SENIOR COUNTY PARK MANAGER

Code: 03279 Local Competitive

Official job specification

The text below is the official specification published by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. The plain-language summary and analysis above are derived from it by NJ Civil Service Navigator. Source: the official specification page at NJ CSC.

Definition

Under direction, plans, organizes, coordinates, and manages all functions and activities relating to the management, operation, development protection, and utilization of one or more larger complex county park(s) and/or supervises the operation of one or more county parks; does related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Positions in this class require broad knowledge of both the technical and scientific aspects of park programs and operations, as well as the administrative aspects of park management, including but not limited to natural resource conservation, forestry and visitor services, operation of recreational facilities and concessions, information and public relations, the organization and direction of personnel, the use of funds and facilities, and materials needed to meet the objectives of park management.

The work of a Senior County Park Manager requires administrative and managerial capabilities in addition to the scientific and technical knowledge needed to plan, organize, and direct the protection, development and utilization of all park resources.

Typical park management activities include responsibility for the direction of fire presuppression field surveys, tree trimming or reforestation procedures, recreation resource development and protection, recreation facility and/or concession operation and use, and inspections for compliance with sanitation, safety and other regulations, the development of informational material for interpretative talks and tour programs, demonstrations, and exhibits.

Senior County Park Managers, in comparison to County Park Managers, are responsible for the technical and administrative supervision and management of a county park or parks faced with complex and difficult operational and/or developmental problems of substantial magnitude and scope.

Positions in this class (1) continuously appraise resources in the light of changing economic and public benefit factors, (2) review land ownership patterns adjacent to the park area in order to recommend acquisitions or exchanges of land, or right-of-way arrangements in order to facilitate administration and protection of the park area, and (3) prepare the park(s) resources to critical recreational use conditions and/or heavy public demands for development of recreation resource facilities.

Senior County Park Managers direct complex programs in park(s) resource management, interpretation, and visitor services. The following are typical of the situations dealt with at this level: (1) an intense public interest in the development of new or additional recreational resource facilities when the current level of use is already threatening one or more of the park(s) resources; (2) a strained relationship with the local community develops because of efforts to acquire additional land to protect the existing resource; (3) the need to restrict entry to an area of significant public interest due to factors such as the fragile nature of the resources involved, severely limited funds, overcrowding, vandalism, motor vehicle noise and pollution, land development encroachment, or other related problems; (4) and the need to determine the extent to which it is appropriate to develop a particular resource.

Because of situations like these, assignments at this level present substantial planning problems and require liaison with other personnel and organizations, both within and outside the agency. These assignments have complex technical, administrative, and/or public relations implications and typically require analysis and decisions in areas where precedents differ, there are no pertinent or relevant precedents, or management decisions change existing guidelines or appear to require technical decisions at variance with existing guidelines.

In some instances, the Senior County Park Manager may exercise supervision over a County Park Manager(s) and his staff in the operation of smaller less complex park and recreation areas.

Examples of work

• Coordinates development and maintains overall park management plans which establish the goals, program emphasis and coordinate requirements for the parks being managed.
• Directs the collection and analysis of park(s) resource data, assesses the state of each resource and potential for development in conjunction with support staff and operating personnel.
• Coordinates park(s) planning activities with regional state and other planning efforts.
• Formulates budgetary and administrative plans and oversees implementation and review.
• Evaluates and implements new techniques, methods and operational approaches for handling law enforcement matters, recreation programs and visitor services within assigned park(s).
• Develops, analyzes, evaluates and recommends policies, programs and objectives for the resource management of the park(s) to which assigned.
• Supervises the performance of park development, maintenance and operation activities using plans prepared by the park department technical staff, including presuppression fire activities, improvement cutting and tree planting.
• Plans and directs the work involved in developing and maintaining roads, trails, lakes, lake sites and stream improvements, buildings, grounds, structures, equipment and recreational facilities.
• Collaborates with the forest fire fighting personnel in the control and extinguishing of fires within the park(s).
• Supervises the activities involved in the operation of recreational areas for public use, including camp sites, cabins, bathing and picnic facilities.
• Conducts varied types of investigations and inspections.
• Directs the operation of concessions in the assigned park(s).
• Directs the enforcement of laws and regulations covering the use and protection of properties and facilities within the park(s).
• Directs and participates in various types of public relations activities designed to stimulate interest in conversation and acquaint the general public with the programs and facilities of the park(s).
• Prepares clear, sound, accurate and informative reports on park(s) and recreational matters containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations.

Education

Possession of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major course of study in park planning and management, or horticulture, or forestry, or civil engineering, or landscape architecture, or recreation, or conservation, or natural resource management, or earth sciences or environmental sciences.

Experience

Two (2) years of professional experience in public land management including the care, protection and maintenance of large tracts of land utilize by large numbers of people.

License

Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

• Knowledge of the concepts and techniques of long range park resource use planning and park management strategies.
• Knowledge of professional park management principles, practices, and concepts.
• Knowledge of the technical and administrative aspects of the functions, operations and programs of a park system, which may include but is not limited to, reforestation, land and natural resource conservation, visitor services, park development, grounds maintenance and repair, recreation program and facilities operation, and public information services.
• Knowledge of the measures and techniques used in protecting a park and its facilities from fires, theft, vandalism, disorder and damage.
• Knowledge of the methods used in maintaining a park such as the planting, cutting/trimming of trees, shrubs, clearing trails, and the protection of natural resources against erosion and other depredations.
• Knowledge of the effects and impact of the public's use of the park's facilities on the preservation of the park's natural resources.
• Knowledge of effective supervisory and management principles and techniques.
• Ability to administer public recreation areas in accordance with park agency rules and regulations concerning their use, protection and maintenance.
• Ability to comprehend, analyze, interpret and apply basic law and regulations in accordance with established procedures.
• Ability to assign, instruct, supervise and evaluate the work of others and provide them with necessary instruction, guidance, advice and training.
• Ability to develop and maintain appropriate work programs, procedures and schedules.
• Ability to work harmoniously with associates, subordinates and the general public.
• Ability to prepare clear, sound, accurate and informative reports containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
• Ability to evaluate the cost of programs or operations based on staffing level, equipment, supplies and material requirements.
• Ability to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
• Ability to read, write, speak, understand, or communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication.
• Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform the essential functions of the job after reasonable accommodation is made to their known limitations. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.