Deputy Director of Land Preservation

The purpose of this position is to manage the Land Preservation Division within the Parks and Recreation Department. Under the direction of the Parks and Recreation Director, this position will provide executive-level leadership, strategic planning, and administrative oversight for Beaufort County’s preserved lands, passive parks, natural areas, trails, waterways, historic properties, and environmental education initiatives. Provides subject matter leadership for the stewardship, operation, and public use of County owned preserves, passive parks, and other assigned conservation properties. Protects the natural, cultural, and conservation values for which properties were acquired while providing appropriate public access, nature-based recreation, and environmental education.

The position directs division staff and operations; evaluates proposed uses and improvements against property specific restrictions and conservation purposes; coordinates work across County departments and with external partners; and serves as the lead staff presenter on Land Preservation matters before County Council and its committees. The position reports to the Parks and Recreation Director while exercising professional judgment on ecological and land stewardship matters.

The essential functions listed below are those that represent the majority of the time spent working in this class. Management may assign additional functions related to the type of work of the class as necessary.

• Supervises, directs, and evaluates assigned staff, processing employee concerns and problems, directing work, counseling, disciplining, and completing employee performance appraisals.
• Coordinates, assigns and reviews work and establishes work schedules; maintains standards; monitors status of work in progress; inspects completed work assignments; answers questions; gives advice and direction as needed.
• Develops and implements management plans for assigned preserves and passive parks. Establishes priorities for habitat protection, ecological restoration, resource monitoring, visitor access, maintenance, and long-term care. 
• Reviews the acquisition history, intended conservation purposes, deeds, easements, management plans, funding conditions, and other applicable restrictions for each property. Maintains accessible records of permitted uses and consults with County Legal and other appropriate offices when interpretation or approval is needed. 
• Evaluates proposed activities, improvements, permits, events, partnerships, and revenue opportunities for compatibility with conservation requirements, ecological conditions, public safety, and appropriate passive use. Makes recommendations and administers approvals within delegated authority. 
• Identifies threats to natural and cultural resources, including habitat degradation, invasive species, erosion, unauthorized use, and damage to sensitive areas. Coordinates preventive measures, remediation, and appropriate enforcement responses. 
• Provides technical guidance on Lowcountry ecology, habitats, wildlife, wetlands, waterways, and environmentally sensitive land. Applies sound resource management practices to both publicly accessible and undeveloped properties. 
• Coordinates with County departments on projects or decisions affecting preserved land. 
• Works with conservation organizations, regulatory agencies, municipalities, community groups, contractors, and other partners on stewardship, education, research, and appropriate public access. 
• Oversees nature based programming and environmental education, ensuring that programs accurately explain the value of protected land and meet community needs. 
• Prepares reports, recommendations, presentations, and agenda materials for the Parks and Recreation Director, County Administration, County Council, and Council committees. Serves as the lead staff presenter on matters within the division’s expertise and responds to technical and policy questions. 
• Assists with developing the division budget, monitors expenditures, identifies funding and partnership opportunities, and oversees procurement and vendor performance consistent with County procedures. 
• Establishes operating and safety procedures for field work, visitor facilities, public programs, equipment, and property inspections. Reports significant property concerns and incidents in coordination with appropriate personnel. 
• Communicates with residents and stakeholders about preserve rules, access, projects, and resource protection. Addresses concerns and explains how proposed uses relate to each property’s conservation purpose.
• Performs related work as assigned.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• Requires Bachelor’s degree in ecology, environmental science, biology, natural resource management, conservation, forestry, wildlife management, or a closely related field.
• Over four years and up to and including eight years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

SPECIAL CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES:

• Must possess and maintain a valid state driver’s license with an acceptable driving history.