Howard County Government
Maintenance and Conservation Manager-(Natural Resource Program Manager II)-Recre
Howard County Government, Columbia, Maryland, United States, 21046
Howard County:
Conveniently located in the heart of central Maryland between Baltimore and Washington, Howard County offers the charm of a historic past mixed with the excitement of a cosmopolitan community.
Howard County Government: Howard County Government is a leader in innovation, sustainability, and consistently ranked as one of the best places to live and work in the country. In 2025, Howard County Government received a record-breaking 85 Achievement Awards from the National Association of Counties (NACo) – the highest number of annual NACo awards achieved in the history of the State of Maryland, and the highest number of awards out of any county in the State of Maryland which received a collective 136 awards. NACo is the leading organization representing county-level government operations. These awards recognize innovative and transformative programs that provide new services for county residents, improve existing programs, upgrade working conditions, and enhance citizen participation and public policymaking.
What are we looking for? We are looking for outstanding individuals to join our team and contribute to excellence in Howard County operations.
What you'll like most about working at Howard County Government:
We are committed to workplace excellence in every area of County government.
We have a highly talented, diverse, and inclusive workplace. Your input will not only be heard, but it will be encouraged!
We offer competitive compensation and great benefits including medical, retirement, and wellness programs.
As a member of the Howard County Government team, you'll be helping drive our culture and directly impact what makes us an amazing place to work.
POSITION SUMMARY: This position manages the Conservation and Maintenance Section of the Robinson Nature Center. Duties include staff supervision and direction of natural resources and ecosystem management and facility and land.
STARTING SALARY HIRING RANGE: Salary: $32.95 - $36.03 (equivalent to $68,542 - $74,934)
CLASS DESCRIPTION: Performs mid management and advanced level natural resources work, which may include supervisory responsibility, under general supervision from an administrative or technical superior. Work may include developing natural resource management plans, managing natural resource field operations and regulation implementation and compliance. Work may also include providing technical direction related to natural resource/ecosystem management, developing natural resource policies and procedures, and overseeing county-wide deer, other wildlife management, or educational programs. Other related duties may be assigned.
Works and cooperates with co-workers and supervisors at all levels.
Learns and performs all essential job functions accurately.
Directs and coordinates facility and land management duties including maintenance operations at Robinson Nature Center. This includes planning, directing and coordination of ecosystem management, trail construction and maintenance, plumbing, painting, electrical, carpentry, as well as landscape and horticultural maintenance.
Oversees, directs and evaluates the work and performance of two full‑time staff members, multiple contingent employees and volunteers.
Provides technical direction to staff and contractors in best management practices related to natural resource and ecosystem management.
Assists with the repair and maintenance of interior and exterior exhibits.
Manages and coordinates large‑scale volunteer projects and RNC event logistics.
Responsible for the scheduling and coordination of staff for the physical arrangements set up and take down related to programming and events at the Robinson Nature Center.
Creates long and short‑term goals related to conservation and maintenance of the Robinson Nature Center complex.
Oversees and resolves complex maintenance tasks, inspects work in progress, approves completed work and enforces safety regulations and procedures.
Develops, updates and implements Natural Resource Management Plans and Land Management Calendar for RNC complex.
Trains staff in all areas of park and facility operation and conservation and ecosystem management. This includes related equipment operation and maintenance.
Ensures that safety procedures are followed.
Tracks the use of the section’s PDQ’s as well as monitors budget allocations and balances.
Administrative duties include reviewing, editing and completing incident reports, timesheets, department requisitions, chemical application records, and documentation of vandalism and damage reports.
Coordinates with Department sections and other county agencies to provide assistance on park projects and facility issues related to Robinson Nature Center operations, this includes the Bureau of Facilities and Environmental Services, DTCS, Horticulture and Land Management and others.
Coordinates service and contracts for daily cleaning contractor, pest control, trash and recycling, porous concrete parking lot sweeping, and deliveries.
Under direct supervision of the RNC Manager, serves as coordinator and lead contact for all service and maintenance related contractors. Oversees their activities and inspects work and approves work to the Bureau of Facilities for payment.
Manages and provides leadership to field crews of staff, interns, and volunteers conducting biological data collection for natural resource inventories, habitat management monitoring, and research projects.
Monitors core area of property daily, and trails regularly. Ensures grounds are maintained and the natural play area is safe and visitor‑ready on a daily basis.
Operates snow equipment (plow, snow blower, shovels) and applies de‑icing materials as needed.
Oversees and carries out routine grounds maintenance, including mowing, trimming, edging, meadow management, invasive removal, and plantings.
Directs technical aspects of plant material selection and oversees and monitors the ordering, payment, receiving, proper storage and protection of plant materials. Directs the care of plant materials in staging, site‑layout design and post‑installation inspection of planting.
May represent RNC interests at meetings with community partners, grantors, foundations, consultants, other county departments, and state agencies.
Manages and directs the implementation of the Department’s environmental sustainability efforts and activities at RNC. Responsible for identification and implementation of environmental sustainability Best Management Practices (BMPs).
Collaborates with the Office of Community Sustainability, Department of Planning and Zoning, and the Department of Public Works and other relevant agencies.
Responsible for identifying and applying good sustainability practices into all aspects of Department operations.
This position is considered essential and will be required to work emergency situations to include staffing the Department Operations Center. Supervises and provides emergency management.
Serves on committees as assigned.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: Directly supervises full‑time employees, and directly or indirectly supervises contingent staff, interns, and volunteers. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems. Reviews individual progress reports, time sheets, leave requests, accident/incident and damage reports, maintains records of materials and supplies used, man hours expended, and other relevant information.
PREFERRED EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Bachelor's degree and two (2) years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
First Aid, CPR and AED
Proficient in recent Windows, Excel, Word and PowerPoint
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; sit; and use hands to touch, handle, or feel. The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, moving mechanical parts, fumes or airborne particles, and outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
LANGUAGE SKILLS, MATHEMATICAL SKILLS, AND REASONING ABILITY: Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical journals, financial reports, and legal documents. Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community. Ability to write speeches and articles for publication that conform to prescribed style and format. Ability to effectively present information to top management, public groups, and/or boards of directors.
Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference, and fundamentals of plane and solid geometry and trigonometry. Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.
Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.
Possession of a valid driver's license. License must remain valid, as long as individual is employed in this class.
Obtain CPR and First Aid certification within six months of employment.
Completion of required National Incident Management Systems (NIMS) training.
Possess or obtain within six months a Maryland Pesticide Applicators License.
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Howard County Government: Howard County Government is a leader in innovation, sustainability, and consistently ranked as one of the best places to live and work in the country. In 2025, Howard County Government received a record-breaking 85 Achievement Awards from the National Association of Counties (NACo) – the highest number of annual NACo awards achieved in the history of the State of Maryland, and the highest number of awards out of any county in the State of Maryland which received a collective 136 awards. NACo is the leading organization representing county-level government operations. These awards recognize innovative and transformative programs that provide new services for county residents, improve existing programs, upgrade working conditions, and enhance citizen participation and public policymaking.
What are we looking for? We are looking for outstanding individuals to join our team and contribute to excellence in Howard County operations.
What you'll like most about working at Howard County Government:
We are committed to workplace excellence in every area of County government.
We have a highly talented, diverse, and inclusive workplace. Your input will not only be heard, but it will be encouraged!
We offer competitive compensation and great benefits including medical, retirement, and wellness programs.
As a member of the Howard County Government team, you'll be helping drive our culture and directly impact what makes us an amazing place to work.
POSITION SUMMARY: This position manages the Conservation and Maintenance Section of the Robinson Nature Center. Duties include staff supervision and direction of natural resources and ecosystem management and facility and land.
STARTING SALARY HIRING RANGE: Salary: $32.95 - $36.03 (equivalent to $68,542 - $74,934)
CLASS DESCRIPTION: Performs mid management and advanced level natural resources work, which may include supervisory responsibility, under general supervision from an administrative or technical superior. Work may include developing natural resource management plans, managing natural resource field operations and regulation implementation and compliance. Work may also include providing technical direction related to natural resource/ecosystem management, developing natural resource policies and procedures, and overseeing county-wide deer, other wildlife management, or educational programs. Other related duties may be assigned.
Works and cooperates with co-workers and supervisors at all levels.
Learns and performs all essential job functions accurately.
Directs and coordinates facility and land management duties including maintenance operations at Robinson Nature Center. This includes planning, directing and coordination of ecosystem management, trail construction and maintenance, plumbing, painting, electrical, carpentry, as well as landscape and horticultural maintenance.
Oversees, directs and evaluates the work and performance of two full‑time staff members, multiple contingent employees and volunteers.
Provides technical direction to staff and contractors in best management practices related to natural resource and ecosystem management.
Assists with the repair and maintenance of interior and exterior exhibits.
Manages and coordinates large‑scale volunteer projects and RNC event logistics.
Responsible for the scheduling and coordination of staff for the physical arrangements set up and take down related to programming and events at the Robinson Nature Center.
Creates long and short‑term goals related to conservation and maintenance of the Robinson Nature Center complex.
Oversees and resolves complex maintenance tasks, inspects work in progress, approves completed work and enforces safety regulations and procedures.
Develops, updates and implements Natural Resource Management Plans and Land Management Calendar for RNC complex.
Trains staff in all areas of park and facility operation and conservation and ecosystem management. This includes related equipment operation and maintenance.
Ensures that safety procedures are followed.
Tracks the use of the section’s PDQ’s as well as monitors budget allocations and balances.
Administrative duties include reviewing, editing and completing incident reports, timesheets, department requisitions, chemical application records, and documentation of vandalism and damage reports.
Coordinates with Department sections and other county agencies to provide assistance on park projects and facility issues related to Robinson Nature Center operations, this includes the Bureau of Facilities and Environmental Services, DTCS, Horticulture and Land Management and others.
Coordinates service and contracts for daily cleaning contractor, pest control, trash and recycling, porous concrete parking lot sweeping, and deliveries.
Under direct supervision of the RNC Manager, serves as coordinator and lead contact for all service and maintenance related contractors. Oversees their activities and inspects work and approves work to the Bureau of Facilities for payment.
Manages and provides leadership to field crews of staff, interns, and volunteers conducting biological data collection for natural resource inventories, habitat management monitoring, and research projects.
Monitors core area of property daily, and trails regularly. Ensures grounds are maintained and the natural play area is safe and visitor‑ready on a daily basis.
Operates snow equipment (plow, snow blower, shovels) and applies de‑icing materials as needed.
Oversees and carries out routine grounds maintenance, including mowing, trimming, edging, meadow management, invasive removal, and plantings.
Directs technical aspects of plant material selection and oversees and monitors the ordering, payment, receiving, proper storage and protection of plant materials. Directs the care of plant materials in staging, site‑layout design and post‑installation inspection of planting.
May represent RNC interests at meetings with community partners, grantors, foundations, consultants, other county departments, and state agencies.
Manages and directs the implementation of the Department’s environmental sustainability efforts and activities at RNC. Responsible for identification and implementation of environmental sustainability Best Management Practices (BMPs).
Collaborates with the Office of Community Sustainability, Department of Planning and Zoning, and the Department of Public Works and other relevant agencies.
Responsible for identifying and applying good sustainability practices into all aspects of Department operations.
This position is considered essential and will be required to work emergency situations to include staffing the Department Operations Center. Supervises and provides emergency management.
Serves on committees as assigned.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: Directly supervises full‑time employees, and directly or indirectly supervises contingent staff, interns, and volunteers. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems. Reviews individual progress reports, time sheets, leave requests, accident/incident and damage reports, maintains records of materials and supplies used, man hours expended, and other relevant information.
PREFERRED EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Bachelor's degree and two (2) years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
First Aid, CPR and AED
Proficient in recent Windows, Excel, Word and PowerPoint
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; sit; and use hands to touch, handle, or feel. The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, moving mechanical parts, fumes or airborne particles, and outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
LANGUAGE SKILLS, MATHEMATICAL SKILLS, AND REASONING ABILITY: Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical journals, financial reports, and legal documents. Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community. Ability to write speeches and articles for publication that conform to prescribed style and format. Ability to effectively present information to top management, public groups, and/or boards of directors.
Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference, and fundamentals of plane and solid geometry and trigonometry. Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.
Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.
Possession of a valid driver's license. License must remain valid, as long as individual is employed in this class.
Obtain CPR and First Aid certification within six months of employment.
Completion of required National Incident Management Systems (NIMS) training.
Possess or obtain within six months a Maryland Pesticide Applicators License.
#J-18808-Ljbffr