Park Superintendent (PCN 10-5025)

State of Alaska • Finger Lake, AK

7d • Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Natural Resources, Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation, is recruiting a Park Superintendent for the Mat-Su Region. The role oversees management and operation of Alaska State Parks in the Matanuska-Susitna Region, including Nancy Lake State Recreation Area, Independence Mine State Historical Park, and Denali State Park. The superintendent supervises regional staff and supports safe, efficient operations while managing budgets, personnel actions, and maintenance and development projects across multiple park units.

The superintendent works with state and local agencies, partner organizations, and the public on park access, land management, and recreation issues; implements park management plans and policies; and evaluates natural and cultural resource conditions to develop protection strategies while supporting public recreation. The position advises division leadership on regional issues, prepares reports and recommendations, and contributes to long-term planning and decision-making for Alaska State Parks in the Mat-Su region.

The position is based in the Matanuska-Susitna Valley and combines office-based administrative and planning work with regular field visits to park units. It requires frequent travel within the region, periodic vehicle travel, and occasional off-site meetings. Travel to remote locations by small plane or boat may be required. The position requires a valid driver’s license and use or possession of a firearm or ammunition. Required background checks include fingerprinting and criminal history screening; CJIS Security Awareness Clearance training is required within six months of initial assignment and biennially thereafter. Applicants must be Alaska residents.

Requirements

• Must be an Alaska resident.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license.
• Competencies in administration and management, including planning, coordinating, and executing business functions and allocating resources.
• Competencies in human capital management, including workforce planning, recruitment, selection, performance appraisal, and addressing performance problems.
• Competencies in parks and recreation management, including protecting and maintaining natural, historical, and cultural resources and considering visitor safety and welfare.
• Competencies in partnering and building strategic relationships to achieve common goals.
• Competencies in planning and evaluating, including organizing work, setting priorities, determining resource requirements, establishing goals and strategies, coordinating across organizations, and evaluating outcomes.
• Qualifying competencies may be gained through progressively responsible professional experience managing regional or unit budgets, administering programs, allocating funds, government policy or planning, staff supervision, and/or post-secondary education in natural or physical science, outdoor studies, management, or business administration.
• Must pass required background checks, including fingerprint-based FBI CJIS security clearance and criminal history checks.
• Must complete CJIS Security Awareness Clearance training within six months of initial assignment and biennially thereafter.
• Must be eligible to hold a position requiring firearm or ammunition access under applicable federal law.
• Three professional references and proof of a valid driver’s license are required at the interview.

Responsibilities

• Oversee management and operation of Alaska State Parks within the Matanuska-Susitna Region.
• Supervise regional staff and ensure safe, efficient park operations.
• Manage budgets, personnel actions, and maintenance and development projects across multiple park units.
• Coordinate with state and local agencies, partner organizations, and the public on park access, land management, and recreation issues.
• Implement park management plans and policies.
• Evaluate natural and cultural resource conditions and develop strategies to protect resources while supporting public recreation.
• Advise division leadership on regional issues and prepare reports and recommendations.
• Contribute to long-term planning and decision-making for Alaska State Parks in the Mat-Su region.
• Inspect park facilities, coordinate with staff and partners, and support park operations across the region.
• Plan, distribute, and monitor staff work; set priorities; evaluate performance and provide feedback; and support staff selection and development.

Benefits

• Opportunities for professional growth, training, and career advancement within the Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation and the Department of Natural Resources.
• Experience in public land management, leadership, and collaboration with local communities, partner agencies, and stakeholders.
• Opportunity to contribute to stewardship of Alaska’s public lands and protection of natural and cultural resources.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: No Education Listed