Position Description

Performs administrative and managerial duties in planning, developing, and organizing the County’s passive recreational parks and activities. An employee in this class performs a variety of administrative and managerial duties in the coordination of all passive recreational parks and activities; as well as planning future park locations. The employee develops operational and project plans to include land acquisitions and facilities as well as policies and procedures. Work involves extensive public contact in the promotion, development and operation of all programs. Duties expose the employee to inside and outside environments, extreme temperatures, and other hazards associated with related tasks. Duties may also expose the employees to human body fluids and thus the work is subject to the OSHA requirements on blood borne pathogens. Work is performed under the general supervision of the County Manager and is reviewed through conferences, evaluation, and communication with the public. Employee will work a rotating schedule and be required to work irregular hours, weekends, and holidays.

Responsibilites

Trains employees and volunteers.
Develops comprehensive plans, coordinates and oversees projects for special crews and volunteers; coordinates and monitors special events.
Coordinates with outside agencies to promote environmental education programs focused on preservation of natural resources.
Work with regional, state, and national organizations such as The American Safe Climbing Association, Carolina Climbers Association, Appalachian Mountain Institute, and others to develop Rocky Face Park as a rock climbing destination.
Develops relationships with The Felburn Foundation, NC Dept of Environment and Natural Resources, Foothills Conversancy, and other land preservation societies or agencies to protect additional natural heritage areas.
Implements maintenance operations; recognizes, protects, monitors and enhances natural resources; develops new trails and facilities; inspects park facilities.
Coordinates park activities with other agencies, nearby communities, and the general public; responds to inquiries, concerns, and complaints during the planning and design process when necessary; prepares and conducts presentations to the public, Board of Commissioners, outside agencies, neighborhood associations, etc.
Provides site security in compliance with County policies and procedures,
Coordinates medical and rescue response in the event of an emergency.
Performs related duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

Considerable knowledge of administrative and supervisory practices involved in directing management programs and services.
Considerable knowledge of the organization, functions, and programs of county government.
Considerable knowledge of the County’s ordinances and policies pertaining to publicly owned land.
Ability to communicate effectively in oral and written form.
Thorough knowledge of the principles and methods of parks and playground planning and development.
Knowledge of horticultural techniques and methods.
Ability to understand and follow written and oral instructions;
Ability to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with staff and a culturally diverse public.
General knowledge of the maintenance, planning, and evaluation of park preservation.

Required Minimum Education / Experience

Graduation from a four year college or university with a bachelor’s degree in park planning, conservation of natural resources or related degree and five years of experience in the management of a passive park planning program; or
Equivalent combination of education and experience.
Two years of supervisory experience.
Possess a valid NC Driver's License.

Alexander County is a rewarding and supportive place to work!

We offer a full compensation package including quality benefits with options that flex to meet the needs of our employees and their families.

HEALTH CARE

Requirements

Medical Insurance – Employee medical insurance is 100% paid provided certain wellness incentive requirements are met. Spouse and family coverage is available at employee expense per pay period:

Child: $69.23 Children: $207.69 Spouse: $230.77 Family: $392.31

Dental Insurance – Employee dental insurance is 100% paid. Spouse and family coverage is available at employee expense per pay period:

Child(ren): $16.95 Spouse: $18.89 Family: $52.32

Vision Insurance – Employee vision insurance is 100% paid. Spouse and family coverage is available at employee expense per pay period:

Child(ren): $3.86 Spouse: $3.48 Family: $7.50

WELLNESS

Health Clinic – Available to all County employees and dependents covered under the medical insurance plan. Covered visits include ear infections, colds, first aid, physicals, and other acute care needs.

Complementary Alternative Medicine (CAM) – The medical plan now offers alternative therapies such as acupuncture, hypnotherapy, massage therapy, yoga, and others. Specific requirements must be met for partial reimbursement - refer to the employee guide for more information.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – Counseling services are available to all employees and dependents in the home. Services are provided in a private and confidential setting. The County provides coverage for the first five visits per year.

YMCA – No joining or monthly membership fees for eligible employees. Employees may opt to upgrade their membership to a family rate of $6.92 per pay period.

PureGrit Fitness – Discounted member fees for eligible employees with access to a weight room, unlimited classes, or a day pass.

WORK/LIFE BALANCE

Holidays – Twelve days of paid leave are provided throughout the year to eligible employees.

Sick Leave - Employees with a 40-hour workweek earn eight hours per month; EMS employees earn 11 hours per month.

Annual Leave – Employees earn prorated hours per month based upon years of service and hours worked.

Birth Month Leave -- Employees will receive the equivalent hours of one regular workday added to their annual leave on the second day of their birth month.

Community Involvement Leave – Employees earn eight hours per calendar year, expiring on December 31.

Bereavement Leave: Employees are given 3 days of paid leave per calendar year to grieve the loss of a family member.

Parental Leave: Eligible employees can request up to 6 weeks of paid leave per calendar year.

Discount Tickets – Discount tickets to various recreational venues including AMC Theaters, Carowinds, Tweetsie Railroad, Biltmore Estate, Hickory Crawdads, and others.

FINANCIAL STABILITY

NC Local Government Retirement System – The Local Governmental Employees’ Retirement System (LGERS) is a defined benefit plan. Full-time and eligible part-time employees are automatically enrolled in the system. Employees contribute a mandatory, fixed 6% on a pre-tax basis. An employee is considered vested after five years of contributory service.

Life Insurance – $12,500 for each employee at no cost to the employee. Additional coverage is available at employee expense.

Longevity - After five (5) years of continuous full-time County service, employees receive an annual lump sum payment of 1.5% of their salary during their anniversary month. Moving forward, the amount increases by .10 per year based upon years of service.

401k and 457 Deferred Compensation – Plans are available as an employee option.

Tuition Reimbursement: Employees who have completed their initial probationary period are eligible to participate in the tutition reimbursement program of up to $1,000 per fiscal year in qualified expenses.

Supplemental Benefits – The County partners with Colonial Life & Accident Insurance Company, as an employee option, for additional tax deferred programs.

Local Government Federal Credit Union – Memberships are available to County employees.

For additional details on benefits, please review the Alexander County policies at www.alexandercountync.gov or

contact your Human Resources Department at (828) 632-1132.

01

Please select your highest level of education completed.

Some High School
High School/GED
Associate's Degree
Bachelor’s Degree in park planning, conservation of natural resources or related degree
Bachelor’s Degree in any other field
Master's Degree or higher

02

How many years of experience do you have in the management of a passive park planning program?

None
Less than 1 year
1 to 3 years
3 to 5 years
5+ years

03

How many years of experience do you have as a supervisor?

None
less than 1 year
1 to 2 years
2 to 3 years
3 to 4 years
4+ years

04

Do you have a valid North Carolina driver's license?

Yes
No
Required Question

Alexander County, NC

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Director - Parks