Superintendent - Conservation Lands

City of Missoula•Missoula, MT

About The Position

Help preserve the places that make Missoula special. The City of Missoula Parks & Recreation is seeking a Superintendent – Conservation Lands to lead the stewardship and management of the community's conservation lands, trails, and open spaces. From protecting native habitats and cultural resources to expanding outdoor recreation opportunities, this position plays a vital role in ensuring these treasured public lands remain healthy, accessible, and resilient for future generations. This leadership position combines natural resource expertise with strategic planning, community engagement, and team development. The successful candidate will oversee conservation initiatives, guide restoration and land management projects, collaborate with community partners, and inspire others through a shared commitment to environmental stewardship and responsible recreation.

Requirements

Seven (7) years of natural resource maintenance, conservation land management, or another relevant field.
Prior supervisory experience.
Must have Montana herbicide applicator’s license, or the ability to obtain within 30 days of hire.
Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis at the time of application.

Nice To Haves

Montana Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPP) Administrator certification, preferred.

Responsibilities

Oversee and coordinate the management of City of Missoula conservation lands including native habitats, trails, cultural sites, etc.
Utilize GIS and GPS technology, historic records, aerial photography, science-based research, and other tools to develop & write management plans for conservation lands, including riparian and coniferous forests, grasslands, wetlands, public recreation, and educational outreach; oversee the public process for plan adoption.
Manage and implement projects, performed by outside contractors, partners, and City staff, related to preserving natural and cultural resources, ensuring the protection of conservation lands, and providing outdoor recreational opportunities; implement inclusive programs through community open space, green infrastructure, and climate resiliency projects to ensure compliance with standards and regulations
Develop, manage, and coordinate a scientific inventory and monitoring program; analyze results and create detailed reports.
Develop Conservation Land Management goals, objectives, and work plans for managing preferred native vegetation, forest health, habitat restoration, etc.
Oversee the development and implementation of an outreach, education, and marketing program with the Conservation Lands Program.
Supervise various employees, including assigning and reviewing work, performance evaluations, and training; participate in hiring, discipline, and termination decisions; provide support by correcting deficiencies, and building strengths to ensure effective working relationships.
Maintain and implement the adopted Conservation Lands Management Plan, including developing best management practices, performance standards, and long-range plans; assist with implementation of community engagement and accessibility programs and practices.
Coordinate activities with other department managers to facilitate efficient, effective, and professional departmental operations; coordinate with other agencies and groups to implement department plans.
Prepare and present various informative and educational information to citizens, boards, councils, etc.
Manage a board-appointed citizen advisory committee on behalf of the department.
Serve as primary point of contact with the public and/or homeowners regarding City ordinances and standards on open space conservation lands.
Prepare and manage annual operating and capital improvement budgets for the Conservation Lands programs; monitor and manage spending of allocated budget; prepare and administer grants related to Conservation Lands and other assigned public areas or programs.
Develop and administer contracts agreements and permits.
Assist with strategic planning for the department.
Develop and implement standard operation procedures, preventative maintenance cycles, and inspection intervals/reports; oversee safe operation of equipment and maintenance employees.
Prepare a variety of reports, planning documents, and various other materials.
Oversee the Conservation Lands Program’s responsibility in managing State listed noxious weeds and related USDA pesticide reporting.
Perform other duties as assigned, based on training and qualifications.