Site Manager (Naturalist III)

Salary : $68,774.37 - $114,625.06 Annually Location : SPRINGFIELD (HM04), VA Job Type: FT Salary W BN Job Number: 26-00415 Department: Park Authority Opening Date: 03/07/2026 Closing Date: 3/20/2026 11:59 PM Eastern Pay Grade: S24 Posting Type: Open to General Public Job Announcement Join the Park Authority and our nationally recognized team of professionals! Fairfax County is a dynamic community with 1.2 million residents, an award-winning park system, a top-notch school system, safe neighborhoods, and a highly diverse population. The Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) is seeking a site manager for Huntley Meadows Park and a site manager for Hidden Pond Nature Center to be part of one of the most highly regarded park systems in the country. With more than 24,000 acres of parkland, nine Rec Centers, eight golf courses, five nature centers, four waterfront parks, historic sites 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. Site managers lead long term planning for and direct daily operations of the site and its amenities, including stewarding the site's natural and cultural resources, maintaining facilities, and managing staff. Develops and updates an operations plan for supervising the daily site operations in accordance with those plans. Responsible for staffing, evaluating, and scheduling volunteer and staff for visitor services and public programming, facility use, and all other activities related to the administration. Leads collaborative initiatives with stakeholders, FCPA leadership, elected and appointed. Holiday and weekends may be required. This recruitment will be used to fill two vacancies at the following locations: Hidden Pond Nature Center 8511 Greeley Blvd West Springfield, VA 22152 Huntley Meadows Park 3701 Lockheed Blvd Alexandria, VA 22306 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 description.) Reviews the overall development of educational programs and events and coordinates visitor services; Develops long- and short-term goals, operating objectives, strategies, and implementation plans; Ensures that all facilities meet quality standards for housekeeping, cleanliness and maintenance; Ensures that facilities and grounds are free of safety hazards, that appropriate safety measures are implemented and that all federal, state and county safety standards are applied and satisfied; Develops and implements security guidelines to protect park facilities and the public against fire, vandalism, and other threats; Recommends, develops, and implements plans for improved service delivery; Reviews and makes recommendations on plans for new park or facility construction; Develops and submits an annual operating budget and monitors revenue/expenditure performance levels; Complies with financial guidelines and reconciles revenue and expense reports; Completes and evaluates various financial, administrative, and statistical reports; Prepares and reviews contracts for facility use and contractual services; Ensures the efficient use of park lands and facilities to maximize revenue and customer satisfaction; Authorizes the procurement of supplies, equipment or services; Ensures that all required certificates, licenses, and permits are current and posted; Develops resource protection plans and procedures; Contributes to the development of Park Authority and County-wide strategic plans related to resource protection; Conducts inspections and field surveys, reviews plans, prepares reports and makes recommendations regarding natural resource protection for easements, dedications, rezonings, Park Authority construction projects, general management plans, encroachments, and resource conflicts; Plans, schedules, directs and evaluates the work of staff; Provides subordinate staff with specialized training and professional development opportunities; Interacts with citizens and community organizations regarding park use, maintenance, and resource protection issues; Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with the public, interest groups, and County staff. 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 the principles and practices of parks and recreation center maintenance and management; Knowledge of the principles of nature conservation theory and philosophy; Knowledge of conservation program management practices; Knowledge of financial management controls relating to budgeting and accounting of expenditures; Ability to manage a large, complex operation with extensive capital equipment, property value and inventory; Ability to motivate and supervise others; Ability to schedule, coordinate and prioritize the work of a diverse group of employees; Ability to evaluate employees' performance against comprehensive performance standards; Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; Ability to prepare clear, concise financial and administrative reports; Ability to analyze programs and procedures and evaluate their performance against established objectives; Ability to prepare and adhere to a budget; Ability to maintain effective relationships with employees and the general public; Ability to develop and implement effective management practices; Ability to develop and implement staff training programs. Employment Standards MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: (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, natural history, park management, education, or a closely related field; plus, three years of progressively responsible experience in the field of conservation management, environmental education, interpretation, park programming, or a closely related field. CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES REQUIRED: Driver's License (Required) CPR/First Aid (Required within 3 months) Osha-10 (Required within 12 months) NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: The appointee to this position will be required to complete a criminal background check and driving record check to the satisfaction of the employer. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: Experience with the management and operation of a public park. Knowledge of local natural and cultural history. Experience in planning, coordinating, and conducting natural and/or cultural history interpretive programs. Experience writing interpretative exhibits, blogs, and/or brochures. Experience operating a visitor center/nature center. Experience with financial management, analysis, and budgets. Experience with planning, reporting, and project and office management. Experience supervising paid and/or volunteer staff. Ability to work well with the public and colleagues. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Professional NAI certification. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull 40 lbs. with or without assistance. Ability to traverse uneven terrain. Ability to work in adverse weather conditions. All duties may be performed with or without reasonable accommodations. SELECTION PROCEDURE:Panel interview; may include exercise. Fairfax County is home to a highly diverse population, with a significant number of residents speaking languages other than English at home (including ) We encourage candidates who are bilingual in English and another language to apply for 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. TTYEEO/AA/TTY. #LI-SP1 Merit Positions Fairfax County is proud to offer employees an attractive and comprehensive benefits program, including the following: Medical/Vision/Dental Insurance Coverage Group Term Life Insurance Long Term Disability LiveWell Program Flexible Spending Programs Paid Leave (annual, sick, parental, volunteer activity, and more!) Paid Holidays Contributory Retirement Plan Deferred Compensation Employee Assistance Program Employees' Child Care Center Continuous Learning Opportunities Commuter Benefits Accounts NOTE: Fairfax County Government is a qualifying employer under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. For more information about the PSLF program: For additional details please visit the Non-Merit Positions Non-Merit Benefit Eligible: scheduled to work a minimum 1,040 hours and no more than a maximum of 1,560 hours in a calendar year. Medical/Vision/Dental Insurance Coverage Flexible Spending Program Deferred Compensation Temporary: scheduled to work a maximum of 900 hours in a calendar year. No benefits 01 What is the highest level of education that you have completed? Less than 12th grade High school diploma or GED Some college Associate's degree Bachelor's degree Master's degree Doctorate degree 02 If you answered "Some college" for the highest level of education completed, please indicate the number of quarter or semester hours you have completed towards a degree. Less than 45 quarter hours 45 to less than 90 quarter hours 90 to less than 135 quarter hours 135 to less than 180 quarter hours 180 or more quarter hours Less than 30 semester hours 30 to less than 60 semester hours 60 to less than 90 semester hours 90 to less than 120 semester hours 120 or more semester hours Not applicable 03 Please indicate the major(s) or minor(s) for your completed degree(s). Check all that apply. Natural or life sciences (biology, ecology, environmental science, plant sciences, etc.) Natural history Park management Education Agriculture Agronomy Architecture Sustainable agriculture Sustainable development Historic preservation Other (related field) Other (non-related field) Not applicable 04 If you answered "Other (related field)" or "Other (non-related field)" for the previous question, please list all of your majors and minors. If this question does not pertain to you, or you do not have a degree, enter "Not applicable". 05 Do you currently possess a valid driver's license? Yes No 06 How many years of full-time equivalent progressively responsible experience do you have in the field of conservation management, environmental education, interpretation, park programming, or a closely related field?(Progressively responsible experience: Refers to tasks, job duties, or roles that demonstrate growth and/or advancement in complexity, difficulty, or level of responsibility.) None Less than one year One to less than two years Two to less than three years Three to less than four years Four to less than five years Five to less than six years Six to less than seven years Seven to less than eight years Eight or more years 07 How many years of full-time equivalent experience do you have managing a facility or major program at a nature center? None Less than one year One to less than two years Two to less than three years Three to less than four years Four to less than five years Five or more years 08 How many years of full-time equivalent experience do you have supervising a staff of five or more people? None Less than one year One to less than two years Two to less than three years Three to less than four years Four to less than five years Five or more years 09 What kinds of plans have you developed or implemented? Facility Master Plan Natural and/or cultural resource management plan Annual operations plan with goals and measurable objectives Business plan for a park or program Interpretive plan Safety and emergency plans Living collections None of the above 10 Describe your experience with nature centers. Select all that apply. Implementing park and/or maintenance standards Managing and documenting collections items through record keeping Created and/or implemented landscape designs or management plans None of the above 11 Which programs have you supervised, coordinated, or managed? Select all that apply. Managing revenue generating programs Managing contracts for goods and services Coordinating a large special event Coordinating a volunteer program Leading a construction project at a park site Providing animal care for exhibits None of the above 12 What tasks have you performed? Select all that apply. Served on an agency or division wide team or committee. Lead a facility renovation project Lead a natural resources restoration project Obtained grants or donated funding Resolved customer service complaints and/or issues None of the above 13 Which of the following management and administrative tasks have you performed? Select all that apply. Contractor management Project management Budget development and management Project documentation, tracking, and recording Supervising personnel Development of long-range goals and strategies None of the above 14 Which of the following communication and outreach tasks have you performed? Select all that apply. Outreach and education of stakeholders, boards and commissions, public and volunteers Communication of technical issues effectively, both orally and in writing Presentation development and delivery Response to staff, agency leadership, elected or appointed officials, and public inquiries Collaborate through partnerships with friends of parks, community groups, etc. None of the above 15 The appointee to this position may be required to work nights, weekends or odd hours depending on project needs and events. Are you willing and able to perform this capacity? Yes No 16 What professional certifications or course certificates do you currently possess? Select all that apply. National Association for Interpretation Leadership and/or Supervision Parks and Recreation Professional None of the above Required Question

Created: 2026-03-10