PARK AREA MANAGER

State of Arkansas; Little Rock (AR); On-site; USD 84,000 - 124,000; Full time

Job summary

The State of Arkansas is seeking a Park Area Manager to oversee multiple state parks within a designated region. The role ensures efficient operations, safety, conservation, and exceptional visitor experiences across parks under its jurisdiction.

You will develop strategic plans, budgets, and policies, supervise staff across locations, and coordinate with environmental specialists to protect natural resources while promoting park attendance and education programs.

Qualifications

• Strong decision-making and problem-solving abilities in a dynamic, multi-park environment.
• Ability to supervise, mentor, motivate, and lead a diverse team of employees across various locations.
• Experience in budgeting, financial planning, and operational oversight.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for interacting with the public, government officials, and community stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the day-to-day operations of multiple parks and recreational areas, ensuring high standards in facility maintenance, visitor services, and environmental conservation.
• Develop and implement strategic plans, budgets, and operational policies to support park sustainability and growth.
• Monitor revenue streams, park expenditures, and grant opportunities to ensure financial stability.
• Maintain compliance with state and federal regulations, safety protocols, and environmental policies.
• Supervise park superintendents, facility managers, rangers, maintenance crews, and administrative staff across multiple locations.
• Oversee park programming, educational outreach, and recreational activities to enhance visitor engagement.

Job description

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This position works for the Division of Parks Operations team. The Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism has three major divisions: Arkansas State Parks, Arkansas Heritage and Arkansas Tourism. Arkansas State Parks manages 52 state parks and promotes Arkansas as a tourist destination for people around the country. Arkansas Heritage preserves and promotes Arkansas's natural and cultural history and heritage through four historic museums and four cultural preservation agencies. Arkansas Tourism improves the state's economy by generating travel and enhancing the image of the state.

Position Information

Job Series: Parks - Competitive

Classification: Park Area Manager

Class Code: RPA09C

Pay Grade: SGS11

Salary Range: $83,969- $124,274

Job Summary

The Park Area Manager is responsible for the overall management, operations, and strategic oversight of multiple state parks or recreation areas within a designated region. This position ensures that all parks under its jurisdiction operate efficiently, provide exceptional visitor experiences, and maintain compliance with state policies, environmental conservation standards, and public safety regulations.

Primary Responsibilities

Oversee the day-to-day operations of multiple parks and recreational areas, ensuring high standards in facility maintenance, visitor services, and environmental conservation.Develop and implement strategic plans, budgets, and operational policies to support park sustainability and growth.Monitor revenue streams, park expenditures, and grant opportunities to ensure financial stability.Maintain compliance with state and federal regulations, safety protocols, and environmental policies.Supervise park superintendents, facility managers, rangers, maintenance crews, and administrative staff across multiple locations.Supervises staff by interviewing, recommending staff for hire/fire, assigning and reviewing work, counseling, and evaluating the performance of incumbents.Oversee park programming, educational outreach, and recreational activities to enhance visitor engagement.Address visitor concerns, complaints, and emergency situations with professionalism and efficiency.Develop and implement marketing strategies and special events to increase public interest and park attendance.Ensure proper management of natural and cultural resources in accordance with conservation best practices.Work with environmental specialists to monitor wildlife, ecosystems, and water quality.Oversee trail maintenance, habitat restoration, and sustainable land-use planning.Implement waste reduction, recycling programs, and energy-efficient initiatives within park areas.Enforce public safety regulations, park rules, and emergency response procedures.Conduct risk assessments, facility inspections, and security monitoring to ensure a safe environment.Coordinate with law enforcement, emergency responders, and search-and-rescue teams as needed.

Knowledge and Skills

Strong decision-making and problem-solving abilities in a dynamic, multi-park environment.Ability to supervise, mentor, motivate, and lead a diverse team of employees across various locations.Experience in budgeting, financial planning, and operational oversight.Excellent written and verbal communication skills for interacting with the public, government officials, and community stakeholders.Ability to prepare reports, deliver presentations, and engage in public outreach efforts.Strong customer service and conflict resolution skills.Proficiency in budget management, procurement, and compliance reporting.Ability to interpret and enforce state laws, environmental policies, and land-use regulations.Knowledge of natural resource management, park infrastructure, and outdoor recreation planning.Familiarity with GIS mapping, environmental monitoring, and sustainable land management preferred.Knowledge of first aid, CPR, and emergency preparedness.

Minimum Qualifications

At least three years of experience in park management, environmental conservation, recreation administration, or a related field, including one year in a leadership capacity.

Licensure/Certifications

N/AOTHER JOB RELATED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE MAY BE SUBSTITUTED FOR ALL OR PART OF THESE BASIC REQUIREMENTS, EXCEPT FOR CERTIFICATION OR LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS, UPON APPROVAL OF THE QUALIFICATIONS REVIEW COMMITTEE.

The State of Arkansas is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, citizenship, national origin, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by law.