The Center Manager provides leadership for the Park District’s Outdoor Experiences staff, programs, facilities, partnerships, and resources. The Center Manager administers, plans, and coordinates outdoor education programming and interpretation at their assigned center, other assigned reservations, and outreach to the surrounding community within the Park District. The Center Manager is also responsible for the oversight of their assigned building(s) and related park areas.

Effectively supervises assigned employees, including the following:

• Interviews, selects and trains employees;
• Coaches employees in proper job performance techniques and procedures;
• Directs work of employees and sets/adjusts hours of work;
• Maintains records on employee productivity and appraises employees’ productivity and efficiency to recommend promotions or other changes in status;
• Handles employee complaints and disciplines employees when necessary;
• Apportions work among different employees;
• Monitors or implements legal compliance measures;
• Determines the type of materials, supplies, or tools to be used by employees and controls the flow and distribution of materials and supplies; and
• Provides for employees' safety and Cleveland Metroparks' property (CM).

Regular and predictable attendance is expected and required. Center Managers are expected to work at least one weekend day as a part of their normal schedule. All Cleveland Metroparks employees must be prepared to work flexible schedules, including evenings, weekends, and/or holidays as required.

Oversees staffing of Center: Leads staff meetings/trainings; creates staff work schedules; manages employee reviews/discipline; leads staff work plan development; hires and fires employees; prepares, reviews, and signs staff forms (timesheets, CTC, PPC); reviews program evaluations as related to staff performance; leads staff in program planning and new initiative implementation as it directly relates to the Cleveland Metroparks mission and strategic plan as well as the interpretive plans of the reservations and centers we serve.

Maintains effective communication and customer service: Effectively communicates via email, phone, written communication, and verbally to park patrons, general public outside of the park, school administrators, teachers, activity directors of after-school programs, preschools, nursing facilities, vendors, etc.; provides quality customer service experiences (internal and external); communicates using inter-departmental communication (text, email, phone); writes grants and proposals; edits monthly programs of the Emerald Necklace newsletter; writes facility use policies and procedures; communicated plans to staff (interpretative, programming, and strategic plans).

Participates in short and long-term planning within Outdoor Experiences (OE) and other CM departments: Coordinates schedules that include public programs, special events, school/community/scout groups and rentals/facility use; writes and updates interpretive plans for their assigned reservations, ensuring they support CM mission, strategic plan, and fulfill CAPRA requirements; ensures program offerings including CM marketing initiatives, add to social media presence as well as contribute to CM revenue and recreation initiatives.

Ensures facilities and trails are well maintained and safe for staff and visitors: Ensures assigned buildings and facilities are safe, clean, well-maintained and in compliance with OSHA, PERRP, and state fire regulations; works with park management, trails division and natural resources on trail concerns and maintenance as well as how land/water use by people may negatively impact the natural resource; provides set up and tear down for rentals; ensures personal and staff first aid/CPR/AED/fire extinguisher/EAP training are current; implements vehicle and building trades requests.

Prepares and delivers outdoor education/interpretive programs at assigned reservations as well as off-site locations: Schedules and manages personal and staff time to best serve visitors and internal customers; plans and presents public, outreach, and community/school group programs; plans and offers special events/major programs; manages impromptu programs and roving interpretation; provides animal care and use in programs; acts as front line CM professional to the people we serve by sharing accurate information in an innovative/accessible way to make a connection between the resource and the person.

Prepares, manages and administers operational and capital budgets: Oversees capital projects and equipment requests, purchasing, revenue projection and implementation, and grants; tracks budget expenditures throughout the fiscal year; obtains purchase orders; understands and follows procedures for deposits, bus vouchers, invoicing, petty cash, and donations; creates contracts for performers and/or speakers; uses software and POS for credit card purchases.

Supervises and implements interpretive exhibit and graphic plans (indoor and trailside) for assigned facilities and reservations as outlined in interpretive plans: Creates, reviews and upgrades exhibits inside assigned facilities as well as any interpretive materials trailside or on kiosk panels for assigned reservations; ensures that live animal exhibits and care are safe for the animal and visitors, and that all state guidelines are being followed and permits remain up-to-date; ensures bio facts are logged in sPam database.

Keeps direct supervisor promptly informed of key/significant issues or concerns.

Carries out duties and responsibilities safely and efficiently to maintain a safe work environment and surrounding area for oneself, co-workers and public. Responds to hazardous situations and/or potentially unsafe conditions by taking corrective action as capable and promptly notifying supervisory personnel.

Updates and enhances own knowledge by involvement in continuing education for professional growth (i.e., attends relevant conferences, seminars, in-service trainings, and certification programs)

Performs related duties as assigned or apparent.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in life/environmental science, education, history or related field required; three years of experience as a naturalist or educator; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license under the laws of the State of Ohio; CPR and First Aid certification (can be provided); NAI Certified Interpretive Guide/Planner preferred.
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with stakeholders, including employees, Cleveland Metroparks colleagues and leadership, community partners and the general public.
• Ability to speak and write clearly, concisely and persuasively using correct grammar, spelling and punctuation with ability to effectively communicate one-on-one or in group settings.
• Ability to perform work with a high degree of accuracy and organization.
• Management skills and strong business acumen, including problem-solving, vision, flexibility, creativity, ability to manage multiple programs and meet deadlines, collaboration, leadership, decision making and ability to analyze diverse facts and develop clear and concise reports and recommendations.
• Ability to work cooperatively with others.
• Proficiency in software programs including all Microsoft Office programs as well as Office 365.
• Mature professional attitude and considerable discretion, including ability to manage confidential information.
• Ability to perform with considerable independence and initiative.