What are the responsibilities and job description for the Program Manager/Senior Interpreter (Naturalist/Historian Senior Interpreter) position at Fairfax County Government?
Join the Park Authority and our nationally recognized team of professionals! Works as part of one of the most highly regarded park systems in the country. With more than 25,000 acres of parkland, nine RECenters, eight golf courses, three lakefront parks, and more, FCPA is an exciting organization to be a part of and there are many opportunities for staff to make a difference at every level. Huntley Meadows Park and Historic Huntley, Fairfax County Park Authority sites and a part of the Resource Management and Interpretation Division, are located in the Alexandria / Hybla Valley area in Northern Virginia. At 1,559 acres, Huntley Meadows is one of the largest natural resource parks in the DC area. Situated on the coastal plain, it consists of forests, meadows, streams and a 50-acre non-tidal wetland with a boardwalk and observation tower. Managed as a wildlife sanctuary, center for environmental education and site for passive / nature-related recreation, this public park receives 200,000 visitors a year and is one of the most popular wildlife-watching sites in the area. The 19th Century architectural gem, Historic Huntley, was built for Thomson Francis Mason, the grandson of George Mason. Adorned with main house and outbuildings, the site is open for tours, programs, and rentals.
Below covers everything you need to know about what this opportunity entails, as well as what is expected from applicants.
The Park Authority is seeking an experienced professional to supervise and manage all aspects of interpretive programming for Huntley Meadows Park. Responsibilities include :
- Researching, writing, and evaluating the annual site programming.
- Developing the budget for site programming, purchasing program materials, and assisting with cash-handling / recording tasks.
- Managing the online program system, including entering / monitoring all online programs.
- Designing, creating, conducting, evaluating and marketing natural and cultural history programs.
- Preparing administrative reports and plans, regular budget exercises, record keeping and office management tasks.
- Being the manager on duty and responsible for park operations and patron safety.
- Opening, closing, and inspecting the facility for safe public use.
- Greeting the public and providing technical information.
- Hiring, supervising, evaluating, and scheduling staff and volunteers at multiple locations.
- Planning and creating natural and cultural exhibits and displays.
- Researching, writing, or reviewing brochures, technical publications, audio-visual productions and trail interpretation.
Morning or evening work is required for opening and closing the park, along with regular (monthly) weekend work, and occasional holiday work.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS :
Any combination of education, experience, and training equivalent to the following : Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor’s degree in natural or life sciences, history, education, park management, or a related field; PLUS, One year of responsible experience in interpretation / programming, environmental or historical education, or a closely related field.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS :
CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES REQUIRED :
Driver's License (Required)
NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS :
The appointee to this position will be required to complete a criminal background check and driving record check to the satisfaction of the employer.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS :
Must be able to stand, sit, walk on rough, uneven terrain on park trails. Must be able to lift 25lbs. Must be able to work in varying weather conditions. All duties may be performed with or without reasonable accommodations.
SELECTION PROCEDURE :
Panel interview; may include exercise.
The population of Fairfax County is very diverse where 38.7% of residents speak a language other than English at home, and we encourage candidates bilingual in English and a foreign language to apply to this opportunity.
Fairfax County Government prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetics, political affiliation, or military status in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce.
Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during application and / or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. Contact 703-324-4900 for assistance. TTY 703-222-7314.
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