Natural Resources Coordinator, #JR-01215

City of Virginia Beach; Virginia Beach (VA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous benefits package

Job summary

The City of Virginia Beach seeks a senior leader to direct Natural Resources Management, Urban Forestry, and Horticulture teams in a dynamic Parks and Recreation environment. You will guide strategic planning, budget oversight, and environmental compliance to support the city’s green spaces and waterfront assets.

You will supervise about 24 staff, oversee contracts for landscape and environmental services, and work across departments to align with Council goals.

Qualifications

• Experience leading multiple teams within environmental services or parks operations.
• Contract administration and procurement experience.
• Operating budget and financial monitoring experience.
• Experience utilizing Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Direct the City's Natural Resources Management, Urban Forestry, and Horticulture teams, including planning, supervision, budgeting, compliance, and partnerships.
• Supervise about 24 staff in the Natural Resources bureau and oversee operations of natural areas and waterway access sites.
• Oversee contract preparation, management of environmental consulting, landscape services, and management plan updates.
• Lead urban forest management and horticultural efforts in line with Council goals and other city agencies.
• Recruit, interview, select, and address disciplinary issues; support divisional policies and safe work environment.

Skills

Leadership

Budgeting

Contracts

GIS

Environmental compliance

Team supervision

Communication

Education

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

Tools

GIS software

Job description

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 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
• 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
• Experience utilizing Geographic Information Systems

The City offers a generous benefits package, which includes health, dental and life insurance, retirement and savings plans, maternity/paternity and parental leave, holidays and leave.

The City of Virginia Beach is an Equal Opportunity Employer.