PROGRAM MANAGER SENIOR II *REPOST*

Recruitment has been reposted. Applications previously submitted are still under review.

This is a Management Service position that serves at the pleasure of the Appointing Authority. This is a position specific recruitment for the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Fishing and Boating Services.

24

Annapolis, MD (Anne Arundel County)

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) leads Maryland in securing a sustainable future for our environment, society, and economy by preserving, protecting, restoring, and enhancing the State’s natural resources. This position serves as Director of Fishing and Boating Service (FABS) and is responsible for the overall leadership, management and direction of the Unit. Fishing and Boating Service’s mission to assess, protect, conserve, fairly allocate and market wild and farm-raised fish resources of the State for balanced ecological and socio-economic benefits through scientific investigation, modern application of data, and proactive involvement with an informed citizenry, more simply, Fisheries Service’s responsibilities fall into four core functions: (1) Protect, conserve and enhance fisheries resources and their habitats; (2) Provide and enhance fishing opportunities, including access; (3) Provide sustainable economic opportunities; and (4) Promote and protect fisheries resources through public outreach and education.

Provide administrative and technical expertise in directing and managing the activities of the Boating Services Division for The Maryland Department of Natural Resources. This includes managing major statewide programs including Boating facilities Planning and the Hydrographic Operations Program. Provide communication outreach, support and advice on programs that maintain sustainable waterway access, public boating facilities, and maintain public navigation channels; removing abandoned boats/debris from state waters; completing planning activities that support boating access and waterway usage issues.

The incumbent is the Department’s chief spokesperson on Fisheries science, management aquaculture and marketing issues and represents the State, the Department, and the Unit on intrastate, federal and international government commissions, committees, task forces and work groups. The incumbent interacts regularly with high-level federal officials (NOAA, DOI, USCOE, EPA, FDA) Maryland congressional representatives and staff, State and local agency leaders, academic experts, members of the State legislature, local officials, members of the fishing business community (i.e. fishing tackle and bait shops, charter boat industry (fishing guides), commercial fisherman, seafood dealers and aquaculturists, environmental advocacy and other special interest groups, news media and the general public. Oversee the activity for the Boating Services Unit to ensure the timely completion of assigned projects, tasks, and activities. Provide administrative/management/technical oversight and guidance as necessary to address unique circumstances, agency/policy/funding conflicts, political situations and contractual matters. In addition, ensure that projects are completed in accordance with Unit and Department goals/objectives.

Required Skills:
● Background in biological, fisheries, and/or wildlife sciences.
● Oversight of complex budgets with multiple funding sources.
● Supervisory experience, including management of leadership teams.
● Organizational management and administration of commercial and recreational fisheries.
● Ability to develop and maintain strong working relationships with the general public, elected officials, other governmental agencies and individuals with competing interests.
● Strategic thinker who is well versed in fisheries management and equally adept in communications and working with the public on complex and challenging issues impacting the fishery and aquatic ecosystems.
● Work with stakeholder groups representing a variety of constituencies in addition to local, state, and federal government leaders and officials on a wide variety of aquatic resource management issues.

Responsibilities:
● Management and administration of all aspects of Fishing and Boating Services, including all resource related decisions and policies and oversight of administrative programs.
● Preparation and submission of the annual FABS budget of more than $35 million.
● Directly supervises division directors/managers that lead fisheries administration, communications, monitoring, conservation, enhancement, regulations, and aquaculture as well as departmental boating initiatives.
● Management of approximately 250 permanent full time, contractual, and seasonal employees
● Frequent engagement with DNR executive leadership and the Governor’s office to address emerging fisheries management issues.
● Collaboration with other DNR Aquatic and Land Resources units to enable each agency to meet their management needs.
● Planning to include the development and implementation of effective and efficient strategies to ensure that FABS accomplishes its mission.
● Oversight of licensing and regulation of commercial watermen, recreational anglers, charter fishing operations, seafood dealers, and aquaculture operations.
● Ensures state compliance with all applicable federal regulations and laws concerning aquatic resources.
● Ensures compliance with federal and NGO agency grant funding policies and regulations.
● Represents Maryland on the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, the Mid Atlantic Fishery Management Council, the Potomac River Fisheries Commission and other interstate management bodies.
● Consults with various intrastate fisheries management commissions and advisory groups on emerging issues.
● Develops processes and policies to ensure consistent statewide Department operations.

Experience:
● Thorough knowledge of the principles, practices, and administration of fisheries management.
● Thorough knowledge of state and federal laws relative to fisheries management.
● Demonstrated ability to plan, develop, and administer a statewide program of science and regulatory management.
● Demonstrated ability to manage complex budgets and perform adaptive management to address predicted or unforeseen funding deficits.
● Demonstrated ability to assess fiscal, personnel, and other program needs.
● Demonstrated ability to build a strong working relationship with staff, elected officials, federal and state agency personnel, and the public.

Education: A Bachelor’s degree in biology, biochemistry, environmental science, aquaculture, natural science, natural resources management, botany, marine biology, marine ecology or physical oceanography, ichthyology, fisheries management, wildlife management, zoology or a natural resources management related field of study.  

Experience: Ten (10) years of experience in fisheries and/or boating management. Seven (7) years of this experience must be in the supervision of employees engaged in Fisheries and/or Boating Services.

1. A Masters degree in biology, biochemistry, environmental science, aquaculture, natural science, natural resources management, botany, marine biology, marine ecology or physical oceanography, ichthyology, fisheries management, wildlife management, zoology or a natural resources management related field of study.

2. Experience overseeing federal, statewide or county programs and/or projects.

3. Experience interacting regularly with high-level federal officials such as Maryland congressional representatives and staff, State and local agency leaders, academic experts, members of the State legislature, local officials, members of the fishing business community, commercial fisherman, seafood dealers and aquaculturists, environmental advocacy and other special interest groups, news media and the general public.      

Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be considered for this position. Therefore, it is important that you provide complete and accurate information on your application. Report all education and experience related to the essential functions of this position.

For education obtained outside the U.S., a copy of the equivalent American education as determined by a foreign credential evaluation service must be provided prior to hire.

Your application is part of the examination process. The examination will consist of a rating of your education, training, and experience related to the requirements of this position. The rating will be based on the information provided on your application. Therefore, it is important you provide all the experience and education related to this position completely and accurately.

STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS

The online application is preferred. If you are unable to apply online, you may submit a paper application and supplemental questionnaire to: Department of Natural Resources, Human Resources, 580 Taylor Avenue, C-3 Annapolis, MD 21401. The Human Resources unit is not responsible for applications sent to any other address.

Faxed or e-mailed applications will not be accepted. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing the application.

If you are having difficulty with your user account or have general questions about the online application system, please contact the MD Department of Budget and Management, Recruitment and Examination Division at Application.Help@maryland.gov. 

Inquiries regarding this recruitment can be directed to Crystal Wilson at crystal.wilson1@maryland.gov.

TTY Users: call via Maryland Relay

Candidates with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. We thank our Veterans for their service to our country, and encourage them to apply. As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining and promoting employees who are reflective of the State’s diversity.