Environmental Project Manager-BCP Visitor Center Operations Manager

Travis County•11920 Wilson Parke Avenue, TX

23d•Hybrid

About The Position

Travis County Natural Resources is seeking a Visitor Center Operations Manager to lead long-term planning and direct daily operations for the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve (BCP) Visitor Center, expected to open in 2028. The center is situated on 96 acres of juniper-oak woodlands adjacent to the BCP and includes trails, an outdoor amphitheater, a nature play area, an ADA-accessible constructed cave, an exhibit hall, classroom and meeting/event spaces, and an observation tower. The center will serve as a gateway to the Preserve and expand community engagement and education through activities such as school field trips, self-guided tours, public meetings and symposia, and fee-based event rentals. The Operations Manager will steward the site's natural and cultural resources; maintain facilities and exhibits; oversee gift shop and vending services; maintain the facility in accordance with SITES accreditation standards; and manage staff, contracts, budgets, and operations. The role coordinates with Natural Resources Division Managers to align visitor center operations with biological monitoring, ecological restoration, fuels mitigation, and other land and habitat management activities. It also works with internal and external partners, including County and City divisions, nonprofit organizations, schools, colleges, and universities. The position performs environmental project management for County programs, projects, and improvements. Duties include supervising staff; providing environmental expertise; coordinating compliance and enforcement; managing grants, contracts, budgets, and project documentation; conducting assessments; advising officials and stakeholders; and representing the County in meetings and public settings. This is a hybrid position with some work required on nights and weekends. Regular work hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The role may involve outdoor work in varied weather and terrain, driving a four-wheel-drive vehicle, and other physical demands described in the posting.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Natural Resources, Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, Geography, Technical Writing, Resource Economics, or a directly related field, and four years of experience in natural resources/environmental analysis and grant management, including program and project development, implementation, and grant administration, with one year of mid- to senior-level supervisory or management experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Valid Texas Driver's License.
Demonstrated experience operating a visitor center of comparable scale.
Experience scoping and managing contracts.
Experience developing standard operating procedures and policies for a visitor center.
Experience supervising staff supporting facility, site, and grounds operations, including reservations, gift shop operations and sales, special-event systems, and maintenance contracts.
Ability to report on metrics and outcomes.
Knowledge of environmental and natural resource protection principles and practices; applicable environmental laws and regulations; environmental grant requirements; environmental engineering techniques and specifications; construction practices; grant guidelines and programs; project and contract management; and budget preparation.
Skill in supervising and managing teams; conducting environmental assessments; using biological monitoring and censusing and wildlife control equipment; interacting with government officials, agencies, employees, and contractors; technical and grant writing; explaining technical problems in plain language; public speaking; and verbal and written communication.
Ability to assess impacts of land development and maintenance on water quality, land, and biological resources; interpret mapped and graphic data and plans; manage competing priorities and deadlines; prepare reports; and maintain effective working relationships.
Ability to lift and carry 20–50 pounds occasionally and perform the listed physical activities, including standing, walking or hiking on rough terrain, climbing, bending, kneeling, crouching, crawling, pushing, pulling, and operating office equipment.
Ability to work in extreme temperatures or changing weather conditions and smoke from prescribed or wildfires; the role may involve contact with dangerous machinery, fumes, communicable or infectious disease, and hazardous chemicals.
Ability to participate in business continuity efforts outside normal job functions when assigned.
Criminal, driving, education, and employment background checks are required.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, or Project Management.
Experience working with Habitat Conservation Plans.
Three or more years managing a facility or major program at a visitor or nature center.
Three or more years managing a staff of five or more.
Experience developing and implementing a facility master plan, operations plans, a business plan for a park or natural resource program, or an interpretive plan.
Experience developing or leading revenue-generating programs, managing contracts for goods and services, coordinating large special events, working with volunteers, maintaining a visitor or nature center, or maintaining interpretive exhibits.
Experience managing contracts, projects, and budgets, and developing long-range goals and strategies.
Professional certifications related to Facility Operations, Interpretation, Leadership/Supervision, or Parks and Recreation.
Depending on assigned duties, grant/certification writing, ISA Arborist Certification, IECA Erosion Control Specialist Certification, Water Supply Operator Certification, or a Pest Control License may be required.

Responsibilities

Lead long-term planning for and direct daily operations of the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve Visitor Center and its amenities.
Steward the site's natural and cultural resources and maintain facilities, grounds, and exhibits, including in accordance with SITES accreditation standards.
Manage gift shop and vending services, reservations, special events, and facility and grounds maintenance contracts.
Develop, implement, oversee, and administer projects, budgets, codes, specifications, policies, and procedures for County programs, projects, and improvements.
Supervise, train, evaluate, and schedule support staff; prioritize assignments and authorize productive and non-productive work hours.
Coordinate visitor center operations with biological monitoring, ecological restoration, fuels mitigation, and other land and habitat management activities.
Communicate and coordinate with internal and external partners and stakeholders to identify mutually beneficial program alignment.
Provide environmental expertise and support for development design, construction, improvements, and maintenance.
Monitor grant projects for compliance with funding agency regulations and provide environmental compliance oversight.
Prepare and conduct environmental compliance training and oversee annual reports.
Conduct environmental assessments, investigate and analyze problems, and advise on ways to mitigate adverse environmental impacts of County operations.
Monitor relevant federal, state, and local laws and regulations and ensure compliance with those laws and County policies and procedures.
Develop, review, and recommend fiscal-year expenditures for contracts, projects, grants, construction, maintenance, compliance, and related needs.
Manage and oversee preparation and submission of grant applications for new and continued program funding.
Develop contract documents, draft bid specifications, perform plan reviews, and identify potential environmental compliance problems in designs, construction plans, and site assessments.
Advise elected and appointed officials, department heads, County staff, citizens, agencies, and consultants on relevant environmental matters.
Assist with long-range County planning for natural resources and environmental programs and projects.
Represent the County at meetings, advisory groups, neighborhood groups, boards and commissions, conferences, professional associations, and related committees.
Respond to difficult citizen inquiries and complaints, resolve problems, and perform other assigned job-related duties.
Report on visitor center metrics and outcomes.