Natural Resource Land Steward

Description

Performs a wide range of skilled and semi-skilled tasks in the field of natural resources and wetland management. Plans and directs the programs, operations, and maintenance of a reservation as well as protects the park, staff, visitors, and park property in accordance with Park District rules and regulations. Assist on a park district-wide basis on a wide range of natural resource management issues. Oversees, programs, and trains others on invasive plant and nuisance animal control efforts and natural resource management.

Develops and conducts educational (e.g., natural and cultural history, educational and recreational, etc.) and interpretive programs and presentations (e.g., school, public, volunteers, staff, etc.) and writes news articles for publications including the Arrowhead. 

Confers with Park Manager, Conservation Supervisor, and Operations Supervisor to assist with plans, establish natural resource, land, and wetland priorities of projects; directs and helps with implementation; prepares sketches, specifications, and plans such as boardwalks, appropriate native vegetation planting, etc. Performs inspections and ensures proper maintenance and post-construction development. 

Collects, researches, inventories, and analyzes data on the Parks District's natural resources. Assist with drafting, implementing, and evaluating comprehensive natural resource management plans within parks; submit verbal and written reports; keep records; provide input and recommendations on the condition of the Park Districts' natural resources. 

Assists and/or directs, and schedules staff in related natural resource management (e.g. develop wetland plant community, pest and nuisance/invasive plant and animal control activities, stormwater management, disease control, reforestation, restoration, water quality test, aquatic resources, fish flora, fauna, etc.); maintenance activities (e.g. clearing trails, parks, pruning, watering, managing wetlands, dikes, control structures, hauling equipment and supplies, etc.); recommends types and location of trees, shrubs, grasses and etc. Develops drafts of policies, procedures, and standards; participates in and assigns cross-training between parks and departments. 

Schedules direct, assigns tasks, and reviews work; determines work priority, motivates personnel, and evaluates performance. Oversees, supervises, trains staff, interns, volunteer groups, service groups, etc. (e.g., schedules monthly work sessions, recruits volunteers, works with corps leader, trains corps members, etc.).

Participates in the development and administration of the budget. Prepares and maintains records (e.g., related documents, progress reports, cost estimates, etc.) Performs related administrative duties (e.g., prepares comprehensive reports, budget requests, capital improvement projects, maintenance and repair projects, schedules job lists, initiates purchasing of materials and supplies according to policy; inventories, accounts for park revenues, etc.).

Establishes and maintains positive public relations with the general public, neighbors, and specialty and service groups; handles minor complaints; Develops partnerships with local school and civic groups, Works with local elected government officials, and attends public meetings. Develops working relationships with local fire departments with training toward prescribed burns. Promotes the Park District through public contact. Attends staff and board meetings to offer suggestions and provide the information requested. 

Prepared specifications for new equipment; operates, maintains, and repairs a wide variety of hand, power, and equipment (e.g. tractors, front-end loader, dump truck, backhoe, bulldozer, roller, brush hog, snowplow, various mowers, sprayers, chainsaw, trimmer, etc) Prepares and applies chemicals, plants, mows, and fertilizers. Instructs employees and volunteers on the proper operation and use of equipment. 

Ensures adherence to all safety standards; trains staff and attends meetings (e.g., safety, programs, and training etc.). Implement District-wide programs and policies. Keeps abreast of the latest knowledge and techniques within required areas. 

Performs all duties of the Natural Resource Manager and Assistant Manager. Open and close parks; patrol, and enforce park rules and regulations; respond to accidents and emergencies, and administer first aid; ensure all reports are submitted in a complete and timely manner.

If an Ohio Peace Officer Renders aid, assistance, and information services to park visitors to protect and preserve the lands, waters, and facilities of the Park District. Enforces LCMP rules and regulations and the laws of the State of Ohio. Conducts internal and criminal investigations, apprehends violators, issues warnings, and makes arrests; transports prisoners to jail or court. Completes all needed forms and reports. Secures park buildings, gates, and alarms; operates law enforcement-related equipment. 

Performs and participates in special projects and related duties as apparent or assigned. 

“The classification of Natural Resource Land Steward carries with it the status of a supervisory employee. A supervisory employee is an employee who has authority in the interest of the public employer to assign, reward, or discipline other public employees; to responsibly direct them; to adjust their grievances, or to effectively recommend such action, and requires the use of independent judgment.”

INTERNAL POSTING DATES: Friday, March 28 through Monday, April 7, 2025.

Requirements

Education/Experience: Bachelor’s Degree in biology, natural resources, environmental science, or related field and 5 years of land management experience, or equivalent. Skill in the operation of grounds maintenance equipment. Excellent customer service and communication, both written, verbal and interpersonal skills. 

Language Skills: Ability to communicate verbally and in writing with co-workers, supervisors, the general public, local law enforcement agencies, community/citizen groups, other public agencies, etc. Ability to prepare meaningful, concise, and accurate reports; establish effective working relationships as a supervisor or within the work unit; ability to use a two-way radio.

Mathematical Skills: Ability to calculate fractions, decimals, and percentages.

Reasoning Ability: Ability to recognize unusual or threatening conditions and take appropriate action, apply management principles to solve practical, everyday work problems; ability to define problems, collect data, and draw valid conclusions.

Licenses, Registrations: Possession of a valid Ohio Driver’s License, insurable by the Park District’s insurance carrier, and ability to conform to the driving standards policy as approved by the Board of Park Commissioners. Possession of valid standard first aid and CPR cards within six months of employment. May be required to possess a valid Ohio Peace Officer Training certificate or obtain a valid Ohio Peace Officer Training Certificate within 12 months of employment, as deemed necessary by the Park District. May be required to obtain a pesticide applicator’s license.

Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to walk, stand, talk or hear, operate two-way radio and construction equipment, sit on equipment or in the office for prolonged periods of time, work with hands, lift 80 pounds, drive park vehicles, equipment, (e.g. sprayer, seed drill, various mowing equipment, etc). The employee is frequently required to use their hands to complete reports, use personal computers, etc. The employee uses hands and fingers to pick seeds, plant, use hand-held power tools, use equipment/gear associated with prescribed burns, etc.

Work Environment: While performing the regular duties of this job, the employee regularly works in outside weather conditions, patrolling the parks. The employee spends a portion of their time working in the shop and/or office. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Any Additional Information: Knowledge of safety practices and procedures, building and grounds maintenance, basic landscaping and horticulture, department policies and procedures, management, budgeting, inventory control, and public relations. Ability to maintain working relationships with coworkers, supervisors, the general public, local law enforcement agencies, other public agencies, etc. The candidate must satisfactorily complete a background investigation.

The above description represents the essential and most significant duties, assignments, and responsibilities of this position in accordance with the essential job functions and associated functional task elements attached herein.

Lorain County Metro Parks is an equal opportunity employer.

Salary : $37,000 - $72,000