Park Specialist

The Park Specialist is responsible for assisting with planning, developing, coordinating, and executing an operational management plan for a park. Work is performed under the general direction of the Park Manager or Assistant Park Manager with latitude for independent judgment and action. Park Specialist assumes charge of park operations in the absence of the Park Manager and/or Assistant Park Manager. Annual performance goals will be set for the Park Specialist. Park Specialists are subject to transfer within the Regional Park system.

Hiring Salary Range: $53,091.60 - $58,255.09

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (with illustrative examples of work)

Assist with management of personnel:

• Plan, direct, and control the work of groups of employees in the operation and maintenance of park facilities, grounds, and equipment.
• Determine workload, assign priorities, schedule employees, and allocate resources.
• Promote high levels of work performance and employee morale.

Assist with management of facility operations:

• Monitor operation to ensure customer satisfaction.
• Inspect park facilities for adherence to NOVA Parks standards.
• Operate facilities and fill in at all positions as needed.
• Apply and interpret safety standards and ensure compliance.
• Ensure security of park facilities and assets.
• May assume management responsibility for special facility within the park, such as a water park.
• May be assigned temporarily to other parks.

Assist with management of facility and grounds maintenance:

• Inspect park facilities, equipment, and grounds for hazards and for adherence to NOVA Parks standards.
• Identify maintenance problems and hazards, initiate corrective action or refer to Park Manager.
• Operate various pieces of maintenance equipment as needed and perform related work including manual labor.

Assist with development and management of budget:

• Recommend operations, maintenance, and development items for budget.
• Interpret and apply NOVA Parks policies and procedures to meet personnel, budget, property management, and general service needs of the park.

Assist with establishment and maintenance of positive public relations program:

• Foster a positive public image for the park and NOVA Parks.
• Provide information to the public and special interest groups through presentations and other means through accurate, courteous, and diplomatic communications.
• Maintain effective relationships with groups such as vendors, local law enforcement, and special user groups.
• Encourage visitor comments; investigate and respond to complaints.

Assist with performance of administrative duties:

• Investigate accidents, thefts, vandalism, and other violations and file appropriate reports in a timely manner.
• Represent NOVA Parks as designated legal authority in providing testimony and evidence in court.
• Prepare and maintain various business, personnel, and administrative reports and records.
• Initiate and monitor standard user permits; assists with the development of special contractual agreements.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS (minimum)

Education: Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a Bachelor's degree in park management or closely related field preferred or an exceptional combination of education, experience, and training that is equivalent to a four-year degree.

Physical: Non-manual and manual work with strength and dexterity necessary to perform all required tasks, including lifting, stooping, bending and working in tiring and uncomfortable positions in office and outdoor settings; will perform heavy manual labor in all weather conditions, lift items at or greater than 80 pounds, climb ladders, use tools, and operate equipment.

Experience: One year of responsible experience in parks or conservation work, or any equivalent combination of education, training, or experience which provides:

• Knowledge of principles, methods, and practices involved in park management.
• Knowledge and experience in personnel management.
• Ability to identify and isolate problems, and to initiate appropriate actions.
• Ability to deal effectively with the public and special interest groups and provide a strong, positive public relations program.
• Ability to interpret and explain NOVA Parks policies, rules, and procedures to employees and to the public.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, with ability to prepare and present accurate reports.
• Ability to acquire a working knowledge of NOVA Parks, its development, traditions, and policies.
• Working knowledge of the materials, equipment, and procedures involved with park maintenance.
• Ability to maintain knowledge of current trends and developments in the park and recreation profession.
• Working knowledge of personal computers and various software applications.
• Possession of or ability to obtain and maintain driver’s license with safe driving record.
• Availability for call in emergency situations.
• Availability to work additional hours during peak operating times including shift work and weekends.
• Certification or ability to obtain certification in CPR and first aid and other licenses as required.
• Park Specialists are subject to transfer.
• Regular and predictable attendance is an essential function of the position.

Duties and responsibilities are designed to be the essential elements of the job. They do not preclude the performance of related, or even unrelated, jobs which may be necessary to properly and efficiently complete all work assignments. NOVA Parks reserves the right to amend job specifications to meet current needs.

Benefits: This position is a benefit eligible position. Benefits include medical and dental insurance, life insurance, long-term disability, retirement plan, and more.

Testing: The Park Specialist position is classified as a safety sensitive position. Candidates for full-time, safety sensitive positions must submit to a pre-employment drug screening and achieve a negative result as a condition of employment.

It is the policy of the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority to prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, sex, color, national origin, religion, age, veteran status, political affiliation, genetics, or disability in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce.

Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. Contact 703-352-5900 and ask for Human Resources for assistance.

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