What You'll Be Doing
It is an exciting time to be a part of the Wake County Parks, Recreation and Open Space team as we open our brand-new Beech Bluff County Park! We're looking for two Park Technicians with proven experience with any or all aspects of an agricultural operation, including planting and maintenance of crops and gardens, pollinator beds, community engagement and education, teaching and mentoring. They’ll be a part of a team that will be establishing a park agriculture model for long-term success.
Located on more than 300 acres in the southeast corner of Wake County, Beech Bluff County Park contains undeveloped forests, wetlands, stream channels, flood plains and rock outcrops, all of which support a diverse ecosystem and help protect critical natural resources.
Beech Bluff County Park offers a unique experience that supports the outdoor recreational needs of the growing communities nearby while strengthening the natural, agricultural, cultural and historical resources of the land.
Park staff strives to provide a safe, enjoyable park experience through its programming, visitor services, daily operational tasks, facility maintenance and resource stewardship.
As the Park Technician of Agriculture you will:
- Assist with implementation of the Beech Bluff Ag Management Plan and effectively support all aspects of Agriculture and Community Garden education and operations at Beech Bluff County Park including planting; cultivation; pest, disease and weed management; and harvest
- Use gardens and agriculture to engage visitors in hands-on outdoor activities and education
- Support long-term environmental and ecosystem health through leading-edge practice in soil building, biodiversity, waste reduction, and water conservation practice and demonstration
- Reveal the natural and cultural history of Piedmont NC through agricultural demonstrations and interactive installations
- Provide recreational opportunity that connects physical activity, community connections, and nutrition through healthy food
- Provide education and resources for household-scale gardening, either at home or in community garden
- Commit to culturally competent visitor engagement, and be able to adapt and be flexible in a dynamic environment to meet the needs of all visitors
- Support the operations and program/education teams through general maintenance, recreational and environmental programming and special events
- Lead and mentor a team of temporary staff members and volunteers
- Provide excellent customer service while ensuring our park facilities are welcoming, open, clean, and safe for the community to enjoy
- Assist with EVERYTHING else that it takes to operate a park including such opening/closing facilities, janitorial duties, emergency response and more
About Our Team
Wake County is one of the fastest-growing areas in the nation and the most populous county in the state, with more than 1.1 million residents. The County has received national and international rankings and accolades from publications such as Money, Fortune and Time magazines as one of the best places to live, work and play - and it’s no surprise. As part of the Community Services Department, the Parks, Recreation and Open Space Division (we like to call ourselves PROS) is a talented team devoted to ensuring our parks are accessible and welcoming. Our Mission: PROS preserves open space, promotes stewardship, and provides equitable and inclusive education and outdoor recreation for a diverse and growing community. PROS connects people to the things we love most - history, nature and outdoor recreation. As a member of our team, you’ll regularly interact with our community, deliver services that are highly valued by residents and support operations of our parks and facilities. We offer preservation, education and recreation opportunities across our (now!) nine parks and three nature preserves 361 days a year. Our parks have never been more popular! We serve nearly 2 million visitors annually and are actively planning and designing new facilities. Our community loves our parks (and so do we!). See for yourself at wake.gov/parks.
The Basics (Required Education and Experience)
- High school diploma or GED
- One year of experience working in a park setting, providing educational programming, maintaining facilities or landscaping
- Valid Driver's License and "safe" driving record
- CPR certification within one year of employment
- Equivalent education and experience are accepted
- Please include ALL prior work experience on your application and resume.
Beyond the Basics (Preferred Education and Experience)
- Three or more years of experience successfully managing and operating parks
- Strong background and in-depth knowledge of agricultural methods and techniques and community garden development and management, such as Good Agricultural Practices (GAP)
- Mechanical knowledge and skills in operating and maintaining various agricultural or farm equipment
- Experience supervising beginner or entry level personnel
- Hold or in process of attaining a professional certification such as Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP), NC Environmental Education Certification or Agriculture Certification
- Ability to communicate effectively in more than one language
How Will We Know You're 'The One'?
- Excellent communication skills. You have excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to build and maintain positive, productive relationships with staff, colleagues, volunteers and partner organizations
- Ability to foster a work culture in which different ideas and opinions are encouraged and expected
- Ability to encourage others to be innovative and create and try new things
- Familiarity with diversity initiatives and ability to execute them
- You believe that different backgrounds and experiences strengthen the organization and produce better results
- Ability to be resilient, adaptable and self-motivated to get the job done as efficiently as possible
- Versatility and adaptability are important in any situation
- Work as a team. Ability to model the behavior you want to see in your team members
- You are not afraid to roll up your sleeves and get your hands dirty
- Knowledge and understanding of parks
- Knowledge of agriculture, farming and/or community garden
About This Position
Location: Beech Bluff County Park Agricultural Building Willow Spring, NC 27592
Employment Type: Regular
Work Schedule: 40 hours per week including mornings, evenings, nights, weekends and holidays
Hiring Range: 19.64 - 27.48
Market Range: 17.07 - 28.17
Please include
ALL prior work experience on your application and resume.
Posting Closing Date: 7:00 pm on 5/10/2024
What Makes Wake Great
Home to the State Capital, Wake County is one of the fastest growing areas in the nation and the most populous county in the state, with more than 1.1 million residents. The County has received national and international rankings and accolades from publications such as Money, Fortune, and Time magazines as being one of the best places to live, work and play. The central location of the County allows for a short drive to the spectacular mountains or coast. Wake County Government is governed by a seven-member Board of Commissioners, who are elected at-large to serve two-year terms. Wake County Government has a general operating budget of $1.874 billion, employs over 4400 employees, experiences minimal turnover, and is an award-winning leader in wellness and technology initiatives; such as offering employees and covered spouses free access to the Employee Health Center. Wake County Government offers a wide range of training and development opportunities, a stable career in public service with a balance of work and family life, flexible work schedules and a competitive salary and benefits package.
Equal Opportunity Statement
Wake County provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics.
Background Check Statement
Position may require a background check that may include: criminal, credit, motor vehicle, education, and sexual offender registry or others based on job requirements. Unless required by state law, a record of conviction will not automatically exclude you from consideration for employment. Wake County Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Emergency Service Worker Statement
In the event of an emergency, as determined by the County Manager or designee, participation in preparedness and response operations should be expected. Employee may be required to fill a temporary assignment in a role different from standard duties, work hours and/or work location in preparation for, during and after the emergency. Employee may also be required to participate in relevant exercises and regular preparedness training.
