting requirements and applicable standards. 
10. Collaborates, coordinates and networks with other Department staff, City departments, advisory boards and commissions, professional organizations, jurisdictions, agencies, and educational institutions on natural resource restoration topics that expand the Department’s ability to reach target audiences in an effective and coordinated way. 
11. Plans, develops, and implements effective environmental education programs and materials for community groups and schools by using various media resources to increase awareness. Coordinates and participates in workshops or events related to program areas.
12. Coordinates, in collaboration with City communications staff, the creation and distribution of program informational material including videos, advertisements, brochures, bill inserts, electronic presentations, and web pages.
13. Responds to questions and concerns from local agencies, organizations, and the public. Meets with citizens, professional associations and community groups as required. 
14. Effectively utilizes computer software for tracking of work requests/work orders, projects, and volunteer work parties related to program area.

 

ADDITIONAL WORK PERFORMED:

1. Acts as resource to management and employees regarding assigned program area. Keeps current in new developments in the parks and recreation field through professional memberships, attending conferences and networking with professionals.
2. May occasionally perform physical activities such as moving, lifting, pushing, and carrying equipment, tools or supplies for programs or activities as needed.
3. Performs other related work of a similar nature or level. Completes special projects or analysis as requested.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT: 

Work is performed in an office setting with extensive work at a computer work station and out-of-doors including exposure to noise, fumes, construction environment and traffic hazards. This position has frequent exposure to outdoor weather conditions. Employees are required to use appropriate safety equipment and follow standard safety practices.

Physical ability to perform essential functions of the job, including:

• Frequently operate a computer and other office machinery such as a keyboard, mouse, phone, and fax machine;
• Frequently communicate accurate information and ideas with others;
• Operate a motor vehicle;
• Stand or sit for long periods of time;
• Move between work sites, including over irregular terrain;
• Occasionally perform physical activities such as digging;
• Occasionally lift and transport irregular objects weighing up to 50 lbs.

• Bachelor’s degree in horticulture, parks management, environmental education, environmental science, or closely related field. 
• Two (2) years of professional experience in program coordination including significant participation in community outreach and education required. 
• Demonstrated knowledge or experience related to horticulture habitat restoration, or environmental resource management required.
• One (1) year of supervisory or lead experience required.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to provide the candidate with the knowledge, skills, and ability to successfully perform the essential functions of the job will be considered.

• Verification of ability to work in the United States by date of hire.
• Valid Washington State driver’s license and good driving record. Must submit a three-year driving record abstract prior to hire.
• Employment contingent upon passing a criminal convictions check and child and vulnerable adult abuse records check (See Fair Hiring Practices).
• Must possess or obtain First Aid and CPR certification within one year of hire and maintain current throughout employment.

**You are encouraged to print a copy of this job announcement for your reference as the process moves along**

As part of the application process, a cover letter is required.
  Within the cover letter, please answer the following questions:

1. Please indicate why you are interested in this position, and why this position is the next right step for you in your career. 
2. Provide a brief summary of your education, experience and qualifications for this position.

Please ensure your application is complete and all required information has been provided. Standard completeness means all application fields (contact information, personal information, education, work experience, references, and supplemental questions). Application materials should comprehensively document your experience and skills related to the position responsibilities and experience/training requirements. As part of the City’s commitment to reducing bias in the hiring process, Human Resources redacts personally identifiable information for reviewers. Only the documents listed as required will be reviewed.

Interviews for the most qualified candidates are tentatively scheduled for April 22, 2025. Invitations to participate in the Interview process will be sent via e-mail on or around April 15, 2025.
 
Please Note: Candidates will receive updates regarding application status via email. Please be sure to check your email frequently, including your spam folders for messages filtered by your email providers.

Equal Opportunity:
Our environment is characterized by respect for cultural backgrounds, belief systems, and ethnic diversity. The City of Bellingham is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in its work force. We do not make decisions on the basis of an individual's race, religion, creed, color, national origin, sex, marital status, age (40 ), disability, retaliation, sexual orientation or gender identity, honorably discharged veteran or military status, status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking, use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, or any other basis prohibited by local, state, or federal law. All are encouraged to apply for employment.
 
Fair Hiring Practices

• The City provides individuals who have been arrested or convicted of a criminal offense an equal and fair opportunity to obtain employment. 
• The City will not inquire about an applicant's criminal history until after a conditional job offer has been made. 
• The City will disregard the prior arrest and conviction record of an otherwise qualified individual unless the offense is directly related to the job position for which the individual has applied. 
• The City will notify an otherwise qualified applicant about a potentially disqualifying conviction and give the applicant an opportunity to submit information regarding the accuracy of the criminal records as well as evidence of mitigation or rehabilitation, as appropriate.

Salary : $92,664 - $112,260