Compensation: $60- $65,000 annually 

FLSA Status: Non-exempt

Closing Date: December 4, 2023

Position Summary
The Parks, Recreation, and Open Space (PROS) Deputy Director – Open Space will be responsible for the advancement of the PROS mission and vision through leadership of Lake County’s new Open Space program, including land and resource protection, outdoor recreation, wildlife conservation, and partnership development. They will be a member of a new Leadership Team (LT), consisting of two other PROS Deputy Directors who will oversee Get Outdoors Leadville! (GOL!) and Parks and Recreation, respectively. The new LT will help to guide the overall strategic vision of PROS in Lake County.

The PROS Deputy Director – Open Space will oversee and evaluate the work of Lake County’s new Open Space program and its partnerships with local, state, and federal land management agencies. They will provide day-to-day management of all Open Space properties (including those properties owned by other organizations, where appropriate), design and implement land conservation and stewardship projects, design and implement outdoor recreation amenities and programs, and serve as a key point of contact for regional, state, and national conservation and open space organizations. They will also work closely with the PROS Director on implementing community outreach and engagement efforts dedicated to building support for large capital campaigns for open space and land conservation projects. They will work closely with many community and regional partners, including counterparts in other Lake County Government departments.

We encourage applicants of all levels of experience, skill, and ability to apply to this position. The requirements are a guide, and not wholly inclusive of potential talents the incumbent may be able to bring to Lake County Government.

General Duties and Responsibilities
• As a member of the PROS leadership team, help develop and support the long-term strategic vision of the Open Space program, as well as the greater PROS department.
• Manage all conservation, stewardship, and recreation programs on county-owned or jointly-managed open space properties.
• Develop and implement open space programs in collaboration with the LT, including designing and implementing land conservation projects, expanding and enhancing outdoor recreation programs, and designing wildlife habitat conservation initiatives.
• Collaborate with Lake County Conservation District and other external partners to support conservation, stewardship, recreation, and education projects on private lands.
• Collaborate with Tourism Department staff to manage and supervise Friends of Lake County (FOLC) stewardship projects with local, state, and federal partners (e.g. USFS).
• Collaborate with other County Departments (e.g. Community Planning and Development, Public Works, Office of Emergency Management) to implement conservation and resource management projects.
• Collaborate with the PROS Director to develop program budgets and monitor on-going financials.
• Collaborate with the PROS Director to monitor grant deliverables and measure and evaluate program impacts/outcomes.
• Liaise with key Lake County groups, advisory boards, and initiatives (e.g. Lake County Open Space Initiative), and create bridges between Open Space work and PROS initiatives.
• Advance the long-term programmatic and financial sustainability of the Open Space program.
• Support other PROS programs (GOL!, Parks and Recreation) in increasing cultural responsiveness and expanding equity practices.
• Serve as the spokesperson for Open Space and its mission, vision, and impacts to funders, partners, and the public.
• Establish and maintain relationships with current and potential partners and funders.
• Collaborate with the PROS Director and the Communication Director to promote Open Space and other PROS programs.
• Manage staff in their implementation of programs.
• Oversee or delegate projects, as needed.

Supervisory Responsibilities
• Part time open space staff and volunteer groups.

Requirements
• High School Diploma or GED
• Knowledge of open space principles/practices
• Microsoft Office Suite
• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Must have valid driver’s license
• Must be able to pass a pre-employment background check
• Wilderness First Aid (WFA) or Wilderness First Responder (WFR), or willingness to acquire certification within 6 months of hire (county supported).
• Ability to work weekends and evenings

Physical Activity & Work Environment
• Sitting - More than 50% of time
• Walking - More than 50% of time
• Standing - More than 50% of time
• Using hands/fingers to feel or handle items - More than 50% of time
• Reaching, pushing, or pulling with arms/hands - More than 50% of time
• Climbing - Less than 50% of time
• Balancing - Less than 50% of time
• Kneeling, crawling, or crouching - More than 50% of time
• Talking or hearing - More than 50% of time
• Tasting or smelling - Not Applicable
• Lifting, moving, or exerting force of up to 10 lbs. - More than 50% of time
• Lifting, moving, or exerting force of up to 25 lbs. - More than 50% of time
• Lifting, moving, or exerting force of up to 50 lbs. - More than 50% of time
• Lifting, moving, or exerting force of up to 100 lbs. - Less than 50% of time
• Lifting, moving, or exerting force of more than 100 lbs. - Less than 50% of time
• Seeing up close - More than 50% of time
• Seeing long distances - More than 50% of time
• Seeing color - More than 50% of time
• Use of peripheral vision - More than 50% of time
• Perceiving depth - More than 50% of time
• Adjusting and focusing vision - More than 50% of time
• Working outdoors in inclement weather – extreme hot - Less than 50% of time
• Working outdoors in inclement weather – extreme cold - Less than 50% of time
• Working indoors in an office environment - More than 50% of time
• Working in high places - Less than 50% of time
• Working near moving mechanical parts and machines - Less than 50% of time
• Working in wet/humid conditions that are not weather related - Not Applicable
• Working in extreme cold conditions that are not weather related - Not Applicable
• Working in extreme hot conditions that are not weather related - Not Applicable
• Working with airborne particles or fumes - Not Applicable
• Working with toxic or caustic chemicals or agents - Not Applicable
• Working with explosives - Not Applicable
• Working in an area with a risk of exposure to radiation - Not Applicable
• Working in an area with a risk of exposure to electrocution - Not Applicable
• Exposure to vibration - Not Applicable
• Working in a loud environment - Less than 50% of time

EOE Statement
Lake County is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to age, race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran status. Assistance or accommodation during the application process due to a disability is available upon request.

Lake County Benefits - Full-Time Employees

As a reflection of the value we place on the contributions of our employees, the County offers a competitive benefits package for full-time employees. Please review the 2023 Benefits Guide for full details. The Guide provides information on Lake County Government's benefit offerings, including:

• Employer-Sponsored Medical and Dental Insurance Plans

• 100% Employer Paid Vision Plan

• Flexible Spending Account

• Health Reimbursement Account

• Employer-Sponsored Short-Term Disability Insurance

• 100% Employer Paid Long-Term Disability Insurance

• 100% Employer Paid Term Life Insurance

• Supplemental Life Insurance Plans

• 401(a) and 457(b) Employer Matched Retirement Plans

• Paid Vacation, Sick Leave, Personal Days and Holidays

• Employee Assistance Program

• Public Health Emergency Leave

• Discounts on concerts, major sporting events, electronics, travel, cars and more!

Lake County Benefits - Part-Time Employees

Lake County is also proud to offer paid sick time off and flexible work schedules for our part-time employees.

EOE Statement

Lake County is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to age, race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran status. Assistance or accommodation during the application process due to a disability is available upon request.

Notice of Work Authorization Requirement

Applicants must be authorized to lawfully work for any employer in the United States. Lake County is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa.

Notice of Emergency/Disaster Responsibilities

All Lake County Employees may be required to work as a Disaster Service Worker when a local declaration of emergency or disaster is declared by the Board of County Commissioners. To be prepared for this role, all employees and emergency service function (ESF) leads will attend emergency management trainings and exercises as requested by the Director of Emergency Management. With advanced notification from OEM, employees will make reasonable efforts to attend training events in coordination with other employees and supervisors.

Other Duties

Please note that this job description does not intend to cover or contain a full comprehensive list of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Expected Duration of the Application Process

Due to the nature of the application and selection process for Lake County full-time positions, applicants can reasonably expect the application process to take a significant amount of time to complete before a decision is made to hire or not to hire. Typically, it takes approximately four (4) to six (6) weeks from the date of application to complete the entire selection process. The length of time it takes to complete the process can vary depending on a variety of factors. Please note that this is an estimated duration of the selection process.

To Apply CLICK HERE