PARK MANAGER 1 - 74425

Executive Service

For more information, visit the link below:
https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/environment/job-announcements-/executive-service/01008299_tsp_park_mgr_1_dbsp_tdec-job-opp_es.pdf

Background Check:

Yes

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 through managing regulatory programs that maintain standards for air, water and soil quality while providing assistance to businesses and communities in areas ranging from recreation to waste management. We manage the state park system and programs to inventory, interpret and protect Tennessees rich natural, historical and archaeological heritage.

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. Working closely with the Area Manager, 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. The ideal candidate will possess a bachelors degree from an accredited university/college and three years of full-time professional park and conservation experience. Additional qualifying graduate coursework or professional park law enforcement, park management, or park interpretive work may be substituted for the required experience and/or education on a year-for-year basis.

Job Overview:

Our Tennessee State Parks are among the most beautiful parks in the United States. We have an outstanding and rare opportunity to help shape a Tennessee State Park from its earliest days establishing its culture, operations, and visitor experience while protecting sensitive natural resources and planning for future recreational opportunities. Dry Branch State Park is one of Tennessees newest state parks, created from a former State Natural Area and encompassing more than 2,000 acres across Lewis and surrounding counties. As the Park Manager 1, you will serve as the foundational leader at the park and play a key role in shaping the identity, culture, and future of one of the states newest parks, as well as be responsible for translating the park's vision into action during its initial phases of development.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist the Area Manager in establishing Dry Branch State Park as a new Tennessee State Park by developing operational systems, staffing plans, and a strong park culture grounded in stewardship, safety, and visitor service.
• Provide leadership for daily park operations and early development efforts, helping shape how the park functions, how visitors experience the landscape, and how staff carry out the mission of Tennessee State Parks.
• Guide the protection and management of sensitive natural and cultural resources across a large, conservation-focused landscape while balancing public access with long-term preservation goals.
• Serve as an ambassador for Dry Branch State Park by engaging with local communities, partners, and stakeholders to build support for the park and contribute to the regions quality of life.

Minimum Qualifications:

The ideal candidate will possess a bachelors degree from an accredited university/college and three years of full-time professional park and conservation experience. Additional qualifying graduate coursework or professional park law enforcement, park management, or park interpretive work may be substituted for the required experience and/or education on a year-for-year basis.

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.