State Park Manager 3

Join the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation as the visionary Park Manager 3 for Thousand Springs State Park in Hagerman, ID!

Located in the heart of southern Idaho's scenic Magic Valley, Thousand Springs State Park is one of Idaho's most unique and geographically diverse park systems. Spanning approximately 2,000 acres across six distinct units, the park showcases the breathtaking natural springs, dramatic canyons, rich agricultural history, and iconic landscapes that define the Thousand Springs region. As Park Manager, you will oversee the operations of this extraordinary multi-unit park system, serving visitors from across Idaho and beyond.

Thousand Springs State Park offers a unique blend of recreational, educational, and historical experiences across its diverse park units. Visitors can explore the historic Oregon Trail at Kelton Trail, hike and picnic at Malad Gorge, fish and view wildlife at Billingsley Creek, tour historic structures on Ritter Island, and experience the breathtaking springs, waterfalls, and scenic overlooks found throughout the park system. The park also features ADA-accessible amenities, group facilities, historic rental homes, a full-service campground, and a visitor center operated in partnership with Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument, enhancing recreation, interpretation, and educational opportunities for visitors.

As Park Manager 3, you will lead the management and operations of this complex and highly visible park system. Your leadership will play a critical role in preserving the park's natural resources, protecting its historical and cultural assets, and ensuring exceptional visitor experiences across multiple locations with diverse operational needs.

You will oversee a dedicated team that includes an Assistant Park Manager, three Park Rangers, seasonal staff, maintenance personnel, and administrative support staff. Success in this role requires strong organizational and leadership skills, particularly in coordinating operations across multiple park units with varying visitation patterns, facility needs, and resource priorities. Your ability to manage staff, maintain infrastructure, oversee visitor services, and respond to operational challenges across a geographically dispersed park system will be essential.

Equally important is your ability to foster strong relationships with local communities, partner agencies, volunteers, and stakeholder groups. Thousand Springs State Park thrives through collaboration with organizations such as the National Park Service, local municipalities, tourism partners, conservation groups, schools, and recreational organizations. As the face of the park, you will actively engage with community leaders and visitors to expand recreational opportunities, support interpretive and educational programming, and promote stewardship of the region's extraordinary natural and cultural resources.

Housing is available for this position, making your transition to Hagerman smoother and more convenient.

This is more than a job; it is an opportunity to guide the future of one of Idaho's most remarkable and diverse state park systems.

If you are a strong leader with a passion for outdoor recreation, natural resource stewardship, historic preservation, and public engagement, we invite you to apply.

For more information regarding Thousand Springs State Park, please visit: https://parksandrecreation.idaho.gov/state-park/thousand-springs-state-park/

If you would like to learn more about this position, or the available housing, please contact: South Region Manager, Johannes Giessen

• Phone: (208) 514-2409
• Email: Johannes.Giessen@idpr.idaho.gov

EXAMPLE OF DUTIES

1. Management

• Projects annual budget requirements and sets priorities
• Prepares performance and financial reports
• Plans, projects costs, authorizes purchases, and implements major work projects
• Supervises subordinates and oversees work of permanent, seasonal and volunteer staff
• Provides for employee orientation and training and conducts staff meetings
• Determines need for and requests seasonal and volunteer staffing
• Develops proposals for park master plan
• Oversees outdoor recreation programs, including park concessions
• Negotiates leases within park

2. Recreation and Resource Management

• Analyzes and recommends action to protect and conserve parks' natural, historical, and recreational environment
• Coordinates with user and community groups, special interest groups, landowners, and other agencies regarding issues of joint concern including recreation activities and resource management Implements natural resource plans
• Represents the Department at public meetings
• Advises local planning committees and their contractors regarding park design, development, and recreation programs
• Manages the development and promotion of park activities, oversees the development and implementation of the Park's interpretive programs/displays

3. Compliance and Safety

• Schedules and supervises staff to protect resources and provide a safe environment for park users
• Serves as liaison between park and enforcement agencies
• Works closely with local authorities to ensure compliance with park and recreation program rules and regulations
• Develops and recommends safety emergency action plans
• Ensures staff is trained in first aid, search and rescue, and accident investigation
• Reports property damage, recommends corrective procedures, equipment modification, and visitor and employee safety standards
• Ensures identified employees are trained in rule compliance and the use of equipment, vehicles, and tools Issues citations when necessary and may testify in court

4. Construction and Maintenance

• Plans and supervises maintenance and repair of park facilities
• Works with Department Development staff to coordinate development and inspection of construction projects
• May perform park maintenance and construction tasks

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Considerable knowledge of park and recreation management, outdoor recreation program management and natural resource management. This experience is typically gained by at least three (3) years of work experience with a city, county, state or federal park and recreation organization with two (2) years independently managing the natural resources/facilities, user/visitor facilities, and outdoor recreation programs.

Good knowledge of management practice. This experience is typically gained by successful completion of at least two (2), three (3)-credit, or equivalent classes of upper division college-level coursework, that included all the essential elements of management (Planning, Organizing, Leading, and Controlling); OR at least one (1) year of work experience where responsibility for all the essential elements of management was a primary responsibility. (The Certified Public Manager program offered through the Division of Human Resources will substitute for one year of work experience.)

Experience:

• Supervising professional and line staff, temporary/seasonal employees, and volunteers. This experience is typically gained by at least one year of work experience in a supervisory role that required responsibility for assigning work, training, and coaching new and existing staff. NOTE: Experience must include the supervision of professional and line staff, temporary/seasonal employees, and volunteers, to qualify.
• Developing and monitoring a budget. This experience is typically gained by at least two (2) years of work experience developing and monitoring a program budget.
• Performing construction and building maintenance. This experience is typically gained by independently performing intermediate carpentry and plumbing tasks such as structural building remodeling, plumbing installation, electrical installation, etc. and experience reading and interpreting blueprints.
• Operating and maintaining vehicles/equipment. This experience is typically gained by operating heavier vehicles and equipment such as tractors with loaders, various types of farm machinery, chain saws, large riding mowers and sprayers AND experience performing minor maintenance work on small engines, pumps, and vehicles such as changing oil and filters and performing minor tune-ups.
• Developing and presenting structured interpretation/environmental education. This experience is typically gained by successful completion of at least two (2) college courses that included park interpretation/ environmental education; OR, at least two (2) seasons of work experience developing and presenting structured interpretation/ environmental education programs that have covered more than one topic area. (Answering visitor questions does not qualify.)

Given the high volume of applications for IDPR position, we strongly encourage applicants to submit comprehensive resumes and cover letters. To provide clarity on our desired expectations, we've prepared a sample resume and cover letter: Example Resume and Cover Letter for Manager Position

DO WHAT YOU LOVE, LOVE WHAT YOU DO

WHY IDPR? We are innovators in outdoor recreation, committed to excellent service and resource stewardship. We foster experiences that renew the human spirit and promote community vitality. Our mission is to improve the quality of life in Idaho through outdoor recreation and resource stewardship. IDPR manages 30 state parks, trails and attractions throughout every region of Idaho and the registration programs for boats, snowmobiles and other off-highway vehicles (OHV). Money from these registration programs goes back to users to develop and maintain trails, facilities and programs. IDPR also provides free education courses for boaters and OHV operators. To learn more about Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation please visit: https://parksandrecreation.idaho.gov/

BENEFITS: We offer a competitive benefits package which includes excellent medical, dental and vision insurance. There is generous vacation and sick leave accrual that begins as soon as you start. There are ten paid holidays in a year; participation in one of the Nation's best state retirement systems; multiple saving plans and optional 401K; life insurance; wellness programs; ongoing training opportunities and more. For additional information related to benefits and/or State programs, please visit: https://dhr.idaho.gov/information-for-state-employees/.

EEO/ADA/Veteran: The State of Idaho is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, political affiliation or belief, sex, national origin, genetics, or any other status protected under applicable federal, state, or local laws.

The State of Idaho is committed to access and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities, auxiliary aids and services are available upon request. If you require an accommodation at any step in our recruitment process, you are encouraged to contact (208) 334-2263 (TTY/TTD: 711), or email ada.coordinator@dhr.idaho.gov.

Preference may be given to veterans who qualify under state and federal laws and regulations.