Park Manager

State of Iowa • Eldora - 50627 - Hardin County, IA

8d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Iowa DNR is seeking a motivated individual to join our Parks, Forestry and Preserves Bureau as a Park Manager for Pine Lake and Union Grove State Parks. This position offers a unique opportunity to work in one of Iowa’s premier outdoor recreation destinations. The successful candidate will enjoy a high degree of independence, the satisfaction of making a visible impact on park operations and natural resources, and the opportunity to contribute to the stewardship of public lands that are enjoyed by thousands of visitors each year. Pine Lake State Park is situated in Central Iowa, an easy drive from I35, on the NE edge of the City of Eldora, Hardin County, Iowa. Union Grove State Park is located roughly 4 miles South of Gladbrook off of 220 th Street, Tama County, Iowa. Both parks include cabins, hiking trails, lakes, boat ramp/docks, a beach, campground, shelters, restrooms and play areas. The successful candidate will be required to live within 30 miles of Pine Lake State Park/Union Grove State Park as outlined in DNR Park Bureau policy.

Requirements

• Minimum Qualification Requirements Applicants must meet at least one of the following minimum requirements to qualify for positions in this job classification: 1) Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in park and outdoor recreation, natural resource management, biological sciences, hospitality management, or public administration, and experience equal to one year of full-time work in park operations (may include experience as a park laborer, planner, manager, or ranger). 2) Five years of full-time work experience in park operations (may include experience as a park laborer, planner, manager, or ranger). 3) A total of five years of education and/or full-time experience (as described in number one), where thirty semester hours of accredited college or university coursework in park and outdoor recreation, natural resource management, biological sciences, hospitality management, or public administration field equals one year of full-time experience. 4) Current, continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes three years of full time work as a Natural Resource Technician 1 or 2, Park Ranger, or Conservation Officer.
• Selective 914 Park and Recreation Management 6 months’ experience, twelve semester hours, or a combination of both in the operation and/or maintenance of parks or park recreational services. May have commonly been served at a national, state, or county park level.
• OR 450 Natural Resources 6 months’ experience, 12 semester hours, or a combination of both in one or in a combination of more than one of the following: Ecology, Environmental planning, Soil conservation, Biological sciences, Waste water treatment, Forestry, Engineering related to natural resource areas (dams, sanitary engineers, etc.), Outdoor recreation planning, Physical sciences, River basin planning, Geography, Wildlife management.
• CDL (must obtain within first six months of hire)
• Pesticide license (must obtain within 1 year of hire)
• Maintain/Obtain valid Driver's license. (must obtain upon hire)
• CPR/First Aide certification (must obtain within first six months of hire)
• Chain Saw Safety Certification (must obtain within first year of hire)
• Defensive Tactics training (must obtain within first year of hire)
• Accountability
• Integrity
• High Productivity
• Communication Skills
• Project Management
• Team Player
• Interpersonal Skills
• Computer Skills
• Self-Management
• Customer Focus
• Project Management and Technical Skills (park management, mechanical)

Nice To Haves

• A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) and endorsements
• Pesticide Applicator - by the Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship
• Certified Water and Wastewater system operator
• First Aide/CPR will be required within a specified period of time as determined by the appointing authority.
• O.C. spray, handcuffing, and defensive tactics training will be required within a specified period of time as determined by the appointing authority.

Responsibilities

• Assist the District Supervisor in the daily administration and operation of the park, including supervising park staff; recruiting, hiring, and training seasonal and temporary employees; managing contracts and procurement activities; overseeing budgets; preparing monthly financial reports; and maintaining accurate inventories of park property, supplies, tools, equipment, and other assets.
• Support the implementation of the park’s resource management plan by planning, coordinating, and performing park maintenance, preventive maintenance, and construction projects.
• Conduct regular inspections of park facilities and amenities—including multi-use trails, natural areas, concession operations, playgrounds, boat ramps, and docks—to ensure visitor safety, accessibility compliance, operational functionality, and protection of natural resources.
• Serve as a representative of the Department by participating in public outreach activities, responding to media inquiries, and promoting the state park system, recreational safety, and natural resource stewardship.
• Assist in the development and delivery of interpretive, educational, and volunteer programs, while fostering positive relationships with local agencies, community organizations, and stakeholder groups.
• Help ensure a safe, secure, and welcoming environment for park visitors by providing information, maintaining order within public use areas, and enforcing applicable Iowa DNR Administrative Rules related to parks, boating, and fishing.
• Participate in ongoing enforcement training to maintain proficiency in enforcement procedures and equipment, complete incident reports and citations accurately, and ensure law enforcement equipment is properly maintained and operational.
• Manages parks by applying technical knowledge and experience.
• Maintains power tools and equipment commonly used to maintain buildings and landscapes.
• Applies knowledge of principles, theories and practices of parks and recreation and resource management to daily work.
• Performs work both in office environments and outdoors in a variety of extreme weather conditions.
• Trains other professional staff, technical workers, and volunteers to perform duties; develops and fosters teamwork.
• Communicates verbally and in writing with DNR staff, management personnel, other state and federal agencies, groups with diverse audiences, other employees, and volunteers.
• Facilitate public meetings and presentations to diverse groups of stakeholders.
• Performs work independently with minimal supervision and achieves consistent results.
• Ensures projects are organized, tracked and completed timely.
• Carries heavy loads (40 lbs.+) across great distances and operates a wide variety of motor vehicles.
• Uses PC-based software to complete work.
• Fiscal skills to administer budgets and track expenditures.
• Spreadsheet skills to create, modify and manipulate data.

Benefits

• Insurance benefits that start the first of the month following 30 days of employment. (Premiums can start as low as $64/month for single and $210/month for family coverage).
• Separate vacation and sick leave accruals that start on the first day and can roll over annually.
• Nine paid holidays/year.
• Iowa Public Employee Retirement System (IPERS) retirement package with employer match.
• Optional deferred compensation (457/401A) plan with employer match.
• Professional training opportunities.
• Family friendly and professional work environment.
• Employee Discount Programs (vision, cellular, fitness, recreation, season passes, travel, counseling)
• The State’s total compensation package features benefits that are worth about 30% of your total compensation.

What This Job Offers

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