Education Program Manager-(Natural Resource Program Manager II), R&P, Robinson Nature Center

Howard County:

Conveniently located in the heart of central Maryland between Baltimore and Washington, Howard County offers the charm of a historic past mixed with the excitement of a cosmopolitan community.

Howard County Government:
Howard County Government is a leader in innovation, sustainability, and consistently ranked as one of the best places to live and work in the country. In 2025, Howard County Government received a record-breaking 83 Achievement Awards from the National Association of Counties (NACo) – the highest number of annual NACo awards achieved in the history of the State of Maryland, and the highest number of awards out of any county in the State of Maryland which received a collective 136 awards. NACo is the leading organization representing county-level government operations. These awards recognize innovative and transformative programs that provide new services for county residents, improve existing programs, upgrade working conditions, and enhance citizen participation and public policymaking.

What are we looking for?
We are looking for outstanding individuals to join our team and contribute to excellence in Howard County operations.

What you'll like most about working at Howard County Government:

• We are committed to workplace excellence in every area of County government.  
• We have a highly talented, diverse, and inclusive workplace. Your input will not only be heard, but it will be encouraged!  
• We offer competitive compensation and great benefits including medical, retirement, and wellness programs. 
• As a member of the Howard County Government team, you'll be helping drive our culture and directly impact what makes us an amazing place to work

POSITION SUMMARY:

Works with staff and other conservation partners to develop and implement programs for the general public conducted at or through the Robinson Nature Center (RNC).  

STARTING SALARY HIRING RANGE:
$33.61 - $36.75
$69,913 - $76,434

*This is the anticipated starting salary range for this position. Please note that the final salary will be determined by the Office of Human Resources, commensurate with experience and aligned to ensure internal equity with similarly situated roles.*

CLASS DESCRIPTION:

Performs mid management and advanced level natural resources work, which may include supervisory responsibility, under general supervision from an administrative or technical superior.  Work may include developing natural resource management plans, managing natural resource field operations and regulation implementation and compliance.  Work may also include providing technical direction related to natural resource/ecosystem management, developing natural resource policies and procedures, and overseeing county-wide deer or other wildlife management program.

*This is a Classified position, meaning that it is a part of the Howard County Classified Service upon completion of a probationary period of at least six (6) months*

Program Management & Development:

• Determine programming priorities for the Robinson Nature Center. Provide guidance to education staff on the development, execution and content of programming conducted by the Center to ensure programs meet the needs and interests of the community served by the Nature Center. 
• Research, design, implement and evaluate special events, programs and projects for the Robinson Nature Center in cooperation with community groups, business and tourism establishments, partnerships, focus groups, sponsorships and based on need relating to nature programs and camps. 
• Coordinate all such activities with the Robinson Nature Center Director, the Volunteer, Front Desk and Rental Operations Manager, the Environmental Education and Technology Manager, and external partners. Establish program goals and schedules. Review, evaluate and approve content to ensure programs fit with the mission, effectiveness and financial sustainability of the Robinson Nature Center. 
• Coordinate cross-departmental collaborative programs and projects with other Programmers and Divisions within the Howard County Department of Recreation & Parks on an as-needed basis.
• Fiscal management including preparation and submission of monthly revenue reports for public programs, field trips, birthday parties and additional program offerings. Prepare seasonal program attendance and revenue reports, track program revenue and expenses, and complete budget worksheets for new programs. Conduct cost/revenue analysis of programs after they occur. Set and regularly reevaluate program fees.
• Represent Robinson at Department-wide programming meetings to keep abreast of changes to Departmental policies and development of new procedures that affect programming. Coordinate with staff on certifications and background checks needed for general programming and summer camps.
• Recruit, interview and evaluate contracted service providers for Nature programming. Negotiate service agreements, contracts and process invoices. Conduct risk analysis on new contracted programs and coordinate with the Offices of Law and Risk Management on contractor paperwork and with the Department on new vendor paperwork. Prepare purchase requisitions and order logs and supervise/coach staff in these areas as well.
• Evaluate, draft license agreements for, and procure full-dome films for the Nature Sphere planetarium on an annual basis as budget allows.
• Oversee the design and implementation of safety procedures for programs. Work cooperatively with Facilities and Robinson Nature Center maintenance staff to schedule space for programs and promote smooth flow of operation, safeguard valuables, develop risk management and safety plans, track revenues and expenses, and submit attendance records.
• Review, determine severity, and submit incident, injury, accident, or other related reports for all incidents occurring during Nature programs or camps to the Recreation, Adventure, and Nature Division Superintendent and to the Office of Risk Management. Follow up with parents/participants.
• Work closely with other Center staff to research, write proposals for and report on grants to fund environmental education programs at the Center.  
• Will assist with the delivery of nature/interpretive programs by assisting and conducting nature walks, lectures and programs on an as needed basis.  
• Responsible for managing and overseeing implementation of Robinson Nature Center programming. 
• Responsible for identifying and applying good sustainability practices into all aspects of Department operations.

Program Enrollment and Registration:

• Work extensively with Robinson Nature Center registration staff to ensure accurate attendance records, financial reports, accommodations and rosters regarding Nature programs and camps.
• Monitor program enrollment on a weekly basis, coordinate with education staff and contractors leading programs to make decisions on cancellations due to low enrollment or inclement weather; work with staff to accommodate additional sections of popular programs; 
• Set minimum and maximum age requirements and attendance levels for all programs. Approve all requests for age overrides and over-enrollment.

Marketing, Public Relations and Outreach:

• Prepare all Robinson public program descriptions for Recreation and Parks seasonal brochure; Determine brochure and expense course numbers for all activities. Respond to customer issues personally, via email, phone, fax. Provide guidance to front desk staff on program policy-driven correspondence.
• Coordinate with the Departmental marketing team. Submit all brochure and program marketing design requests. Proof and approve drafts of brochures, flyers and other materials. Review and approve printing quotes.
• Draft the Robinson Nature Center marketing plan. Evaluate all marketing and advertising opportunities (print and online) and make recommendations to Nature Center Director. Periodically evaluate marketing strategies for various target audiences and add new strategies as needed. 
• Coordinate with marketing on design and changes to the Nature Center’s website and special event webpages.
• Establish and monitor the Nature Center’s online presence. Plan online engagement strategies, respond to online reviews and select appropriate marketing efforts to promote the Center including social media posts and ads, constant contact communications, community calendar listings and online advertising through educational and tourism outlets.
• Keep abreast of trends in the field of Recreation and Parks and area of expertise by researching different media, attending workshops and trainings; becoming active in professional organizations and local committees relating to nature program interest groups. 
• Public speaking to include community groups, local and regional committees relating to specialized program area, presentations at workshops and trainings which could include state and national speaking engagements with MAEOE, NAI, MRPA, NRPA, and local Recreation and Parks departments. Also, public speaking within the department and local community groups in a promotion or training format regarding Nature programs.
• Public relations tasks including keeping close contact with local media contacts, speaking to local advocacy groups for nature and natural resources, assisting with supplemental programs and services and monitoring and responding to online reviews and concerns.

Departmental Responsibilities:

• Responsible for identifying and applying good sustainability practices into all aspects of Department operations.
• Serves on committees as assigned
• Position is identified by the Department as essential and will be required to work emergency situations that include staffing the Department Operation Center (DOC).

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Supervises (directly and indirectly) the full time and part-time staff as well as volunteers that are associated with programing for the Center. This includes annual employee reviews, recruitment, hiring and dismissal of staff and administering of personnel policies.

 

Bachelor's degree and two (2) years related experience.

REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSES, AND REGISTRATIONS:

• Possession of a valid driver's license. License must remain valid, as long as individual is employed in this class.
• Possession of CPR and First Aid certification or ability to obtain within one (1) year of employment.

PREFERRED EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental education, interpretation, biology or natural resource management.
• At least three (3) years of experience as a naturalist/teaching and educational capacity.
• At least two (2) years in a supervisory/management capacity.
• Strong in people skills.
• Strong background and experience in natural history.
• Computer skills especially in Word, Excel, Access, Publisher, Outlook as well as website management.
• Good organizational skills and the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Demonstrated experience in teaching children and adults in formal and informal settings, indoors and outdoors.
• Experience in strategic planning, budgeting, marketing, contract negotiation, proposal writing, grant writing and fund-raising. 
• Ability to develop plans and timelines and follow through to completion.
• Creativity, innovation, and follow-through are essential.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills. Experienced in public speaking with a diverse audience and with people of all ages. 
• Must have flexible schedule with the ability to work evenings and weekends as required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; sit; use hands to touch, handle, or feel; and talk or hear. 
• The employee is occasionally required to walk; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and taste or smell. 
• The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and distance vision.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 
The work environment encountered with this position is a combination of both indoor environments consistent with working in an office, meeting/classroom and in outdoor interpretation. This would include activities in hot, cold, wet, rainy, snowy and other forms of inclement weather conditions.

LANGUAGE SKILLS, MATHEMATICAL SKILLS AND REASONING ABILITY:
LANGUAGE SKILLS:

• Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos. 
• Ability to write simple correspondence. 
• Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to customers, clients, and other employees of the organization.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS:

• Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. 
• Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs.

REASONING ABILITY:

• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. 
• Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.