Job Description

Posting number: FY27-00100

Department: Parks Management

Job classification: Natural Resources Manager

Posting type: Open

Categories: Environmental Services, Parks and Recreation, Program Management

Summary

The Frederick County Division of Parks & Recreation is committed to the highest level of care of our natural and historic resources while making the park facilities and recreational programs available to all. We believe that the benefits of parks & recreation are far reaching and vital to each and every individual, family, and community in Frederick County.

The Recreation Department seeks to enhance the quality of life of county residents by providing innovative activities and programs that meet the recreational needs of Frederick County communities. We encourage participation in a variety of recreational opportunities that foster enjoyment and lifelong learning.

Position Details:

Exempt; full-time; 40 hours per week; Monday - Friday; 7:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.; full-benefits

This management position is responsible for overseeing natural resource management, park ranger operations, and enforcement of county code on parkland, while ensuring the protection, sustainability, and safe use of County parks. The role develops and manages budgets, supervises and trains staff, coordinates environmental programs, and oversees inspections of trails, stormwater infrastructure, and conservation projects. Responsibilities include responding to emergencies, enforcing park regulations, preserving natural and cultural resources, and advancing community education through outreach, seasonal programming, and public engagement. This position also serves as a liaison with partner agencies and community organizations to support environmental stewardship and Division priorities.

NOTE: The upper pay range reflects possible wage rates for internal County transfers and promotions, which are calculated per County policy. For external hires, offers are made at the base wage rate.

Frederick County Government values the principles of diversity and inclusion, and strives to ensure equal opportunities for its workforce, applicants and community members. If you are a person who wants to make a difference, give back to your community, and be a voice for change, apply to Frederick County Government today.

TOTAL COMPENSATION PACKAGE:

Frederick County offers an extensive compensation package to reflect how highly we value our employees. The following is what you can expect in your first year as a full-time benefited Frederick County Government employee.

• 11 days of Vacation leave with increase after 2 years of employment
• 15 days of Sick leave with unlimited annual carryover
• 11 paid holidays, plus 2 additional floating holidays (10 and 11 month employees may not receive all holidays)
• Day 1 coverage of comprehensive Medical Insurance Plan options to include generous County Health Savings Account (HSA) contribution (if enrolled in the high-deductible plan). This is part of a full range of benefits including Dental, Vision, and Flexible Spending
• Employee Health Center with no or low-cost primary and urgent care
• 100% County paid 2x annual salary Group Term Life Insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) benefit
• County and Employee funded Defined Benefit Pension Plan
• Vesting after 5 years of service
• Additional service credit for eligible previous public service, military service, etc.
• Work/Life balance programs include: Employee Assistance Program and Employee Wellness Program
• Generous Tuition Reimbursement Program
• Other employee-paid benefits such as Deferred Compensation Plan, Legal Resources, Supplemental Life Insurance, Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital Indemnity Insurance, Lifetime Benefit with Long Term Care plan

NOTE: Benefited employees will accrue service and leave based on the FTE and/or hours worked per calendar year.

For more information, visit our benefits page on the Frederick County Government job opportunities webpage.

Examples of duties

• Oversee, supervise, and evaluate the Park Ranger program for the county
• Manage departmental staff including hiring, training, supervision, discipline, and termination to ensure effective operations and compliance with County policies
• Oversee and provide technical expertise for the Division in matters related to wildlife management, habitat creation and manipulation, conservation, sustainability practices, trail management and other natural resource management responsibilities
• Liaison and lead (provide hands-on tasks) volunteer projects related to natural resources programs which includes land or water trail clean-up days, tree plantings, physically restore or maintain the environment, invasive species removal, etc.
• Manage and expand the Division Pollinator Garden and Meadow Restoration/maintenance Program
• Coordinate new trail construction proposal projects and re-alignment projects ensuring sustainable design elements
• Perform patrol checks and oversee inspections of stormwater infrastructure including stream restoration projects, reforestation sites, dam safety, and green infrastructure
• Provide natural resource and environmental information and recommendations to civic organizations, developers and homeowners associations on matters related to parkland
• Serve as liaison to law enforcement, safety, and environmental agencies to coordinate joint initiatives and ensure compliance with regulations
• Identify and apply environmental sustainability practices into all aspects of Division operations
• Manage drinking water quality testing programs and sustainability initiatives within County parks
• Liaison with the Division of Energy and Environment on tree planting projects in County Parks; develop and manage County Parkland Tree Inventory program
• Oversee and manage the Division “Trails Committee”; conduct regular inspections and make recommendations for scheduled maintenance of County Parkland Trails
• Develop, review, and maintain policies and procedures related to natural resource protection
• Maintain and update standard operating procedures to ensure consistency, safety, and compliance across all work functions
• Develop, implement, and conduct annual trainings for Division staff on natural resource protection, recycling, etc.
• Ensure staff are properly trained and provided opportunities for professional development and advancement
• Lead public presentations on Division of Parks and Recreation projects, programs, and events; lead and coordinate seasonal outdoor educational programs including canoe/kayak trips, Junior Ranger Program, hiking and campfire programs
• Represent the Division and Director at public outreach, education, and community participation functions
• Make recommendations and assist the Parks Superintendent with preservation planning, master planning, sector planning strategic planning initiatives and the operating budget
• Oversee and prepare annual departmental and capital budgets to ensure adequate funding for operations and compliance with regulatory requirements
• Manage written citations/warnings, court paperwork, and incident reports in Park Ranger Supervisor absence; complete written citations/warnings and incident reports in the field
• Enforce park rules, regulations, and County Code through education, written warnings, and civil citations
• Educate park patrons on park regulations while enforcing County codes through written warnings and civil citations
• Attend court and testify when necessary
• Drive County vehicle to complete field inspections, as needed
• Perform opening and closing duties for parks to ensure facilities are secure and ready for public use
• Manage the process of securing land leases and inspection of land use
• Inventory and procure essential ranger equipment including medical supplies, radios, apparel, bicycles, and safety gear, and conduct monthly procurement reviews
• Respond to emergencies or park patron complaints/issues/arguments within the county park system; perform First Aid and or CPR in a park emergency
• Act as first aid and CPR instructor to ensure all staff are trained in life safety procedures
• Perform other related duties as required

To perform this job successfully, an employee must be able to perform all essential functions satisfactorily. Any employee's position may not be assigned all functions or equipment listed above, and the examples may not cover all functions or equipment that may be assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform their essential functions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in parks and recreation management, forestry, natural resources, or a related field
• Minimum of 3 years of work experience in parks and recreation operations, wildlife management, forestry, or related field which must include at least 1 year of work experience supervising or managing staff
• Possession of a valid Driver’s License

Substitutions for the above-listed required education and experience are a Master’s Degree in parks and recreation management, forestry, natural resources, or a related field with 1 year experience as described above which must include at least 1 year of work experience supervising or managing staff.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

A successful incumbent operating in this role displays the following:

• Ability to maintain County Authorized Driver privileges
• Knowledge of environmental policy and law
• Knowledge of methods and procedures for maintaining parks, with the ability to repair and maintain equipment, buildings, and site amenities
• Knowledge of native Maryland flora and fauna
• Working knowledge of principles and practices of managing parks and recreation programs, administration, services, activities, and facilities
• Strong and effective written and spoken (English) communication skills including the ability to present information to the general public and complete forms and reports
• Basic skill to oversee and prepare annual departmental and capital budgets
• Ability and willingness to participate in park management, law enforcement and other job-related training
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with local law enforcement agencies, park neighbors, co-workers, and the general public
• Ability to effectively organize work, determine priorities, make decisions, and complete assigned duties with minimal supervision
• Ability to effectively supervise, direct and evaluate the work of others
• Demonstrate independent judgment with the ability to recognize and approach potentially dangerous situations and utilize conflict resolution
• Ability to effectively access and utilize computerized systems and equipment
• Ability to be flexible and willing to adapt to indoor and outdoor working environments throughout the year
• Ability to obtain the following certifications:
• Basic Water Rescue Training certification within one (1) year of hire;
• Maryland State Roadside Tree Certification within two (2) years from the date of hire;
• CPR/AED and First Aid certifications within ninety (90) days of hire;
• Maryland Certified Pesticide Applicator’s License within two (2) years of hire
• Ability to act as a representative of Frederick County Parks and Recreation to the public

PREFERENCE MAY BE GIVEN FOR:

• Possession of State of Maryland Arborist Certification
• Possession of Certified Tree Care Safety Professional (CTSP)
• Possession of a Maryland State Pesticide Applicators Certification
• Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP)

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORKING CONDITIONS:

• While in this position, the employee is required to constantly walk and lift up to 20 pounds; frequently lift to 50 pounds, push up to and over 40 pounds, pull up to and over 40 pounds; and drive; occasionally lift over 50 pounds
• While in this position, the employee is required to frequently work indoors and outdoors, and walk on uneven ground; occasionally work in hot (above 100 degrees), cold (below 32 degrees), in dirty/dusty/noisy environments, near machinery and chemicals/fumes; and rarely work at heights

Supplemental information

• Employees in this classification are designated as Essential. An Essential Employee means the employee is considered necessary for the operation of County services. Essential Employees are required to report to work in the event of a weather incident, general emergency, or disasters when County offices are closed. They may be required to work overtime with little or no advance notice and may be required to report to work in emergency situations and/or after hours
• Failure to meet or maintain the minimum qualifications or additional requirements may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination.
• Available as needed for a minimum of three (3) Parks and Recreation Special Events and on-call for emergencies and other urgent need situations

EXAMINATION PROCESS (may include):

1) An evaluation of training and experience

2) One or more interviews

3) A pre-employment Security-Sensitive background investigation conducted by the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office