State Park Manager

State of Iowa • Onawa - 51040 - Monona County, IA

4d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is seeking an enthusiastic and motivated natural resource professional to serve as the next Park Manager at Lewis and Clark State Park. This position offers a unique blend of leadership, hands-on field work, public engagement, and natural resource management. As Park Manager, you will play a key role in maintaining high-quality recreational opportunities, protecting natural resources, and creating memorable experiences for park visitors. Lewis and Clark State Park, located near Onawa in western Iowa, is one of the state's premier outdoor recreation destinations, offering exceptional camping, boating, fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing opportunities along the shores of Blue Lake. This is a unique opportunity to live and work in a beautiful setting while leading the operations, stewardship, and visitor services at one of Iowa’s most popular state parks.

Requirements

• 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).
• Five years of full-time work experience in park operations (may include experience as a park laborer, planner, manager, or ranger).
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Maintain/Obtain valid Driver's license.
• CPR/First Aide certification.
• Pesticide license (must obtain within first year of hire).
• Chain Saw Safety Certification (must obtain within first year of hire).
• Water/wastewater Certification - Grade 1 Water Treatment and Grade 1 Distribution (must obtain within two years of hire).
• Staff must live within the travel requirement as outlined in the DNR Park Bureau Policy.
• Drive state vehicles (pick up, passenger vehicles) on public and private roadways.
• A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) and endorsements.
• Certified Water and Wastewater system operator.
• O.C. spray, handcuffing, and defensive tactics training will be required within a specified period of time as determined by the appointing authority.

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