MARY R. OWENS

To use my knowledge, skills, and experience in natural resource planning, conservation, and management to increase and improve recreational opportunities, expand and enhance natural resource based infrastructure, and promote innovative strategies for restoration and conservation of natural resources.

Ten years of experience directing a program within a state government organization which involves the oversight and coordination of the implementation of a natural resources protection program through local plans, ordinances, and regulations; eight years of experience in natural resources planning, education, conservation, and protection; three years of experience as an architect on residential and commercial projects, and seven years of experience managing facilities and coordinating project design, development, and construction for the federal government.

References and work samples will be provided upon request.

• Director of Planning and Conservation Programs, Maryland Park Service, Department of Natural Resources, Annapolis, Maryland, 07/2013, 04/2024, Managed, directed, and administered planning, capital improvements, critical maintenance, interpretation, historic preservation, natural resources restoration, and renewable energy and sustainability programs for the Maryland Park Service., Acted at the direction of the Superintendent and the Deputy Superintendent in coordination with MPS Regional Managers to direct and oversee planning, development, restoration, and operational activities that impact public lands, associated resources, and recreational users., Performed administrative duties to ensure efficient operation of the agency through planning, policy, correspondence, directives, reports, and studies to aid in providing direction to the agency, regions, employees, and the public., Developed strategic management plans for parks and other public lands that included natural cultural, recreational, infrastructure, and human resources assessments; an analysis of challenges and opportunities; and a list of short and long term goals and objectives., Established policies and procedures for the design, review, and implementation of capital improvement, critical maintenance, historic preservation, and environmental restoration programs on State parklands and coordinated with other state staff., Supervised planning, interpretation, trail development, and conservation programs and staff, including youth conservation corps., Promoted and provided for visitor and public education, information, interpretation, and outdoor recreation programs to facilitate visitors’ safe and enjoyable visit to public lands and associated facilities wile minimizing resource impacts., Directed and coordinated programs, activities, facility development and improvement that enhanced the general public’s understanding and recognition of the value of the state’s natural, cultural, historic, and recreational resources and were designed to achieve a positive effect on visitor behavior and resource impacts., Obtained, managed, and oversaw grants to facilitate conservation and interpretation programs including those benefitting at-risk youth and other underserved groups., Reviewed, evaluated, and implemented policies, procedures, and practices on public lands to safeguard visitors, conserve and protect resources, and ensure effective application of environmental and natural resources protection laws and regulations., Directed resource, facility, and visitor management throughout the state through the application of scientific theories, laws, regulations, and policy directives.
• Education and Conservation Coordinator, Critical Area Commission for the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays, Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Annapolis, Maryland, 10/2007, 06/2013, Directed, oversaw, and coordinated education and outreach efforts of the Critical Area Commission for the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays by directing a variety of programs and activities for this statewide watershed protection and restoration program., Managed efforts to promote effective implementation of the State of Maryland’s “Critical Area Program” by developing and producing training programs, publications, brochures, PowerPoint presentations, and internet content., Managed the Commission’s efforts to promote conservation programs and long-term natural resource protection plans as strategies to restore Maryland’s water resources and preserve sensitive fish, plant, and wildlife habitats., Planned, organized, and conducted educational programs and facilitated workshops about the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays, land use planning, and resource conservation for planning professionals, consultants, and citizens, Designed and developed internet content, publications, and exhibits on conservation and environmental protection issues and managed the Critical Area Commission’s web site, Managed and direct the re-mapping of Maryland’s Critical Area using GIS, remote sensing, and ground-truthing, Represented the Critical Area Commission by working with, and giving presentations before, the Maryland General Assembly, local planning boards and commissions, private land use organizations, and the general public, Provided technical assistance, design recommendations, and regulatory guidance to citizens, design professionals, and government staff and officials relating to natural resource management and environmental protection, Oversaw and coordinated efforts to conserve land as may be required to meet performance standards, mitigation requirements, or local preservation goals in association with development projects located in the Critical Area, Participated in regional land acquisition reviews and stewardship meetings for the Department of Natural Resources
• Chief of Program Implementation, Critical Area Commission for the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays, Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Annapolis, Maryland, 04/1997, 10/2007, Managed the Program Implementation Division of the Critical Area Commission for the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays by directing program activities related to implementation of the State of Maryland’s Critical Area environmental protection program for the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays., Supervised Critical Area Commission staff efforts that involved coordinating with 16 counties and 39 municipalities to utilize local land use and planning regulations and processes to implement a state natural resource and water quality protection program., Advising the Executive Director, the 29-member, Governor-appointed, Critical Area Commission, and the Chairman of the Commission on all aspects relating to effective implementation of the Critical Area Program including the development of legislation and policies, analysis of State agency sponsored programs and activities, and coordination between the Commission and other agencies, Preparing reports, policies, and recommendations to aid in the Commission’s decision making, Participating in long range planning for the Commission relative to the goals of the Maryland General Assembly Critical Area Oversight Committee, the Department of Natural Resources, and local councils and commissions, Administering and coordinating the use of grant funds by local governments to support implementation of the Critical Area Program in approximately 50 Maryland counties and municipalities and managing the use of grant funds by the Commission to accomplish special projects relating to enhancing the effectiveness of the Program
• Natural Resources Planner, Chesapeake Bay Critical Area Commission, Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Annapolis, Maryland, 02/1995, 04/1997, As one of six planning professionals, was responsible for working with ten county and municipal governments and several State government agencies to implement a statewide watershed protection and restoration program, the “Critical Area Program.”, Reviewing development projects, interpreting regulations and policies, and providing technical assistance to local governments relative to natural resources management, land use planning, habitat enhancement, and water quality protection consistent with the Chesapeake Bay Critical Area Act., Coordinating with other State, federal, and local government agencies on planning and development issues; preparing staff reports; making presentations to the Critical Area Commission, local planning boards, and the public; and assisting planners, government officials, and environmental professionals with the integration and coordination of the Critical Area Act with other State and local environmental goals and objectives.
• Instructor, Charles County Community College, LaPlata, Maryland, 09/1995, 12/1998, As a qualified professional for the Maryland Forest Conservation Act, worked as a part time instructor for a community college educating students with varying backgrounds on the Maryland Forest Conservation Act, natural resource protection, ecology, planning, and site design., Prepared course outlines, lectures, assignments, and projects necessary for students to obtain State certification.
• Environmental Planner, St. Mary’s County Department of Planning and Zoning, Leonardtown, Maryland, 07/1992, 02/1995, As the primary environmental planning professional in a busy County planning office, performed a broad range of planning activities, including managing and supervising the implementation of the County’s environmental programs and regulations., Assisted citizens, permit applicants, consultants, and developers with understanding and applying development standards related to resource protection., Reviewing projects for compliance with State and local environmental regulations, preparing staff reports, and making presentations to local boards and elected officials., Coordinating county-wide workshops and other educational forums for citizens, elected officials, and consultants and educating the public through the development of a series of customer assistance brochures and presentation materials., Coordinated revisions to the County’s comprehensive plan to address the protection of sensitive environmental areas, including mapping the areas, performing development suitability analyses, and preparing appropriate provisions for the local comprehensive plan.
• Planner, Town of Hilton Head Island Planning Division, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, 10/1991, 03/1992, As a planner in a municipal planning organization, was responsible for reviewing and approving site development and subdivision plans for new residential, commercial, and recreational projects for compliance with the Town’s land management ordinance., Worked closely with the Town’s environmental planner to promote, interpret, and implement local environmental policies and programs., Preparing comments on development projects within the Town to bring them into compliance with local land use and zoning regulations and requirements; preparing, researching, and presenting projects to local boards and commissions; and working with the public to answer questions and provide assistance relative to development and land use issues.
• Architectural Designer/ Planner, Reinecker and Associates, Prince Frederick, Maryland, 05/1989, 09/1991, As a designer in a small architectural firm, was responsible for all aspects of architectural design and site planning on a variety of residential, commercial, and institutional projects., Worked on a design team responsible for all aspects of design and construction supervision., Specialized in oral, written, and graphic presentations to clients and project review agencies., Met with clients to discuss building projects and develop a design program; performed site analyses and measured structures; developing conceptual plans and renderings necessary for marketing and design meetings and presentations; and prepared construction documents, schedules, and specifications.
• Architectural Designer/ Planner, Facilities Management – Naval Electronic Systems Engineering Activity, St. Inigoes, Maryland, 04/1984, 04/1989, As the assistant to the Facilities Manager of an interdisciplinary naval station, was responsible for managing a special project construction program with an annual budget of approximately $2 million and including building and utility system additions, renovations, and repairs., Developed and prepared funding support documentation for capital improvement projects; evaluated and recommended revisions to construction plans and specifications; oversaw the preparation of facility master plans; and coordinated project design and development for shoreline stabilization projects, new building construction, utility system upgrades, landscaping, and site improvement projects.