Executive Service
WILDLIFE RESOURCES EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency
Director's Office
Nashville, TN
Annual Salary: $243,468.00
Closing Date: 08/26/2026
This position is based out of TWRA's Central Office in Nashville, TN.
Who we are and what we do:
The Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission:
The Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission is a thirteen-member independent and separate administrative body directed and authorized to perform the duties and functions of, but not limited to: appointing and dismissing the executive director; approving the budget; promulgating necessary rules, regulations and proclamations related to wildlife resource management; and adjusting fees for licenses and permits.
The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency:
The Mission of the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency is to preserve, conserve, manage, protect, and enhance the fish and wildlife of the state and their habitats for the use, benefit, and enjoyment of the citizens of Tennessee and its visitors. The Agency will foster the safe use of the state's waters through a program of law enforcement, education, and access.
The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency was established in 1949 and as the Game and Fish Commission. Completely reorganized in 1974, it now consists of more than 700 professionals dedicated to the preservation, conservation, and enhancement of Tennessee's fish and wildlife for the enjoyment of all Tennesseans and our visitors.
How you make a difference in this role:
The Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission (TFWC) announces the search for an Executive Director of the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA). The TWRA has an experienced staff of over 700 employees and an annual operating budget of approximately $180 million dollars.
Job Overview:
The Executive Director is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the TWRA and is directly accountable to the TFWC for addressing the intended mission of the TWRA in the planning, directing, and coordinating all TWRA activities. This role requires integrating the best available scientific practices and research, implementing sound resource management strategies, establishing conservation priorities, recommending fish and wildlife regulations through a science-based approach, and providing leadership in boating and law enforcement matters in furtherance of the TWRA mission. The Executive Director reports directly to, and serves at the pleasure of, the TFWC.
Minimum Qualifications:
The TFWC seeks an individual with a demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders while leading a comprehensive fish and wildlife program. The selected candidate will be responsible for shaping the Agencies long-term vision and strategic direction.
Applicants must possess experience that reflects progressive management and leadership responsibilities within a wildlife and fisheries resources organization. Preference will be given to candidates holding a degree in wildlife management or a related field and who are familiar with wildlife and fisheries management practices and the administration of wildlife and fisheries programs. The ideal candidate will have experience leading conservation professionals and will exhibit strong leadership qualities. A thorough understanding of the value and traditions of hunting, fishing, and trapping is essential, as is the ability to communicate effectively and maintain an appropriate balance between supporting these traditions, protecting wildlife and fisheries resources and their habitats, and balancing the external pressures relating to those values.
The successful candidate will demonstrate the ability to navigate and resolve complex and sensitive matters involving Federal and State wildlife and fisheries programs, wildlife law enforcement, habitat and species conservation, and agency administration. Additionally, the candidate must possess exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, public speaking experience, and comprehensive knowledge of the budgeting process.
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.
| Location | Nashville, TN |