9D26
PARK ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION DIRECTOR

This is park management work directing the environmental education program of the Fairmount Park Commission. An employee in this class is responsible for planning, coordinating and implementing environmental education programs and activities and directing, through subordinate supervisors, the operation of the Park's environmental centers. Work includes establishing goals and objectives for the environmental education division and participating in the formulation and implementation of department policy. Contacting and developing relationships with community groups, educational institutions, volunteer organizations, and other governmental and private agencies to promote awareness, participation and support for programs is a significant aspect of the work. Work is performed under the direction of the Executive Director of the Fairmount Park Commission.

• This is a one-position class responsible for the management of the Environmental Education Division of Fairmount Park.

• Plans and establishes long and short range plans, goals and objectives for the Division; directs the development and implementation of all environmental educational and interpretive programs throughout Fairmount Park, including programs for youth and the general public, special events and contract programs.
• Directs the management, programming and operations of all Park environmental education centers; defines staff responsibilities and performance standards; analyzes existing programs to determine if changes or improvements are required.
• Develops proposals to leverage and raise additional funding through public and private entities to sustain the environmental education centers and program initiatives; directs the activities of mangers and subordinates engaged in the preparation of proposals for submission to foundations to acquire funding for environmental and conservation programs; reviews and approves applications for federal and state environmental and conservation grants; oversees the administration of grants and trusts for compliance with technical and fiscal specifications.
• Reviews and provides input to other Park divisions concerning the design, development and construction of new environmental centers; consults on maintenance and renovation plans for existing centers.
• Serves as spokesperson and advocate for environmental education for Fairmount Park; acts as Park representative to other agencies and governmental departments regarding issues related to education, public outreach and environmental protection; develops new partnerships and maintains and/or improves existing relationships with community groups and volunteer organizations, schools and institutions of higher learning, the business community, the general public and other groups; attends meetings of local civic, social and educational groups.
• Works with representatives of the School District of Philadelphia and other non-public and parochial schools to develop programs that relate to the school curriculum and needs of the Park; plans and develops partnerships and collaborations with school officials that provide learning opportunities for students in Fairmount Park as related to classroom activities; plans and coordinates Fairmount Park resources as necessary to support School District of Philadelphia Service Learning curriculum; designs new educational programs and activities as needed to respond to the requests of the community.
• Plans and administers Division budget; determines staffing needs for centers; plans, develops and manages staff education workshops, seminars and in-service programs on subject matter appropriate for program goals and objectives.
• Collaborates with other Park divisions in developing and implementing programs; coordinates with the Fairmount Park Ranger Corps in carrying out informational and interpretive programs and other activities in Fairmount Park.
• Plans and directs Fairmount Park's public outreach program to empower community groups, volunteer organizations, civic groups, youth and senior organizations, etc. to become involved in facets of the improvement, maintenance and protection of park resources.
• Performs related work a required.

KNOWLEDGE OF:
• the goals and objectives of environmental education.
• the principles and practices of curriculum design and development for environmental education purposes.
• the practices and current developments in the field of environmental science relating to arboriculture, floriculture, and horticulture.
• the principles of natural lands management and restoration.
• the principles and practices of informational and public relations programs and initiatives.
• the methods and practices of organizational development and program planning.
• managerial and administrative practices.
• methods, materials and practices used in the maintenance and improvement of natural areas.
ABILITY TO:
• plan, implement and manage complex programs and projects in a timely and efficient manner.
• communicate effectively and collaborate and work with diverse groups of people.
• prepare and implement informational programs and initiatives.
• establish and maintain effective working relationships with community groups, subordinates and the general public.

EDUCATION
• Completion of a bachelor's degree program at an accredited college or university with major course work in education, environmental science, ecology, horticulture, arboriculture or a related field.
AND
GENERAL EXPERIENCE
• Five years of experience in the area of environmental education, horticulture, aboriculture, or park administration.
AND
SPECIFIC EXPERIENCE
• Two years of administrative or managerial experience with responsibility for horticultural and arboricultural programs which has included providing interpretive programs and performing community liaison activities.
OR
• Two years of supervisory experience directing lower level specialists carrying out environmental education programs and projects.

Or any equivalent combination of acceptable education and experience which has included a bachelor's degree with coursework in the areas indicated as an educational minimum and the specific experience described above.

• Ability to physically perform the duties and to work in the environmental conditions required of a position in this class.