State Park Assistant Manager

NOTE: All applicants must apply by 11:59 PM MST on the closing date.

The Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation is pleased to announce an exciting opportunity for the position of Assistant Park Manager at Thousand Springs State Park!

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 Assistant Park Manager, you will play a vital leadership role, working in close collaboration with the Park Manager to oversee the daily 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.

In this role, you will supervise, train, recruit and support both permanent and seasonal staff, monitor budgetary matters, and cultivate a workplace culture that values teamwork, professionalism, and exceptional visitor service. Your efforts will help ensure that the park remains a safe, well-maintained, and welcoming destination for thousands of annual guests.

Additionally, the role involves overseeing maintenance operations, stewarding natural resources, implementing environmental education initiatives, and ensuring compliance with park regulations.

This position also requires strong community engagement. You will collaborate with local law enforcement, community groups, and partner agencies such as the National Park Service. Building productive relationships and representing the park with professionalism and integrity will be key to supporting long-term success and enhancing the park's connection to the broader community.

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

If you're eager to guide a dedicated team, and you have a passion for outdoor recreation, natural resource stewardship, historic preservation, and public engagement, we invite you to apply.

To learn more about Thousand Springs State Park, please visit: https://parksandrecreation.idaho.gov/state-park/thousand-springs-state-park/

If you have any questions about this position, please contact Park Manager Juelie Traska:

• Phone: (208) 837-4505
• Email: Juelie.traska@idpr.idaho.gov

EXAMPLE OF DUTIES

1. Park Supervision and Maintenance.

Assists park manager in hiring, training, evaluating, and managing permanent, seasonal, and volunteer staff; develops work schedules; recommends budget and monitors staff, park, and maintenance expenditures; prepares performance, financial, and project reports; oversees work projects and may work with development staff to implement construction projects; provides information on park services and rules to visitors; supervises reservations, fee collection, and receipt deposits according to Department policy; develops operational guidelines, procedures manual, and preventive maintenance schedules; oversees and may perform maintenance on facilities, equipment, and grounds including operation and repair of vehicles, mowers, backhoes, and tools; oversees concessionaire contract compliance and park project contractors.

2. Resource Management.

Assists park manager in overseeing the implementation of corrective action based on resource, environment, and user impact on water quality, water rights, wetlands, soil, wildlife, and geological sites; implements natural resource plans to control plant and animal invasive species; re-vegetates native plant species; controls burns to protect rangeland, and soil; protects and preserves cultural and historic sites; prevents encroachments to park boundaries; coordinates natural resource activities with adjacent landowners and/or other interest groups; manages wildlife habitat, and native flora and fauna; protects threatened or endangered species.

3. Visitor Services and Resource Interpretation.

Provides and/or oversees environmental education programs in schools and on field trips; provides and/or oversees interpretive programs which may include developing interpretive programs, marketing those programs, and implementing various activities and special events; also working closely with NPS to reach interpretation goals. Writes press releases and news articles; answers visitors questions regarding park history, geology, plants, animals, and regional tourist services.

4. Safety and Park and Recreation Rule Compliance.

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.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• This position requires working nights, weekends, and holidays, often in all weather conditions and around potentially hazardous materials such as caustic substances and pesticides.
• The role also requires the ability to lift and carry items weighing up to 40 pounds regularly and up to 100 pounds occasionally, as well as frequent bending, stooping, and climbing ladders, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• This position functions as a compliance enforcement officer who maintains peace and enforces rules within the state park. Compliance enforcement training generally occurs within the first 18 - 24 months of employment. Certification as a compliance enforcement officer requires successful passage of established professional requirements and an extensive criminal background check.
• This position requires the incumbent to possess and maintain a valid driver's license throughout the course of employment.
• Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check.

Given the high volume of applications for IDPR positions, 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

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Good knowledge of natural resource management and outdoor recreation. Typically gained by the successful completion of an Associate, Bachelors, or Master's degree from an accredited college in park and recreation management, outdoor recreation and tourism, environmental education or ecology, or a closely related natural resource field such as wildlife management, forest management wildlife biology, etc. AND 6 months experience as a ranger, or similar position, in a city, state or federal park and recreation system working with natural resource and outdoor recreation issues; OR 1 year of work experience as a ranger, or similar position, in a city, county, state or federal park and recreation system working natural resource and outdoor recreation issues.

NOTE: At this level, the experience must include working with outdoor recreation issues and natural resource management issues.

• Some knowledge of and experience supervising staff. Typically gained by successful completion of 1 college-level or agency/department course or workshop that included theory and techniques of supervision, AND at least eight months (two seasons) of work experience supervising the work of subordinate staff that included assigning work and training new and existing staff.

NOTE: Experience supervising seasonal and/or volunteer staff will qualify.

• Some knowledge of park interpretation and environmental education. Typically gained by the successful completion of at least 1-college course or 1 agency-sponsored workshop that included park interpretation or environmental education; OR at least six months of work experience presenting structured interpretation or environmental education programs.

• Experience providing service to a variety of customers supervising staff. Typically gained by at least six months of work experience answering questions, providing direction, and asking questions to determine the needs or purpose of the visit.

NOTE: Experience working in a visitor center, as a hotel desk clerk, or as a salesclerk could qualify. Your response must clearly be reflected in your resume and/or work experience.

PREFERRED CANDIDATES WILL ALSO HAVE EXPERIENCE:

• Performing construction and building maintenance. Typically gained by experience independently performing intermediate carpentry and plumbing tasks such as structural building remodeling, plumbing installation, electrical installation, etc. Experience performing trade skills such as welding, concrete work, and other construction-type work is highly desirable.

• Operating and maintaining vehicles/equipment. Typically gained by experience 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.

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.