Land Management Supervisor

Whatcom County Parks & Recreation is seeking an experienced professional to fill their vacant Land Management Supervisor position. This leadership position supports ongoing operations and future development of our existing system, which includes nearly 74 properties across 16,200 acres of developed and undeveloped parkland, open space, reserves, miles of shoreline and over 79 miles of trails.

• Oversees and performs technical and administrative tasks related to development and implementation of forest management, trail development and maintenance, environmental restoration, and other related conservation projects and programs throughout the county in support of the work, mission, vision, values, and goals of the department. 
• Protects and manages natural and cultural resources. 
• Participates as a member of the department’s management team representing land management, providing expertise within areas including, but not limited to: forest and land management, recreational trail development and maintenance, and other related activities. Participates in planning, analysis, program evaluation, cost estimating, and problem-solving activities. Recommends and develops changes to policies, procedures, and other components.
• Ensures effective and mutually-supporting coordination activities with other departmental division and sub-division staff. 
• Supervises land management staff. Participates in the selection of new employees. Advises and provides initial orientation for staff. Responsible for providing on-the-job training. Determines individual employee needs for training to meet changing system or program demands and to provide adequate cross-training of all functions. Assigns, supervises and evaluates work consistent with assigned job description.  Ensures regular and consistent feedback to staff.  Conducts performance evaluations to guide the development of employees and provide a record of performance. 
• Interprets and applies labor agreements and personnel policies. Makes recommendations regarding employment actions. Initiates, documents and implements disciplinary actions as approved.
• Prepares and justifies budget for assigned areas. Monitors and maintains expenditures and revenue programs within approved budget. Implements cost- effective measures and uses resources and technology effectively to increase productivity. Negotiates contracts for services between the department and outside entities or consultants, as assigned. Secures, monitors and assures compliance with grants and contracts. 
• As a representative of the County, manages strategic community partnerships and leverages community resources related to department land and trail management programs. Assists in developing and maintaining partnerships among state, local, and tribal governments, organizations and stakeholders to facilitate on-the ground projects that result in protection and improvement of water quality, natural resources, and trails conditions.   
• Plans, prioritizes, schedules, and coordinates work activities using resources effectively. Coordinates workflows, maintenance and operations activities, and tasks with the department's Maintenance & Construction Supervisor, Parks Supervisor, other staff, departments, and contractors. Develops policies, procedures, tasks, workflow, routines and systems for areas of responsibility. 
• Evaluates park operations and maintenance activities to ensure they are consistent with watershed conservation and best management objectives. Develops and recommends alternatives to bring park operations and maintenance activities into alignment with conservation objectives.
• Develops programs to achieve environmental restoration and protection goals based on adopted plans and standards. Identifies, monitors and reports environmental and health hazards. Identifies and corrects safety and security problems within the scope of responsibility. Researches and applies for Federal, State, and local permits and licenses.
• Oversees assigned park, conservation, and open space properties consistent with their designation.  
• Assists the public and promotes interest and use of department managed properties through public outreach, coordination with community groups and events, and public contacts. Attends public meetings and community gatherings. Organizes, develops and presents educational and safety programs, as assigned. 
• Responds to or supervises the resolution of inquiries, complaints, emergencies or requests for information from other departments and the public in a courteous manner, providing information within scope of knowledge and authority or refers to the appropriate source.  Explains services, identifies customer needs and maintains effective relationships. Emphasizes a positive public service approach with assigned staff.

Key traits of an ideal candidate:

• Accomplished leader committed to supporting their team and stewarding parks resources
• Exceptional personal character and solid interpersonal skills
• Well organized written and oral communicator
• Critical thinker with a willingness to learn
• Demonstrates dependability, a strong work ethic, and a professional attitude
• Able to foster collaboration and work effectively with coworkers, community stakeholders, and the public

Supervisor: Parks Operations Manager

Hours of Work: Monday - Friday 8 AM - 5 PM 

For more information, please review the following: 

• Land Management Supervisor

• Parks & Recreation Website

• Requires a Bachelor’s degree in Natural Resources Management, Forestry,  Biology, Environmental Sciences or a related field, AND 4 (four) years of progressively responsible experience in natural resources management, conservation, trail management, and parks with 2 (two) years of park operations, maintenance, and management  experience INCLUDING at least 2 (two) years of lead or supervisory experience. 

At its sole discretion, Whatcom County may consider combinations of education, experience, certifications, and training in lieu of specifically required qualifications contained herein.

Salary : $74,868 - $108,708