PARK MANAGER 1 - 74451

Executive Service

For more information, visit the link below:
https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/environment/job-announcements-/executive-service/01008312_tsp_park_mgr_1_crbsp_tdec-job-opp_es.pdf

Background Check:

This position requires a criminal background check. Therefore, you may be required to provide information about your criminal history in order to be considered for this position.

Who we are and what we do:

The Department of Environment and Conservation exists to enhance the quality of life for citizens of Tennessee and to be stewards of our natural environment. Our Department is committed to providing a cleaner, safer environment that goes hand-in-hand with economic prosperity and increased quality of life in Tennessee. We deliver on our mission by managing regulatory programs that maintain air, water, and soil quality standards while assisting businesses and communities in areas ranging from recreation to waste management. We manage the state park system and programs to inventory, interpret, and protect Tennessee's rich natural, historical, and archaeological heritage. From its beginning in 1937, Tennessee State Parks were established to protect and preserve Tennessee's unique natural, cultural, and historic resources. The public interest has also been served by a variety of benefits for citizens and communities produced by our state park system, promoting stronger communities and healthier citizens across the state through diverse resource-based recreation while conserving the natural environment for today and tomorrow - preserving authentic Tennessee places and spaces for future generations to enjoy. As stewards of the resources in our parks, we seek to manage Tennessee's state parks to preserve and protect valued resources and provide a balance of services and benefits for the enjoyment of the people.

How you make a difference in this role:

This position is well-suited for a leader who is motivated by purpose, enjoys building something meaningful, values long-term stewardship, and sees a new park as an opportunity to create a legacy that will serve Tennesseans for generations.

Job Overview:

This position plays a central role in building systems, hiring and mentoring staff, guiding early park development, and setting expectations for how the park serves visitors and stewards of the land.

Key Responsibilities:

• Supervise a team of full-time staff by providing leadership, work plans, and administering the performance management cycle.
• Establish operations, which include a visitor center in Sneedville, river access, and the former location of River Place on the Clinch. This property, located in the Kyles Ford community, offers four furnished cabins, canoe rentals, gift shop/market, and a fully operational commercial kitchen.
• Demonstrate strong interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate with local officials, partners, and volunteers on community outreach initiatives to promote the park and strengthen community engagement.
• Oversee the park's annual operating budget, park operations, and visitor services.
• Participate in the implementation and coordination of policies and methods for park operations. Study, review, and enforce state policies and guidelines at the park level.
• Work independently while managing multiple priorities and thriving in a dynamic, start-up environment.
• Engage in interpretive and educational programming that connects the community and park visitors to recreational opportunities while highlighting the area's Appalachian history and culture.

Minimum Qualifications:

The ideal candidate will possess a bachelor's degree in natural resources, wildlife biology, history, or a related field and a minimum of three years of experience in parks and recreation management, including at least one year of supervisory experience. The candidate must be a State Commissioned Officer recognized by the Tennessee Law Enforcement Training Academy or be willing to obtain this certification.

Pursuant to the State of Tennessee's Workplace Discrimination and Harassment policy, the State is firmly committed to the principle of fair and equal employment opportunities for its citizens and strives to protect the rights and opportunities of all people to seek, obtain, and hold employment without being subjected to illegal discrimination and harassment in the workplace. It is the State's policy to provide an environment free of discrimination and harassment of an individual because of that person's race, color, national origin, age (40 and over), sex, pregnancy, religion, creed, disability, veteran's status or any other category protected by state and/or federal civil rights laws.