LOC0456 Water Resource Education Center (WREC)
time type: Full time
job requisition id: 24-0040
Salary Range
6,884.00 - 9,314.00
Job Summary
Direct, manage, and supervise all aspects and operations of the Water Resources Education Center within Public Works. Oversee environmental education programs and indoor and outdoor exhibit spaces, including exhibit planning and maintenance, funding, messaging and partnerships; ensure maintenance of the facility, both indoors and outdoors, manage public space for rent, uses the city’s Climate Action Framework to build and maintain the Center as a model of sustainability for the community.
This is a full-time, regular, exempt position. The schedule for this position is on-site M-F, 8am to 5pm.
Job Details
Essential Functions:
Responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Water Center, including staffing, building maintenance, indoor exhibit hall, outdoor native education gardens, public Community Room rental operations, and educational offerings.
Prioritize and implement the Water Center’s strategic plan to enhance and upgrade the facility and adjacent outdoor areas.
Select, train, and evaluate staff members. Regularly communicate, mentor and motivate staff, and address performance issues.
Create an inclusive team environment and support the development of work plans and goals with staff.
Approve timesheets, leave requests, and other administrative functions.
Support and encourage employee’s professional development opportunities.
Assess and monitor workload and administrative and support systems.
Coordinate and meet with internal city staff to ensure education messaging is current on policy and utility procedures.
Facilitate regular communication and meetings between Education Team and Utility operations/engineering to assess, plan and implement work.
Implement innovative approaches to ensure conservation messaging around water are seen by the public in the outdoor spaces.
Communicate, coordinate, and build relationships with external partners, including conservation organizations, government agencies, tribal communities, foundations, etc.
Prioritize partnerships and engagement with BIPOC communities and other underserved populations in SW Washington, including communities for the deaf and blind.
Coordinate with communications team on development of brochures, newsletters, and related public relations material as required.
Supervise and manage all operations of the Center’s public Community Room rental.
Prepare and present at City Council meetings as needed.
Identify potential funding sources, both internally and externally. Manage and coordinate projects, budgets, and grants for the Water Center.
Manage the development and administration of the annual budget for assigned programs; develop long-term financial plans; direct the forecast of additional funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; direct the monitoring of and approve expenditures; direct and implement adjustments as necessary.
Ensure welcoming and inclusive facility for employees and users.
Participate in the negotiation of contracts and agreements for professional services and interlocal agreements; oversee the administration of agreements; ensure compliance with local, state, and federal codes and regulations.
Coordinate with Environmental Services Manager to plan and direct capital improvement projects for the Center.
Participate in professional group meetings; stay abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of educational facilities management.
Ensure safety in the use of facilities and operation of assigned programs; direct and participate in the inspection of facilities to ensure proper functioning and compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.
Qualifications
Experience and Education
Five (5) years of educational program and facility management. Experience in environmental or natural resource education is preferred.
Bachelor’s with course work related to the job functions listed within this posting.
Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.
Computer Skills
Intermediate skills in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Teams.
Required Licenses and/or Certifications
Possession of a valid Driver’s License
Knowledge
Operational characteristics, services, activities, and programs associated with environmental education facility management.
Leading and managing a team of professional staff.
Experience working collaboratively with various levels of government, community partners, foundations, business partners.
Interpretive design, informal education best practices.
Grant writing, management, and reporting.
Principles and practices of budget preparation and administration.
Experience cultivating learning environments that are equitable and inclusive.
Principles of supervision, training and performance evaluation.
Sustainability and conservation techniques as related to water.
Contract and capital project management.
Abilities
Develop and oversee complex projects. Manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.
Keep up to date on water related issues, specifically concerning utilities, natural resource conservation, ecology, watershed health, green infrastructure.
Cultivate a positive and collaborative work environment.
Implement actions within the City and the Center’s strategic plans.
Prepare and administer large and complex budgets.
Write and manage grants.
Adhere to the values of the City of Vancouver: Collaborative, Inclusive, Innovative, Compassionate, Empowered.
Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations in support of goals.
Operate and use modern office equipment including a personal computer and appropriate computer programs.
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work including City Council, community groups, and the general public.
Provide a high level of customer service at all times.
Maintain regular and dependable attendance.
Perform other duties required to accomplish the objectives of this position.
This position is subject to successful completion of a pre-employment reference check, a basic criminal background check, and a driving abstract.
Job Posting End Date
February 14, 2024