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Under the direction of the Allen County Park Superintendent, the Park and Education Manager develops and implements educational and interpretive programs, supervises staff, and manages daily operations at the facility. This role involves securing funding, preparing budgets, and developing public relations materials. The Manager also ensures safety, responds to emergencies, and resides on-site to provide property security and customer support. Additionally, the position supports the development and implementation of the facility's Master Plan. This position is Covered as defined by The Board of Commissioners of the County of Allen Employee Handbook.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Directs nature and interpretive programs and coordinates resource management activities for assigned facility.
• Supervises and directs daily activities of education and program staff; training, technical instruction and evaluation of performance.
• Assists Park Superintendent in pursuing funding sources and developing grant applications
• Creates displays and exhibits for Nature Center Facilities. Coordinates the development of wayside exhibits
• Prepares and administers Education Division budget for facility. Oversight of revenue collection and authorizations of expenditures. Prepares various reports to include program attendance and evaluations as well as long and short range educational program planning
• Develops public relations material for interpretive programs and special events
• Oversees day to day operations of nature center; provides guidance/support to part-time staff including educational programmers, gate house staff, receptionists, and rental hosts. Assist in closing rental sales.
• Responsible for Organization and Client Safety. Investigates and resolves safety issues.

• Provides professional support developing and implementing Master Plan and performing duties of Park Superintendent.
• Performs all other duties as assigned, including overtime as required.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Parks and Recreation, Education, Public and Environmental Affairs, Natural Sciences, or related fields
• Minimum of three years of relevant experience
• Thorough knowledge of department functions and ability to direct staff operations in alignment with program initiatives
• Working knowledge of local, state, and federal laws related to department operations, with the ability to assist in drafting proposed legislation
• Proficiency in cost-effective purchasing, grant writing, and budgeting

REQUIREMENTS (Continued):

• Understanding of standard practices and procedures in program development, fundraising, and public speaking
• Familiarity with various trades and ability to oversee maintenance operations of park facilities, grounds, vehicles, and equipment; ensuring proper construction of new parks and facilities
• Effective communication skills, both oral and written, with a diverse range of stakeholders including government officials, community leaders, businesspersons, foundation executives, landowners, special interest groups, media, and the general public
• Ability to respond to emergencies on a 24-hour basis
• Certified Interpretive Guide
• First Aid and CPR certification
• Valid driver's license with the ability to legally operate a motor vehicle and drive through irregular terrain
• Proficiency in using office and computer equipment, audio-visual and communication equipment
• Ability to use hand and power tools, woodland firefighting tools, and operate a vehicle

PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS:

The Park and Education Manager performs work that is broad in scope and of substantial intricacy, involving data collection, analysis, and reporting.  There are many variables or considerations when assessing the impact and effectiveness of educational programs, developing evaluation tools, measuring outcomes, and interpreting results to inform program improvements.  The Park and Education Manager will lead educational and interpretive programs, supervise staff, and manage daily operations. Responsibilities include securing funding, preparing budgets, ensuring legal compliance, and developing public relations materials. The Manager must communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders, respond to emergencies 24/7, and oversee park maintenance and construction. Proficiency with relevant equipment and obtaining necessary certifications and licenses are required.

RESPONSIBILITY:

The Parks and Education Manager performs work involving both routine and specialized responsibilities. While certain duties, such as dispatch-related functions, may involve standardized and repetitive tasks, the position also requires independent judgment and decision-making in the coordination of parks operations, educational programming, and public engagement initiatives.

The work is moderately to highly complex in nature and requires the ability to solve a broad range of operational and programmatic challenges. The incumbent must evaluate multiple factors, develop practical solutions, and contribute to long-term planning efforts that support departmental goals and organizational objectives.

PERSONAL WORK RELATIONSHIPS:

The Park and Education Manager maintains frequent contact with other county employees, other government agencies, and the general public. Explanation and interpretation is required when assisting the general public.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

The Park and Education Manager works in a standard office environment with frequent sitting and the ability to move around freely. Some lifting of up to twenty pounds, bending, reaching overhead, kneeling, and exposure to noise are to be expected. Frequent mental/visual effort, typing, attention to detail, monitoring equipment, detailed inspection, and transcription/proofreading are required.

SUPERVISION:

None

LICENSING:

Valid Driver’s License to perform field work and/or to operate county owned vehicles required

IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR:

Superintendent of Parks

HOURS:

8:00 am – 5:00 pm; 40 hours/week; overtime as needed

40 hours/week; additional hours as needed