Director of State Parks Unclassified
The Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department’s (OTRD) mission is to advance the exceptional quality of life in Oklahoma by preserving, maintaining, and promoting our natural assets and cultural amenities.
OTRD is seeking a full-time Director of State Parks to oversee all operations and activities of the State Parks Division headquartered in Oklahoma City, OK. OTRD offers a comprehensive benefits package, including a benefit allowance to offset the cost of insurance premiums for employees and their eligible dependents. The annual salary for this position will be commensurate with experience.
To apply for this position, email your cover letter and resume to morgan@jamesfarris.com Resumes will be accepted until October 31, 2021, at 5 PM. Please indicate job title when applying for a job with Tourism.
Summary
Under the direction of the Executive Director, the Director of State Parks coordinates activities involved in the programming, administration, and operation of a statewide system of state parks and recreation areas and performs related work as required.
The primary focus of this position is on achieving results that are aligned with the strategic direction of the agency and the mission of Oklahoma State Parks. Initiative, coupled with a sense of competitive drive, and the ability to stay focused on results despite changing conditions, is key to achieving the performance objectives of this position.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Effectively manages all elements of the Oklahoma State Parks system and its 502 full-time and 203 seasonal employees:
o The Field Operations team, responsible for 38 parks, recreation areas and natural heritage sites, and two regional offices
o TheOklahomaCitycentraloffice:
▪ The Grants team, which administers approximately $8.5 million in
federal grants annually
▪ TheCapitalProjectsteam,whichexecutesapproximately$10million
in capital projects annually and is currently implementing a $48
million bond program
▪ The Business Services team, which oversees concessions, interpretive
programs, recreational programs, and social media
▪ The Branding and Standards team, which oversees gift shops, supply
logistics, the exhibit/sign shop and standards implementation
▪ The Law Enforcement team of systemwide park rangers
▪ The CAD/GIS and Customer Service teams
Develops and recommends policies and procedures to the Executive Staff of the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department for formal approval.
Implements directives set forth by the Executive Director of the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department and rules and regulations prescribed by statute and agency policy.
Identifies, develops, implements and is accountable for innovative strategies that substantially improve the division’s ability to achieve its goals, including, but not limited to, workforce professional development, performance standards, organizational change, asset preservation and customer service excellence.
Plans and supervises the preparation of the Parks Division budget and maintains surveillance and control of park expenditures .
Directs the preparation of reports, contracts, leases, and permits connected with or affecting the operation of state parks and recreation areas.
Approves personnel action; supervises the training and evaluation of the performance of all personnel.
Directs and supervises park regional managers and park managers concerning problems encountered in the operation of state parks and recreation areas.
Other duties which will insure an efficient and economical operation of the Division and of the Department, as well as its resources.
Qualifications
Required Education and Experience:
o Bachelor’sdegreeorhigherfromanaccrediteduniversityorcollege. o Fiveyearsofexperienceleadinganddirectingsenior-levelmanagers.
Preferred Education and Experience:
o Bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited university or college,
preferably in park management, natural resource management, outdoor
recreation, public administration, or business administration.
o Two years of experience providing information and consultation to
executive management.
o Managementandleadershipexperienceinnaturalresources,hospitality,
and/or historic preservation organizations (e.g., parks, outdoor recreation,
public lands, hotels, resorts, land conservation, museums).
o Managementexperienceinorganization(s)withemployeesworkingfrom
widely dispersed locations.
• Knowledge of:
o Authoritative knowledge of organization, administrative policies, and
procedures of a typical state park system; thorough knowledge of Oklahoma’s 12 eco-regions and their associated flora and fauna; of conservation principles and practices; of purchasing practices; of different types of construction and materials; of the principles and practices of park management, civil engineering and landscape architecture with special reference to park maintenance and operations; considerable knowledge of modern office procedures and
practices.
• Ability to plan, initiate, and direct administrative policies and procedures; to lay out, assign, and direct the work of a large staff involved in park planning and operation; to express ideas fluently, effectively, both orally and in writing; to maintain effective work relationships with administrators, employees, and successfully meet the general public; to understand and follow complex written and oral instructions; to utilize good judgment, initiative, resourcefulness, courtesy, and tact; all as evidenced by an investigation and/or an oral interview .
Additional Details
The duty station for this position is Oklahoma City, OK.
