Gateway to Nature: Visitor Center Operations Lead

Travis County; Austin (TX); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Travis County Natural Resources seeks an innovative Visitor Center Operations Manager to open and operate the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve Visitor Center. The center is slated to open in 2028 on 96 acres near Austin and features trails, an amphitheater, exhibits, and an observation tower.

The role will lead long-term planning and daily operations, steward natural resources and facilities, and manage staff, contracts, and a gift shop while coordinating with partners to support habitat

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Natural Resources, Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, Geography, Technical Writing, Resource Economics or a related field and four years of natural resources/environmental analysis and grant management experience.
• One year of mid- to senior-level supervisory or management experience is preferred.
• Valid Texas Driver's License may be required depending on duties.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily site operations, exhibits, facilities, and the gift shop for the visitor center.
• Develop SOPs and policies for visitor center operations and contract scoping/management.
• Supervise staff and coordinating schedules, events, and reservations.
• Coordinate with county/division partners to align with habitat management and conservation goals.
• Manage grants, contracts, budgets, and long-range facility plans; lead revenue-generating programs and special events.

Skills

Visitor Center operations

Contract management

SOP development

Staff supervision

Event planning & coordination

Education

Bachelor's degree in Natural Resources or closely related field

Tools

ArcView GIS

Job description

Travis County Natural Resources seeks an innovative Visitor Center Operations Manager to open and operate the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve Visitor Center. The center is slated to open in 2028 on 96 acres near Austin and features trails, an amphitheater, exhibits, and an observation tower.

The role will lead long-term planning and daily operations, steward natural resources and facilities, and manage staff, contracts, and a gift shop while coordinating with partners to support habitat