Manager of Open Space and Forestry
Hiring salary: $96,547.23 - $120,684.04Plans, manages, and administers the City's open space and natural resources program and urban forestry program under the direction of the Deputy Director of Operations, Parks, Open Space and Forestry.
The Parks, Recreation & Open Space Department (PROS) is responsible for encouraging active and healthy lifestyles through the acquisition, design, maintenance, programming and operation of the city’s indoor and outdoor recreation facilities, natural open space areas, golf courses and management of the city’s urban forest, in turn establishing quality of life for citizens. Specific services and facilities provided by the department include: urban parks, special use parks, athletic fields, park and ballfield facility management; multifaceted public golf courses; natural open space facilities including trails, water-based activity facilities, nature center operation and natural open space property stewardship; urban forestry management; parks facility planning, design, construction, and development review; indoor recreation centers, outdoor pools, indoor pools, joint use school facilities, outdoor sports, citywide special events and programming promoting active and healthy lifestyles leading to quality of life in Aurora.
Full-Time Government
Job Location
Aurora, Colorado
Job Description
PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIESSupervises the City's Open Space and Natural Resources program including all owned and leased public open space and natural area property, Aurora Reservoir, Quincy Reservoir, Plains Conservation Center, regional trail system.
Supervises the Urban Forestry program to include management of over 52,000 public owned trees in parks, along streets and around public buildings.
Supervises 4 direct reports and approximately 60 full-time employees 50+ seasonal employees. Manages, directs, and coordinates the work of supervisory, professional, and technical personnel, this includes but is not limited to making recommendations regarding selection, hiring, training, evaluating, and disciplining of assigned employees.
Responds to citizen demands and Council Member inquiries.
Recommends and assists with open space and natural area acquisition.
Serves as liaison with state, federal and local governments, and agencies.
Secures grant funding for improvement projects and operations.
Assumes project management duties for contracted projects and internal projects.
Coordinates services with other organizations and departments.
Establishes and reviews work standards and procedures.
Establishes and implements safety programs.
Provides information to citizens, boards, committees, and commissions; represents department at meetings and on committees.
Develops and proposes open space and natural resource policies and forestry policies.
Reviews and approves plans and specifications, designs, environmental documents, reports, and studies.
Prepares and monitors program budget including expenditures and revenues.
Assists in developing operational priorities, goals, objectives, and best management practices.
Promotes and supports a robust volunteer stewardship program.
Inspects and monitors resources under management for health and conformance to standards.
Performs other related duties as assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS & WORKING CONDITIONS
An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that demonstrates required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered.
Education:
Bachelor's Degree in natural resources management, project management, administration, hospitality management, public relations, or related field.
Experience:
At least 5 years progressively responsible experience in natural resources management, facility management, project management and/or public administration.
At least 5 years supervisory experience.
Knowledge:
Comprehensive knowledge of management and operations of municipal open space, urban forestry, trails, facilities; planning and project management experience; contract management skills; and proficiency in Microsoft Office required.
Abilities:
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, all levels of management including executive staff, citizens, and elected officials.
Handle sensitive situations with tact and diplomacy.
Communicate effectively both orally and in writing and synthesize complex information into a more useful format for decision-makers.
Establish and fulfill goals and objectives.
Direct and effectively supervise a large diverse workforce.
Administer budgets.
Anticipate needs and prioritize/manage multiple complex tasks while maintaining a high level of customer service to internal and external partners.
Skills:
Strong interpersonal, decision making, analytical, and negotiating skills.
Excellent oral and written presentation skills.
Skill in the use of personal computers including word processing applications.
Licenses and Certifications Required:
Colorado Driver's License with a good driving record.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Essential Personnel:
When a local announcement of emergency or disaster is declared by the city, all City of Aurora employees may be required to work as essential personnel.
Physical Demands:
Light physical work requiring ability to lift 20 pounds; some lifting and carrying of objects.
Some walking and standing.
Some pushing, pulling, and climbing.
Vision to read and interpret reports and other written documents.
Speech communication and hearing to maintain communication with employees and citizens.
Hand/eye coordination for operation of computer.
Foot/eye for operation of motor vehicle.
Work Environment:
Works both indoors and outdoors with exposure to varying weather conditions, noise, fumes, chemicals, and dust.
Equipment Used:
Uses standard office equipment including personal computers.
This position may require the incumbent to use personal equipment (e.g. vehicle, cell phone, tools, etc.) in the course of their employment.
