State Park Manager

State of Iowa • Milford - 51351 - Dickinson County, IA

5d • Onsite

About The Position

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is seeking a motivated natural resource professional to serve as the next Park Manager at Gull Point State Park. Located along the shores of West Okoboji Lake in Milford, Iowa, Gull Point State Park Complex offers some of Iowa’s most scenic outdoor recreation opportunities. The complex is known for its beautiful lake views, camping, boating access, hiking trails, and vibrant tourism community in the Iowa Great Lakes region. This is an exciting opportunity to live and work in one of Iowa’s premier outdoor destinations while helping preserve and enhance the visitor experience for thousands of guests each year. As Park Manager, you will oversee the daily operations, maintenance, public safety, and natural resource stewardship of the park complex. This position offers a unique blend of leadership, hands-on field work, public engagement, and natural resource management.

Requirements

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major course work in park and outdoor recreation, natural resource management or biological sciences and 12 months work experience in park operation; OR employees with a current continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes experience equal to thirty-six months of full-time work as a Natural Resource Technician 1 or 2, or Park Ranger.
• Obtain and Maintain a Commercial Pesticide Applicator License (must obtain within 1 year of hire)
• Defensive Tactics Training within 1 year of hire in order to complete minimum qualifications to perform job duties as a Seasonal Patrol Officer
• Chain Saw Safety Certification (must obtain within 1 year of hire)
• CPR/First Aide certification (must obtain within first six months of hire)
• Maintain/Obtain valid Driver's license (must obtain upon hire)
• Reside within 30 road miles of the work location in accordance with the Parks, Forests, and Preserves Bureau travel policy.
• 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 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.

Nice To Haves

• Passionate about natural resources and outdoor recreation
• Self-motivated and able to work independently
• Skilled in leadership, communication, and problem-solving
• Comfortable balancing office administration with hands-on field work
• Dedicated to public service and visitor experience
• Adaptable in a fast-paced, outdoor environment

Responsibilities

• Assist the district supervisor with day-to-day administration of the state parks, including managing park employees tasks and workloads, hiring & training of seasonal/temporary employees, managing contract and procurement of goods, services, and rentals.
• Overseeing the park budgets, monthly reporting, revenue, receipts, and inventory of all property, supplies, tools, and equipment.
• Work to achieve the long-range goals of the park resource management plan by planning for and performing park maintenance, preventative maintenance, and general construction work to maintain the integrity of facilities and equipment.
• Regular inspections of multi-use trails, natural areas, concession operations, playgrounds, boat ramps and docks to ensure public safety, accessibility compliance and resource integrity.
• Represent the Department at public appearances and media requests to promote the state park system, recreational safety, and natural resource management.
• Assist with creating and implementing interpretive and volunteer programs as required, including interactions with local agencies and stakeholder groups to promote park activities and maintain connections to surrounding communities.
• Ensure the safety of park visitors, security of state property and facilities, and orderliness within public use areas by answering questions and through the enforcement of Iowa DNR Administrative Rules related to parks, boating, and fishing.
• Attend regular training sessions on enforcement subjects to maintain knowledge of enforcement techniques, equipment proficiency, ensure enforcement related incident reports and citations are properly completed, and law enforcement equipment such as radios and duty belts are properly maintained.

Benefits

• Insurance benefits that start the first of the month following 30 days of employment.
• 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)

What This Job Offers

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