Park Program Coordinator - Natural Resources & Stewardship

Facilitate natural resource management and stewardship programs through development, implementation, promotion, protection and oversight of parks natural resources including trails, landscapes, trees, open space, riparian areas and grounds. Coordinate the work of staff, contractors and volunteers to maintain, construct, inspect, plant, repair and enhance parks, natural areas and resources. Design, develop, and implement natural area management plans. These tasks are illustrative only and may include other related duties.

Full-time 40 hours per week

AFSCME-represented position

12-month probationary period

Must meet all qualifications and requirements as listed in the position description.

At Parks and Recreation, our mission is to preserve and create a community heritage by providing places and programs designed to enhance the quality of life. The Parks Operations Division of Corvallis' Parks and Recreation Department cares for over 2000 acres of parks, playgrounds, playing fields, trails, natural areas, and beautification areas.

Ensures the protection, restoration, and maintenance of parks and natural resources through the effective use of a robust volunteer program, youth park corps program, Adopt-a-Park program, park maintenance employees, partner organizations, and various stewardship programs.

Maintains and constructs Parks and Recreation trails and facilities. Conducts safety inspections of parks, natural areas, facilities, sports areas, landscape and beautification areas, and playgrounds. Evaluates and repairs damage to public property. Maintains and repairs program tools and supplies.

Coordinates the protection, maintenance and operations of park natural resources including the urban forest, open space, riparian areas, landscapes, and trails.

Coordinates and performs tree establishment maintenance including scheduling planting and watering of all newly planted trees. Maintains natural resource inventory data base, including a tree inventory database.

Develops, identifies and coordinates volunteer opportunities for people of all ages. Monitors, maintains and tracks volunteer program statistics, volunteer hours, and program records.

Serves as the Parks Division liaison to partner organization and regulatory agencies in the management and restoration of natural areas and resources. Develops educational, informational materials and programs about the benefits of natural resources, including urban trees. Instructs City employees in the theory and application of natural resource management practices.

Assists in coordination of efforts in long term natural resources and forestry practices planning. Assists in budget development and preparation for specific area of responsibility. Completes grant applications, reports, contracts and bid specifications for natural resource management activities.

Develops and implements training programs and program procedures for park maintenance staff and varied volunteer programs, ensuring compliance with departmental safety rules and regulations. Serves as program liaison to the public in support of volunteer and casual staff programs.

Initiates, coordinates and collaborates with department marketing team on activities and program promotion and marketing. Promotes and provides marketing and outreach programs to diverse audiences related to volunteer opportunities. Collaborates with department marketing team and solicits alternative revenue sources such as sponsors, grants, and advertising.

Recruits, interviews, recommends hire, schedules, trains, and coordinates the work of casual staff and volunteers. Provides input concerning performance evaluations of casual staff and provides input regarding casual staff performance-related issues. Ensures adequate staffing and/or contractors for the programming needs and safety of employees and participants.

Coordinates community forestry events such as Arbor Day Celebration and maintains the Tree City USA designation requirements. Coordinates and assists with implementation of department-wide events, camp cleanups, and activities as assigned.

Solicits grants for park and natural area management in coordination with partner organizations. Implements and provides support for awarded park and natural area grants. Administers the Parks and Recreation Memorial donation program. Ensures compliance with City Revenue Collection Financial policies, grant, or other program requirements.

Facilitates, monitors, and inspects contracts and maintenance for projects. Makes field decisions on procedures and methods. Provides input, specifications, and assistance with capital improvement projects.

Attends and participates at applicable Parks and Recreation Operational Advisory Committee Meetings as requested. Presents and provides reports and information.

Responds to after-hours emergency calls and makes necessary repairs.

Acts ethically and honestly; applies ethical standards of behavior to daily work activities and interactions. Builds confidence in the City through own actions.

Conforms with all safety rules and performs work in a safe manner.

Delivers excellent customer service to diverse audiences.

Maintains effective work relationships.

Adheres with all City and Department policies.

Arrives to work, meetings, and other work-related functions on time and maintains regular job attendance.

Position may involve working overtime and on weekends as needed.

Operates and drives a motor vehicle and powered equipment safely and legally.

Education and Experience

Associate's degree with major course work in Business, Public Administration, Social Service, Natural Resource Management, Forestry, Natural Sciences or a related field; a Bachelor's degree in a related field is preferred.

Two years' work experience including equipment operations and park maintenance including at least one year experience in program coordinating. Experience in volunteer programming preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Skill and ability to provide direction and training, effectively coordinate activities with other divisions, outside agencies, and the public.

Knowledge of carpentry, plumbing, electrical applications, vegetation management, landscaping, sports facility management, equipment operation, and turf care.

Knowledge of applicable City, State, and Federal laws related to program area. Ability to interpret contracts, Parks regulations, and construction plans and to effectively communicate this information to stakeholders, the public, and contractors.

Ability to set goals, plan, establish procedures, and anticipate and implement changes as needed, within established program boundaries and delegation of authority.

Ability to work independently, research and identify and develop programs, adapt to changing priorities and work focus as needed.

Effective oral and written communication skills. Ability to deliver excellent customer service to diverse audiences and to communicate Parks and Recreation rules and guidelines.

Ability to get along well with coworkers and the public maintain effective work relationships.

Ability to use a computer to perform essential functions of the position. Ability to use data management, editing, and publishing software.

Thorough knowledge of traffic laws and defensive driving.

Special Requirements

Ability to obtain and maintain First Aid and CPR certification.

Possession or ability to obtain a State of Oregon Pesticide Applicators license within the probationary period.

Possession of or the ability to obtain and maintain a valid Oregon Driver's License.

This position is subject to call-back for emergencies and has schedule changes including evenings and weekends.

Demonstrable commitment to sustainability.

Demonstrable commitment to promoting and enhancing equity, diversity and inclusion.

The individual shall not pose a direct threat to the health or safety of the individual or others in the workplace.

Ability to pass a pre-employment background and/or criminal history check.

Qualified applicants must submit an online application located on the City of Corvallis website (click on "Apply" above). Applications must be received by 5:00 PM on Friday January 31, 2025. Applicants are encouraged to include a cover letter and resume with the online application; however, resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed online application. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted/considered.

An Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer in Compliance with ADA.