PARK SUPERINTENDENT III

State of Arkansas; Marianna (AR); On-site; USD 69,000 - 103,000; Full time

Job summary

The Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism seeks a Park Superintendent III to oversee daily operations, maintenance, and visitor services at Mississippi River State Park. The role protects natural and cultural resources, ensures visitor safety, and drives efficient park operations.

Key responsibilities include budgeting, staff supervision, program development, facility management, and coordinating safety plans.

Qualifications

• At least four years of experience in park management or natural resource management.
• Two years in a leadership capacity.
• Experience with budgeting, procurement, and resource allocation.
• Strong verbal and written communication with the public, stakeholders, and agencies.
• Ability to supervise and motivate staff and handle public inquiries.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily management, maintenance, and programming for a state park or multiple sites.
• Implement park policies, safety regulations, and environmental laws.
• Develop budgeting, procurement, and resource allocation plans.
• Supervise staff, hire/fire recommendations, assignments, and performance reviews.
• Prepare reports and funding proposals for park leadership.
• Ensure quality visitor experiences through well-maintained facilities and programming.
• Coordinate safety, emergency response, and law enforcement collaboration.
• Manage fee collection, concessions, and special events to support sustainability.

Skills

Decision-making

Staff supervision

Budget management

Public speaking

Policy enforcement

Job description

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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.

This position serves as Superintendent at Mississippi River State Park. Mississippi River State Park’s mission is to provide quality access to the St. Francis National Forest while inspiring personal connections to the RIVER, the DELTA, and the RIDGE. The park features three lakes, two National Scenic Byways—the All-American Great River Road and Crowley’s Ridge Parkway— hiking trails, modern and primitive recreational areas. Visitors can enjoy camping, fishing, paddling, hiking, wildlife viewing, and access the Saint Francis WMA for hunting.

Position Information

Job Series: Parks – Competitive

Class Code: RPA19C

Pay Grade: SGS09

Salary Range: $69,395- $102,705

Job Summary

The Park Superintendent III is a mid-level management position responsible for overseeing the daily operations, maintenance, and visitor services of a moderate to large-sized state park or multiple smaller parks. This role ensures the protection of natural and cultural resources, the safety and satisfaction of visitors, and the efficiency of park operations.

Primary Responsibilities

• Oversee the daily management, maintenance, and programming of a state park or multiple smaller park sites.
• Implement and enforce state park policies, safety regulations, and environmental conservation laws.
• Develop and oversee budgeting, procurement, and resource allocation to support park operations.
• Supervises staff by interviewing, recommending staff for hire/fire, assigning and reviewing work, counseling, and evaluating the performance of incumbents.
• Prepare reports, operational plans, and funding proposals for state park leadership.
• Supervise facility staff, park interpreters, park rangers, maintenance workers, seasonal staff, and volunteers.
• Ensure high-quality visitor experiences through well-maintained facilities, engaging programming, and responsive customer service.
• Handle public inquiries, complaints, and emergency situations in a professional and timely manner.
• Oversee park maintenance, infrastructure improvements, and trail management.
• Manage natural and cultural resources, ensuring environmental stewardship and conservation best practices.
• Assist in educational and recreational programs, ensuring alignment with conservation and heritage goals.
• Coordinate safety and emergency response plans, including law enforcement collaboration and disaster preparedness.
• Oversee fee collection, concessionaire agreements, and special event management to support park sustainability.

Knowledge and Skills

Strong decision-making, conflict resolution, and organizational skills. Ability to supervise and motivate staff. Experience in budget management, procurement, and resource allocation. Excellent verbal and written communication skills for engaging with the public, stakeholders, and government agencies. Strong public speaking and presentation abilities for educational programs and community outreach. Ability to handle complaints, resolve visitor concerns, and manage public expectations professionally. Knowledge of park maintenance, natural resource conservation, and recreational facility management. Proficiency in environmental laws, safety regulations, and emergency response planning. Understanding of business operations, revenue collection, and partnership development. Ability to operate park maintenance equipment, vehicles, and tools safely and effectively. Knowledge of hiking trail maintenance, habitat restoration, and wildlife management. Awareness and ability to respond to first aid, CPR, and emergency response protocols (training will be provided).

Minimum Qualifications

At least four years of experience in park management, natural resource management, outdoor recreation administration, or a related field, including two years 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.