Natural Resources Coordinator

City of Virginia Beach; Berlin; On-site; EUR 74,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual Leave and Sick Leave

Medical, Dental, Vision coverage

Life Insurance and retirement benefits

Wellness Programs

Job summary

City of Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation seeks a leader to direct Natural Resources, Urban Forestry, and Horticulture programs. You will oversee budgeting, contracts, and cross-department collaboration to maintain city landscapes and environmental initiatives.

The role requires a relevant degree and extensive experience, with a focus on team leadership, policy development, and community partnerships to deliver legendary park experiences.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Ecology, Biology, Botany, Natural Resources Management, Forestry, Horticulture, Environmental Science, Environmental Planning, or related field (or equivalent combination).
• Six (6) years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience totaling ten (10) years.
• All employees may be expected to work beyond normal hours during emergencies or as needed.

Responsibilities

• Manage and direct the City’s Natural Resources Management, Urban Forestry, and Horticulture teams; oversee planning, program administration, supervision, budgeting, compliance, and partnerships.
• Supervise approximately 24 members in the Natural Resources bureau and oversee operations of natural areas and waterway access sites.
• Provide contract administration for environmental consulting and landscape projects; manage plans and updates.
• Lead urban forest management and horticultural services to support city goals and cross-department coordination.
• Review applications, conduct interviews, address disciplinary issues, and develop divisional policies.

Skills

Leadership

Budget management

Environmental compliance

Communication skills

Team supervision

Education

Bachelors in Ecology

Tools

Microsoft Office

Geographic Information Systems

Job description

Job Posting End Date:

November 3, 2026

Department:

PARKS AND RECREATION

Compensation Grade:

A17

Compensation Range & Starting Salary:

Pay Range: $83,033.60 - $128,710.40
Starting salary may be negotiable based on qualifications.

Job Exempt (If No, Position is eligible for overtime):

Yes

About Us:

At Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation, our success is because of our dedicated employees. We are intentional about creating an employee experience where you are empowered to reach your full potential, are supported through strength-based initiatives, and are confident in your abilities. We champion a workplace culture built on our cultural foundations: Professionalism, Respect, Accountability, Integrity, and Citizenship. These guiding principles of behavior cultivate a positive and high performing work environment. Success is recognized and celebrated, and legendary experiences are the core of who we are.

Job Duties and Preferred Qualifications:

Our Commitment

Work with the best – work for Virginia Beach Parks and Recreation! Join our team and contribute to our 60+ year track record of providing_ legendary experiences _! We are dedicated to promoting healthy lifestyles and protecting our environment. We ensure all residents – regardless of their physical, social, and economic circumstances – can access our programs. By providing enriching and memorable lifelong experiences, we strive to enhance the quality of life for our community by improving the physical and mental well-being of our residents.

Duties:

NATURAL RESOURCES COORDINATIOR duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Manage and direct the City’s Natural Resources Management, Urban Forestry, and Horticulture teams. Oversee strategic planning, program administration, personnel supervision, budget management, environmental compliance, emergency preparedness, and community partnerships.

Supervise approximately 24 members in the Natural Resources bureau, a team that includes personnel who provide operational support and maintenance of Virginia Beach’s natural areas and waterway access sites.

Provide contract administration and oversight, coordinating the preparation and management of written contracts for environmental consulting, landscape construction, landscape maintenance, various management plan updates, urban forestry and invasives control.

Lead teams in providing urban forest management and horticultural expertise in support of departmental and Council goals and support other City agencies and departmental supervisory and technical personnel that provide landscape management and horticultural services for municipal properties.

Review personnel applications, interview and select applicants for employment. Address disciplinary issues as needed and assists subordinate supervisors with complex disciplinary issues.

Assist in developing divisional policies and procedures and consistently enforce policies and procedures to ensure a safe, productive work environment.

Assist in development of the division’s budget by preparing annual operating budgets for multiple budget units and coordinating many of the division’s budgeting activities.

Prepare written requisitions and specifications for equipment, materials, and supplies as necessary.

Responsibly spend funds and monitor operating budget through frequent review of expenditures. Verify financial transactions including bimonthly payrolls and payment to vendors and other city agencies.

Administer the Integrated Pest Management Plan with respect to maintenance of the Oceanfront Resort, municipal buildings, schools, municipal parks (including athletic fields), and rights-of-way, both internally and with other agencies.

Respond orally and in writing to address inquiries from City Council, the City Manager or his staff, other City staff, or citizens to answer questions or resolve complaints relative to landscape maintenance programs or operations.

Preferences

In addition to the minimum requirements, the ideal candidate for this position will have experience listed in the preferences below. Candidates with the preferred experience should ensure the information is provided in the application.

Master’s degree in Ecology, Biology, Botany, Natural Resources Management, Forestry, Horticulture, Environmental Science, Environmental Planning, or related field

One or more related certifications, such as Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP), ISA Certified Arborist, Nutrient Management Planner, Certified Fertilizer Applicator, Certified Natural Resources Professional

Natural resources management experience

Excellent written and oral communication skills

Operating budget and financial monitoring experience

Experience working with volunteers and non-profit partners

Experience supervising multiple teams

Contract administration and procurement experience

Computer skills utilizing Microsoft Office

Experience utilizing Geographic Information Systems

Full Time Only

Alpha I

The position you are applying for is designated as Alpha I, requiring the selected candidate to work, regardless of the City’s operational status. All employees may be expected to work hours in excess of their normally scheduled hours in response to short-term department needs and/or City-wide emergencies.

Full Time

The Perks

Employees who are new to the Virginia Retirement System are eligible for:

Annual Leave and Sick Leave

Medical, Dental, Vision, and Prescription Coverage

Legal and Identity Theft Protection

Virginia Retirement System (VRS) Hybrid Retirement Plan & Basic Life Insurance

Commonwealth of Virginia 457 Deferred Compensation Plan (COV457)

Basic Life Insurance

Optional Life Insurance

Wellness Programs

Employee Assistance Program / Work-Life Services

Paid Maternity/Paternity/Parental Care Leave

Additional requirements:

• DMV Transcript: Yes
• CDL: No
• Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse: No
• CPS Check: No
• Physical: No
• Respirator: No
• Psychological Screening: No
• Polygraph: No
• At Will: No

Minimum Requirements:

Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Ecology, Biology, Botany, Natural Resources Management, Forestry, Horticulture, Environmental Science, Environmental Planning, or related field and six (6) years of experience utilizing the knowledge, skills, and abilities associated with this position OR an equivalent combination of education (above high school) and experience equivalent to ten (10) years in fields utilizing the knowledge, skills, and abilities associated with this position.

Special Requirements: All employees may be expected to work hours in excess of their normally scheduled hours in response to short-term department needs and/or City-wide emergencies. Must be available to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and overtime when required to meet operational needs.

Skills:

Working Conditions:

Per HR Policy 6.19, Americans with Disabilities, the City follows the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in all hiring and employment decisions. The City shall not discriminate on the basis of disability in its hiring and employment practices. The City shall make reasonable accommodations for the known physical or mental limitations of a qualified applicant or employee with a disability upon request unless the accommodation would cause an undue hardship on the operation of the City’s business.

The Working Conditions Summary is intended to provide a general overview of the environmental conditions inherent in the job setting, as well as the physical, mental, and sensory requirements necessary to perform the essential functions of the position in the noted job profile. Please copy and paste the URL below into your web browser to view the Working Conditions Summary for this position.

https://workingcondition-summary-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/B.002209.1.pdf

Official Job Descriptions:

To browse official job descriptions, please access this link - https://virginiabeach.gov/careers/job-descriptions-pay-plans?search=&group=E

VRS Contribution

All full-time employees are required to contribute 5% of annual salary toward their retirement account; in accordance with VRS retirement provisions. This will be handled through a pre-tax payroll deduction.

Drug Free Workplace

The City of Virginia Beach maintains a drug free workplace.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement

The City of Virginia Beach is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing a diverse and inclusive work environment. We do not discriminate against any applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected status as defined by applicable law.