Natural Resources Program Manager - Conservation Lands & Resources

Pima County • Tucson, AZ

10h • $65,457 - $91,644 • Hybrid

About The Position

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.

Requirements

• 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.
• Four years of experience with Pima County in a Natural Resources Program Coordinator or related position as determined by the department head at the time of recruitment INCLUDING one year of lead/supervisory experience.
• Valid driver license is required at time of application. Valid AZ driver license is required at time of appointment.
• The successful applicant will be subject to a 39-month DOT Motor Vehicle Record review to determine applicant’s suitability to operate county vehicles in accordance with Pima County administrative procedures.
• The County requires pre-employment background checks.
• Successful candidates will receive a post-offer, pre-employment background screening to include verification of work history, education, and criminal conviction history.
• This position will require a post-job offer physical and/or drug screen.
• Regular use of County-provided smart phone or other mobile device to collect geospatial data in the field.
• Ability to bend, reach, grasping both simple and firm, perform fine movement, hear at varying noise levels both on a radio and in the environment, speak in person and on a phone, operate machinery, distinguish colors, and use both depth perception and peripheral vision.
• Action Activity - bending, climbing, kneeling, reaching, squatting and stooping; Motion Activity - simple and firm grasping and fine movement; Hearing - in noisy areas, on a radio and behind themselves; Speaking Activity - in person, on the phone and on a cell; Vision - operate a motor vehicle, operate machinery, distinguish colors, have depth perception and have peripheral vision.
• Frequently required to lift, push or pull objects weighing up to 50 pounds.

Nice To Haves

• Minimum three (3) years experience in public sector parks and recreation planning such as park master plans, GIS planning, trails master planning and other infrastructure, or capital improvement planning for public lands.
• Minimum three (3) years experience supervising public sector parks and recreation operations field staff.
• Minimum two (2) years experience developing geospatial analysis to inform trails, park or public land planning, or long-term maintenance.
• Minimum two (2) years experience in special event coordination in a public sector parks.
• Minimum three (3) years experience enforcing personnel policies and completing personnel performance management in a public lands organization and creating internal procedures and protocols for public land operations.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Benefits

• The actual salary offer will carefully consider a wide range of factors, including your skills, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, training, and internal equity.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level