Land Management Supervisor

Salary : $74,868.00 - $108,708.00 Annually
Location : Parks Headquarters - 3373 Mount Baker Highway Bellingham, WA 98226
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: L110 0225
Department: Parks & Recreation
Opening Date: 02/25/2025
Closing Date: 3/16/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
Salary: DOQ

Summary
Whatcom County is seeking an experienced professional to fill their vacant Land Management Supervisor position. This leadership position supports ongoing operations and future development of our existing system, which includes nearly 74 properties across 16,200 acres of developed and undeveloped parkland, open space, reserves, miles of shoreline and over 79 miles of trails.
Primary duties include:

• Oversees and performs technical and administrative tasks related todevelopment and implementation of forest management, trail development and maintenance, environmental restoration, and other related conservation projects and programs throughout the county in support of the work, mission, vision, values, and goals of the department.
• Protects and manages natural and cultural resources.
• Participates as a member of the department's management team representing land management, providing expertise within areas including, but not limited to: forest and land management, recreational trail development and maintenance, and other related activities. Participates in planning, analysis, program evaluation, cost estimating, and problem-solving activities. Recommends and develops changes to policies, procedures, and other components.
• Ensures effective and mutually-supporting coordination activities with other departmental division and sub-division staff.
• Supervises land management staff. Participates in the selection of new employees. Advises and provides initial orientation for staff. Responsible for providing on-the-job training. Determines individual employee needs for training to meet changing system or program demands and to provide adequate cross-training of all functions. Assigns, supervises and evaluates work consistent with assigned job description. Ensures regular and consistent feedback to staff. Conducts performance evaluations to guide the development of employees and provide a record of performance.
• Interprets and applies labor agreements and personnel policies. Makes recommendations regarding employment actions. Initiates, documents and implements disciplinary actions as approved.
• Prepares and justifies budget for assigned areas. Monitors and maintains expenditures and revenue programs within approved budget. Implements cost- effective measures and uses resources and technology effectively to increase productivity. Negotiates contracts for services between the department and outside entities or consultants, as assigned. Secures, monitors and assures compliance with grants and contracts.
• As a representative of the County, manages strategic community partnerships and leverages community resources related to department land and trail management programs. Assists in developing and maintaining partnerships among state, local, and tribal governments, organizations and stakeholders to facilitate on-the ground projects that result in protection and improvement of water quality, natural resources, and trails conditions.
• Plans, prioritizes, schedules, and coordinates work activities using resources effectively. Coordinates workflows, maintenance and operations activities, and tasks with the department's Maintenance & Construction Supervisor, Parks Supervisor, other staff, departments, and contractors. Develops policies, procedures, tasks, workflow, routines and systems for areas of responsibility.
• Evaluates park operations and maintenance activities to ensure they are consistent with watershed conservation and best management objectives. Develops and recommends alternatives to bring park operations and maintenance activities into alignment with conservation objectives.
• Develops programs to achieve environmental restoration and protection goals based on adopted plans and standards. Identifies, monitors and reports environmental and health hazards. Identifies and corrects safety and security problems within the scope of responsibility. Researches and applies for Federal, State, and local permits and licenses.
• Oversees assigned park, conservation, and open space properties consistent with their designation.
• Assists the public and promotes interest and use of department managed properties through public outreach, coordination with community groups and events, and public contacts. Attends public meetings and community gatherings. Organizes, develops and presents educational and safety programs, as assigned.
• Responds to or supervises the resolution of inquiries, complaints, emergencies or requests for information from other departments and the public in a courteous manner, providing information within scope of knowledge and authority or refers to the appropriate source. Explains services, identifies customer needs and maintains effective relationships. Emphasizes a positive public service approach with assigned staff.

Key traits of an ideal candidate:

• Accomplished leader committed to supporting their team and stewarding parks resources
• Exceptional personal character and solid interpersonal skills
• Well organized written and oral communicator
• Critical thinker with a willingness to learn
• Demonstrates dependability, a strong work ethic, and a professional attitude
• Able to foster collaboration and work effectively with coworkers, community stakeholders, and the public

Supervisor: Parks Operations Manager

Hours of Work: Monday - Friday 8 AM - 5 PM

For more information, please review the following:
Salary Range:
Hiring rate depends on qualifications. This position receives annual pay increases to the next step in the associated salary range (apx. 3.8%) subject to satisfactory performance, in addition to any negotiated Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA).

Qualifications

• Requires a Bachelor's degree in Natural Resources Management, Forestry, Biology, Environmental Sciences or a related field, AND 4 (four) years of progressively responsible experience in natural resources management, conservation, trail management, and parks with 2 (two) years of park operations, maintenance, and management experience INCLUDING at least2 (two) years of lead or supervisory experience.

At its sole discretion, Whatcom County may consider combinations of education, experience, certifications, and training in lieu of specifically required qualifications contained herein.
Distinguish yourself in public service and make a commitment to our future.
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Whatcom County offers excellent benefits at no cost to employees, including:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage for employees AND their family
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) and 12 paid holidays annually. Prior related public service considered for setting accrual rate. Accrue up to 330 hours of PTO annually. Cash-out up to 40 hours over 330 maximum annually.

Employment Year Accrual - Month Accrual - Year 1st - 4th year 18.00 hours 5.4 Weeks 5th - 9th year 21.33 hours 6.4 Weeks 10th + year 24.67 hours 7.4 Weeks

• Lifetime pension through the Washington State Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS), with joint contributions required from the employee and the County
• Voluntary Deferred Compensation Retirement with County match
• $50,000 Life Insurance coverage for employees
• Voluntary Term Life Insurance and Personal Accident Insurance
• Long-term Disability Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) available for health care and/or dependent care expenses
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Additional

Subject to satisfactory performance this position receives annual pay increases to the next step in the associated (apx. 3.8%), in addition to any approved Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA).
01

Please indicate if you meet these minimum requirements: Requires a Bachelor's degree in Natural Resources Management, Forestry, Biology, Environmental Sciences or a related field, AND 4 (four) years of progressively responsible experience in natural resources management, conservation, trail management, and parks with 2 (two) years of park operations, maintenance, and management experience INCLUDING at least 2 (two) years of lead or supervisory experience.

• Yes
• No

02

Describe your experience in forest and land management, trail development, and environmental restoration. Provide specific examples of projects you have led, including your role, key challenges, and outcomes.
03

This position requires leadership and supervision of staff. Describe your experience managing teams, including hiring, training, evaluating performance, and fostering a positive work environment. How do you support staff development and ensure effective teamwork?
04

Collaboration with community stakeholders, government agencies, and other organizations is a key aspect of this role. Provide an example of a successful partnership you have managed. How did you coordinate efforts, address challenges, and achieve shared goals?
05

Budgeting and grant management are important responsibilities for this position. Describe your experience preparing and managing budgets, securing and overseeing grants, and negotiating contracts for land management or conservation projects.
06

This role involves responding to public inquiries, attending community meetings, and promoting department-managed properties. How do you engage with the public to encourage stewardship and support for parks and trails? Share an example of how you have successfully managed public outreach or addressed community concerns.
07

Please attach a cover letter to your application. Within the letter tell us about your education and experience related to the position. Describe what makes you a highly competitive candidate for the position.

• I acknowledge this requirement.

Required Question