Deputy Director of Land Preservation

Beaufort County

Beaufort (SC)

On-site

USD 65,000 - 105,000

Full time

9 days ago

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Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, vision benefits

Retirement plan

Job summary

Beaufort County is seeking an experienced Deputy Director of Land Preservation to lead the Land Preservation Division within the Parks and Recreation Department. The role provides executive-level leadership, strategic planning, and administrative oversight for preserved lands, passive parks, and conservations properties, ensuring access and nature-based programming align with conservation goals.

The position directs division staff, coordinates cross-departmental work, and serves as the lead

Qualifications

Requires Bachelor’s degree in ecology, environmental science, biology, natural resource management, conservation, forestry, wildlife management, or a closely related field.
Over four years and up to eight years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

Responsibilities

Supervises, directs, and evaluates assigned staff and performance.
Coordinates, assigns and reviews work; establishes schedules and standards.
Develops and implements management plans for preserves and parks, prioritizing habitat protection and visitor access.
Reviews acquisition history, deeds, easements, and management plans for each property.
Evaluates activities, permits, events, and partnerships for conservation compatibility and safety.
Identifies threats to natural and cultural resources and coordinates remediation and enforcement.

Skills

Executive leadership

Strategic planning

Administrative oversight

Education

Bachelor's degree in ecology/environmental science/biology or related field

Valid state driver's license

Job description

Description

The purpose of this position is to manage the Land Preservation Division within the Parks and Recreation Department. Under the direction of the Parks and Recreation Director, this position will provide executive-level leadership, strategic planning, and administrative oversight for Beaufort County’s preserved lands, passive parks, natural areas, trails, waterways, historic properties, and environmental education initiatives. Provides subject matter leadership for the stewardship, operation, and public use of County owned preserves, passive parks, and other assigned conservation properties. Protects the natural, cultural, and conservation values for which properties were acquired while providing appropriate public access, nature-based recreation, and environmental education. The position directs division staff and operations; evaluates proposed uses and improvements against property specific restrictions and conservation purposes; coordinates work across County departments and with external partners; and serves as the lead staff presenter on Land Preservation matters before County Council and its committees. The position reports to the Parks and Recreation Director while exercising professional judgment on ecological and land stewardship matters.

Examples of Duties

The essential functions listed below are those that represent the majority of the time spent working in this class. Management may assign additional functions related to the type of work of the class as necessary.

Supervises, directs, and evaluates assigned staff, processing employee concerns and problems, directing work, counseling, disciplining, and completing employee performance appraisals.
Coordinates, assigns and reviews work and establishes work schedules; maintains standards; monitors status of work in progress; inspects completed work assignments; answers questions; gives advice and direction as needed.
Develops and implements management plans for assigned preserves and passive parks. Establishes priorities for habitat protection, ecological restoration, resource monitoring, visitor access, maintenance, and long-term care.
Reviews the acquisition history, intended conservation purposes, deeds, easements, management plans, funding conditions, and other applicable restrictions for each property. Maintains accessible records of permitted uses and consults with County Legal and other appropriate offices when interpretation or approval is needed.
Evaluates proposed activities, improvements, permits, events, partnerships, and revenue opportunities for compatibility with conservation requirements, ecological conditions, public safety, and appropriate passive use. Makes recommendations and administers approvals within delegated authority.
Identifies threats to natural and cultural resources, including habitat degradation, invasive species, erosion, unauthorized use, and damage to sensitive areas. Coordinates preventive measures, remediation, and appropriate enforcement responses.
Provides technical guidance on Lowcountry ecology, habitats, wildlife, wetlands, waterways, and environmentally sensitive land. Applies sound resource management practices to both publicly accessible and undeveloped properties.
Coordinates with County departments on projects or decisions affecting preserved land.
Works with conservation organizations, regulatory agencies, municipalities, community groups, contractors, and other partners on stewardship, education, research, and appropriate public access.
Oversees nature based programming and environmental education, ensuring that programs accurately explain the value of protected land and meet community needs.
Prepares reports, recommendations, presentations, and agenda materials for the Parks and Recreation Director, County Administration, County Council, and Council committees. Serves as the lead staff presenter on matters within the division’s expertise and responds to technical and policy questions.
Assists with developing the division budget, monitors expenditures, identifies funding and partnership opportunities, and oversees procurement and vendor performance consistent with County procedures.
Establishes operating and safety procedures for field work, visitor facilities, public programs, equipment, and property inspections. Reports significant property concerns and incidents in coordination with appropriate personnel.
Communicates with residents and stakeholders about preserve rules, access, projects, and resource protection. Addresses concerns and explains how proposed uses relate to each property’s conservation purpose.
Performs related work as assigned.

Typical Qualifications

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

Requires Bachelor’s degree in ecology, environmental science, biology, natural resource management, conservation, forestry, wildlife management, or a closely related field.
Over four years and up to and including eight years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

Special Certifications And Licenses

Must possess and maintain a valid state driver’s license with an acceptable driving history.

Supplemental Information

All applicants tentatively selected for a position with Beaufort County Council will be required to submit to urinalysis to screen for the illegal use of drugs and to a background check prior to appointment. Employment is contingent upon clearing both the drug screening and background investigation.

We offer a complete benefits package to full-time employees including health care, dental, vision, retirement, deferred compensation plans, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, long-term & short-term disability, holidays, vacation, and sick leave.

To learn more details, please visit the Beaufort County Human Resources website.

Less than 4 years
4 years
5–6 years
7–8 years
More than 8 years

Please briefly describe your related experience and how it aligns with the responsibilities of a Deputy Director of Land Preservation.

I certify that the education, training, certifications, licenses, and work experience identified in my responses are accurately reflected in the education, certification, and employment history sections of my application.
Yes
No
Required Question