Natural Resources & Urban Forestry Lead

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

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.