Politics & Government

Help Wanted: Springbrook Nature Center Director

When Siah St. Clair retires this spring, Fridley will have seen three longtime local leaders leave in a matter of months: at City Hall, Banfill-Locke Center for the Arts, and the city's signature nature park.

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Another person at the helm of a major Fridley institution is saying goodbye.

Siah St. Clair, longtime director at the city's Springbrook Nature Center, is retiring this spring, the center's Facebook page announced Thursday. The City of Fridley posted a job announcement for the director position online.

City Manager Bill Burns retired at the end of 2012 after 24 years, with Finance Director Darin Nelson serving as interim city manager until Burns is replaced.

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Banfill-Locke Center for the Arts director Lia Rivamonte is also leaving this spring. "She has given her notice effective March 31st," the center's board president, Ann Bolkcom, said by email. "Banfill will miss her experience and guidance."

Here's what the Springbrook director job description says (click on the PDF thumbnail or visit the City of Fridley website):

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POSITION OBJECTIVE: To manage the resources and facilities of the Springbrook Nature Center, while providing a comprehensive program of environmental education/ nature interpretation for the community.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

  1. Develop, implement and supervise environmental education and nature interpretation programs and opportunities for all ages.

  2. Position the nature center to be a community resource for plant, animal and general nature related information and activities.

  • Provide guidance and leadership to other City Divisions and Departments on management of City natural resource areas. (ie..West Moore Lake Sand Dunes, Innsbruck Nature area)

  • Supervise staff and volunteers for effective operation of the nature center.

  • Work with citizen groups, businesses, community organizations and school districts to accomplish environmental service and nature center projects.

  • Maintain effective working relationships with local businesses, donors, event sponsors, civic organizations and area legislators to promote continued support of nature center objectives.

  • Prepare annual nature center division budget recommendations and monitor expenditures of division to keep within established financial budget.

  • Work with staff to develop annual goals and objectives for the nature center division.

  • Provide leadership in the future planning of programs and facilities. Work with the Department Director incorporating nature center and natural area needs into the Parks 5 Year Capital Improvement Program.

  • Manage capital projects at Springbrook Nature Center and other City natural resource areas as required.

    1. Keep records and statistics on park visitation and program participation. Prepare reports and conduct research as required.

    2. Execute all official policies, rules and regulations impacting use and operation of the nature center.

  • Search for applicable grant or outside funding opportunities to enhance program opportunities and improve nature center facilities.

  • Coordinate the overall management and maintenance of the nature center park.

  • Provide guidance on the design, care and maintenance of facilities and trails within the nature center and other city natural area parks.

  • Work closely with the Parks Division Supervisor on maintenance needs for the nature center park and interpretive center facility.

  • Keep annual permit requirements up to date related to housing of protected animals, bird banding, and other related areas.

  • Promote the nature center programs, facilities, service projects and financial participation opportunities to the greater community through written material, speaking presentations and social media outlets.

  • Provide staff support for the City Council, Parks and Recreation Commission, Environmental Quality Commission, and other commissions or committees for nature center/environmental related issues.

  • Serve as staff liaison to the Springbrook Nature Center Foundation.

  • Represent the City and work with Anoka County, other cities and governmental agencies on environmental issues as directed.

  • Provide leadership, supervision, and direct management for nature center special events.

  • Performs other related duties as assigned.

    • MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

    1. Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Interpretation/Education, Resource Management, Outdoor Recreation/Education, Natural Sciences, Biology or some closely related field.

    2. At least 5 years of experience in environmental interpretation/education.

    3. At least 2 years of experience in a supervisory level position at a full service environmental education center (nature center, zoo, botanical gardens or closely related facility/program)

    DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

    1. Master’s Degree in Environmental Interpretation, Natural Science, Business Administration or some closely related field.
    2. At least ten years experience in environmental interpretation/education, including at least two years experience in nature center operation.
    3. At least five years experience in a supervisory level position at a full service environmental education center (nature center, zoo, botanical gardens or closely related facility/program) – or at least two years experience as a Nature Center Director or Assistant Director
    4. Demonstrated financial management experience with facility and program operation.
    5. Demonstrated active participation in state and/or national professional association.
    6. A clearly demonstrated passion for nature!

    KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

    1. Knowledge of wildlife/land management, sustainability practices, live animal care and development of environmental education program curriculum.

    2. Knowledge of principles and best practices related to budget preparation, financial management, organizational management, and staff supervision.

    3. Knowledge of municipal recreation and parks administration, planning, programming and operations.

  • Knowledge of facility management, including OSHA and safety regulations, requirements and procedures.

  • Knowledge of grant application process and fundraising opportunities to enhance programs and improve facilities.

  • Ability to lead and motivate people.

  • Ability to supervise the work of division staff and volunteers, including: coordinating, assigning, monitoring and evaluating work,; hiring, training, counseling and staff development.

  • Ability to engage community groups and encourage compromise, collaboration, and partnerships between community members.

  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare and make presentations to a variety of audiences.

    • 10. Outstanding customer service skills.

    1. Ability to use computer software applications for a business setting (i.e. word processing and spreadsheets)

    2. Ability to effectively deal with changing conditions and priorities.

    WORK ENVIRONMENT:

    Attached is a Job Activity Requirement form of work environment characteristics that are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of a Springbrook Nature Center Director. Candidates should understand the physical requirements of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable a person with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

    COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

    Expected hiring range: $63,565-73,590 (annual). Benefits include a variety of options, paid entirely or in part for the employee by the City, which includes: life, health, and dental insurance; flexible spending program; short and long term disability; annual leave (18 days); eleven (11) city-paid holidays per year; employee wellness program; deferred compensation, employer's share of payments to workers’ compensation, unemployment compensation; and the Public Employees Retirement Association (pension).

    Submit the City of Fridley application with a cover letter, resume and supplemental questionnaire. Application materials may be downloaded from the City of Fridley’s website at www.ci.fridley.mn.us or contact the City of Fridley directly at 6431 University Avenue, N.E., Fridley, MN 55432 (763) 572-3504. All application materials must be received by Feb. 22, 2013 4:00 p.m.

    The City of Fridley will not discriminate against or harass any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, disability, age, membership on a local human rights commission, or sexual orientation.

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