Natural Resources Program Manager - Conservation Lands & Resources

pimacounty; United States; On-site; USD 65,000 - 92,000; Full time

Job summary

Pima County's Conservation Lands & Resources Department seeks a Natural Resources Program Manager to lead the single-track trail system, oversee staffing, budgeting, and partnerships, and advance conservation goals across Tucson Mountain Park, Agua Caliente Park, and more. You will guide planning, community outreach, and program evaluation to improve stewardship of natural and cultural resources.

The role includes supervision of staff and volunteers, collaboration with non-profits and agencies,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in natural resources management, ecology, environmental science, wildlife biology/wildlife management, forestry, range management, conservation biology, environmental policy or environmental studies, or closely related field.
• Four years of experience in community outreach, engagement, or related area.

Responsibilities

• Develops and evaluates strategic direction of environmental education programs.
• Oversees program operations including budgeting, staffing, and performance monitoring.
• Establishes policies and procedures for environmental education in line with regulations.
• Leads staff and volunteers, including hiring recommendations and training.
• Represents the department at public meetings and interagency workgroups.
• Secures and manages grants and external funding opportunities.

Skills

Community outreach

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Job description

Job Description Summary

Department - Conservation Lands & Resources Job Description

Job Type: Classified

Job Classification

5363 - Natural Resources Program Manager

Salary Grade

14

Pay Range

Hiring Range: $65,457 - $78,540 Annually

Pay Range: $65,457 - $91,644 Annually

Range Explanation

Hiring Range is an estimate of where you can receive an offer. The actual salary offer will carefully consider a wide range of factors, including your skills, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, training, and internal equity.

Pay Range is the entire compensation range for the position.

Position Overview

Pima County's Conservation Lands & Resources Department is seeking a highly motivated and hard-working individual to fill a position as Natural Resource Program Manager in the Natural Resources Parks and Trails Division. The Natural Resources Program Manager is the team leader for Pima County's single track trail system in a department that delivers Pima County's conservation goals and provides stewardship for cultural and natural resources. The Natural Resource Program Manager's role is to lead planning efforts to address operational needs for the present and the future of the trail system. The Natural Resources Parks and Trails Division manages Tucson Mountain Park, Agua Caliente Park and the Historic Canoa Ranch as well as 175 miles of single-track trails. The trails program includes volunteer programs, public interactions, infrastructure planning, habitat restoration and special events. The position is to include the supervision, evaluation and training of staff and volunteers including coordination with non-profit advocacy groups, neighbors and coordinating Pima County departments. The position will be part of a team that delivers land stewardship, supports landscape and cultural maintenance, design and construction improvement projects, campground operations, and rental venue operations.

Essential Functions

• Develops, manages, and evaluates the overall strategic direction of the County's environmental education programs, ensuring alignment with departmental goals and long-range community environmental priorities;
• Oversees program operations, including budgeting, staffing, resource management, and performance monitoring, ensuring effective and efficient delivery of environmental education services;
• Establishes policies, standards, and operating procedures for environmental education initiatives, ensuring compliance with County requirements and applicable state and federal environmental regulations;
• Provides leadership and supervision to professional staff, coordinators, specialists, and volunteers, including hiring recommendations, training, performance evaluation, and ongoing professional development;
• Leads high-level outreach and partnership efforts, cultivating and sustaining collaborations with educational institutions, community organizations, governmental agencies, tribal entities, and private-sector partners;
• Directs the development and approval of educational materials, curricula, communications, and multimedia resources, ensuring scientific accuracy, accessibility, and consistency with best practices;
• Oversees program evaluation activities, including data collection, analysis, and reporting, and uses results to inform policy decisions and continuous program improvement;
• Represents the department at public meetings, advisory boards, community forums, and interagency workgroups, serving as the primary spokesperson on environmental education initiatives;
• Monitors emerging environmental issues, research, legislative trends, and community needs, integrating findings into program policy, planning, and resource allocation;
• Secures and manages grants, contracts, and external funding opportunities, ensuring compliance, effective implementation, and alignment with program priorities;
• Guides the integration and strategic use of digital platforms, technologies, and communication tools to expand public engagement, improve program accessibility, and enhance educational outcomes.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in natural resources management, ecology, environmental science, wildlife biology/wildlife management, forestry, range management, conservation biology, environmental policy or environmental studies, or a closely related field as determined by the department head at the time of recruitment AND four years of experience in community outreach, engagement, or a related area.

(Relevant experience and/or education from an accredited col