Fairfax County Government

Green Spring Gardens, a public garden within the Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA), is seeking a Senior Interpreter/Program Manager to be a part of one of the most highly regarded park systems in the country.. With more than 25,000 acres of parkland, nine RECenters, eight golf courses, three lakefront parks, and more, FCPA is an exciting organization to be a part of and there are many opportunities for staff to make a difference at every level.. It's an outdoor classroom, a museum, and a national historic site.. The site has thematic demonstration gardens, wooded stream valley with ponds, a naturalist native plant garden, a greenhouse, a plant shop, a gift shop, and a historic house.. At least one year's experience in horticulture or gardening working or volunteering at a garden center, public garden, or landscaping company.

program manager

Job Announcement
Join the Park Authority and our nationally recognized team of professionals! Green Spring Gardens, a public garden within the Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA), is seeking a Senior Interpreter/Program Manager to be a part of one of the most highly regarded park systems in the country. With more than 25,000 acres of parkland, nine RECenters, eight golf courses, three lakefront parks, and more, FCPA is an exciting organization to be a part of and there are many opportunities for staff to make a difference at every level.

Green Spring Gardens is a place of inspiration for home gardeners. It's an outdoor classroom, a museum, and a national historic site. The staff is dedicated to connecting the community to natural and cultural resources through horticulture, education, and stewardship. The site has thematic demonstration gardens, wooded stream valley with ponds, a naturalist native plant garden, a greenhouse, a plant shop, a gift shop, and a historic house. The gardens and educational programs focus on social history, environmental science, horticulture, and practical gardening techniques appropriate to the Washington metro area.

This position supervises and manages all aspects of interpretive and instructional programming for Green Spring Gardens. Researches, writes, and evaluates the annual site gardening and environmental science programming plan. Coaches subordinate staff in program development and delivery and evaluates programs and activities. Works within budget for site programming, purchases program materials, manages program purchase orders and reconciles expenditures. Responsible for program registration system, including entering/monitoring all programs. Creates, conducts, evaluates, and helps promote horticulture, natural science and cultural history programs. Plans and acquires interpretive learning aids. Prepares administrative reports and plans, regular budget exercises, record keeping and office management tasks. Hires, supervises, evaluates, and schedules staff and volunteers for education department. Manages volunteer hours and recruitment through volunteer database.

Requires regular weekend work, and occasional evening and holiday work.

Illustrative Duties
(The illustrative duties listed in this specification are representative of the class but are not an all-inclusive list. A complete list of position duties and unique physical requirements can be found in the position job description.)

Supervises and coordinates site interpretive programming to include planning, development and evaluation of educational, informational and recreation programs, tours, exhibits, and other media;
Plans and develops interpretive calendar;
Monitors trends in interpretation and gauges demand for interpretive services;
Hires, trains, evaluates and counsels interpretive programming staff;
Reviews interpretive materials prepared by staff and monitors the quality of interpretive programs;
Directs staff in site program development;
Coordinates administrative aspects of programming including scheduling, registration, revenue collection, purchasing, promotion and record keeping;
Develops budget requirements for site interpretive program and monitors expenses and revenues to maintain budget constraints;
Maintains fiscal records necessary to the operation and evaluation of interpretive program;
Develops or assists in the development of interpretive programs and media including exhibits, literature, and audio-visual programs;
Designs, presents and evaluates interpretive programs covering a wide range of topics on natural and cultural history for a diverse group of audiences;
Reviews and/or prepares interpretive materials including brochures, interpretive flyers, promotional materials, technical publications, audiovisual productions, trail interpretation and educational materials;
Conducts research in support of programming, interpretation and training;
Responds to public inquiries regarding programs and operations;
Represents site in division programming committee;
Assists site management in long-range planning.

Required Knowledge Skills and Abilities
(The knowledge, skills and abilities listed in this specification are representative of the class but are not an all-inclusive list.)

Knowledge of effective instructional methods and techniques;
Knowledge of equipment and materials needed to conduct interpretive and environmental/historical education programs;
Ability to provide expert knowledge in the development of a wide range of interpretive programs and activities;
Ability to provide technical resource and program leadership to interpretive staff;
Ability to develop and present creative, environmental/historical education and interpretive programs in a variety of indoor and outdoor settings for all age levels;
Ability to supervise professional and volunteer staff members;
Ability to review and analyze expenditures and revenues in determining appropriate budget;
Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing;
Ability to interpret technical natural and cultural history materials to lay persons;
Ability to deal effectively with the public.

Employment Standards
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Any combination of education, experience, and training equivalent to the following:  (Click on the aforementioned link to learn how Fairfax County interprets equivalencies for "Any combination, experience, and training equivalent to")
Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor's degree in natural or life sciences, history, education, park management, or a related field; Plus, one year of responsible experience in interpretation/programming, environmental or historical education, or a closely related field.
PREFERRED  QUALIFICATIONS:      At least two years of experience developing and leading public education programs in a natural setting for a variety of audiences.
At least two years of supervisory experience.
At least one year's experience in horticulture or gardening working or volunteering at a garden center, public garden, or landscaping company.
Knowledge of natural and biological sciences, including the theory, principles, and practices of interpretation, conservation, and environmental education.
Experience in Rec Dynamics or similar electronic database system for programming functions; experience working with a large and diverse public.

CERTIFICATION AND LICENSES REQUIRED:
CPR/First Aid (Required)

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
The appointee to this position will be required to complete a criminal background check to the satisfaction of the employer.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Ability to communicate orally and in writing. Ability to lift more than 25 pounds. Ability to traverse uneven ground. Ability to walk and stand for extended period in various weather conditions. Visual acuity is required to read data on computer monitor, incumbent must be able to operate keyboard driven equipment.  All duties performed with or without reasonable accommodations.

SELECTION PROCEDURE:
Panel interview; may include exercise.

The population of Fairfax County is very diverse where 38.7% of residents speak a language other than English at home ( Spanish, Asian/Pacific Islander, Indo-European, and others ) and we encourage candidates bilingual in English and a foreign language to apply to this opportunity.

Fairfax County Government prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetics, political affiliation, or military status in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce.

Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. Contact 703-324-4900 for assistance. TTY 703-222-7314.  DHREmployment@fairfaxcounty.gov . EEO/AA/TTY.

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