Recreation Program Assistant Jobs in Perryville, AR

Position Number: 22092599
Location: Petit Jean State Park -PT41
County: Conway
Anticipated Starting Salary: $76,334.96
The Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism has three major divisions: Arkansas State Parks, Arkansas Heritage and Arkansas Tourism. Arkansas State Parks manages 52 state parks and promotes Arkansas as a tourist destination for people around the country. Arkansas Heritage preserves and promotes Arkansas's natural and cultural history and heritage through four historic museums and four cultural preservation agencies. Arkansas Tourism improves the state's economy by generating travel and enhancing the image of the state.
Position Information
Job Series: Parks - Competitive
Classification: Park Superintendent IV
Class Code: RPA20C
Pay Grade: SGS10
Salary Range: $76,335- $112,976
Job Summary
The Park Superintendent IV is the highest-level leadership position within Arkansas' state park system, responsible for the strategic oversight, operational excellence, and long-term sustainability of a major state park or multiple park sites. This role involves managing complex budgets, large-scale park operations, high-profile public engagement, and staff leadership to ensure the successful operation of Arkansas' premier outdoor recreational assets.
Primary Responsibilities
Provide leadership in the management of a large, complex park or multiple park sites.Develop and implement long-term strategic plans to ensure sustainable park operations, conservation, and visitor engagement.Oversee policy development, operational procedures, and regulatory compliance to meet state and federal environmental laws.Direct budget planning, fiscal management, and revenue generation strategies to ensure financial sustainability.Supervise facility managers, park interpreters, park rangers, naturalists, maintenance staff, administrative personnel, and seasonal employees.Supervises staff by interviewing, recommending staff for hire/fire, assigning and reviewing work, counseling, and evaluating the performance of incumbents. Oversee the development of educational programs, interpretive exhibits, and recreational activities to promote public awareness and engagement.Act as the primary liaison with community organizations, tourism partners, government agencies, and the media.Manage natural and cultural resources, ensuring the protection of Arkansas' diverse ecosystems and historical sites.Assist in educational and recreational programs, ensuring alignment with conservation and heritage goals.Oversee habitat restoration, wildlife management, and sustainable land-use initiatives.Ensure park infrastructure and facilities are maintained to high environmental and safety standards.Enforce state park laws, emergency response protocols, and public safety initiatives.Conduct risk assessments, facility inspections, and crisis response training.Collaborate with law enforcement, emergency services, and conservation officers to ensure visitor and staff safety.Develop and oversee concessionaire agreements, special events, and grant-funded projects to enhance park revenue.
Knowledge and Skills
Strong strategic decision-making, problem-solving, and conflict resolution abilities.Proven experience in team leadership, organizational development, and operational oversight.Ability to manage large-scale budgets, procurement, and resource allocation.Exceptional written and verbal communication skills for engaging with stakeholders, policymakers, and the public.Strong public speaking and presentation skills for community outreach and partnership development.Experience in public relations, media relations, and intergovernmental collaboration.Proficiency in budget forecasting, park planning, and project management.Experience in facilities maintenance, trail management, and infrastructure development.Knowledge of environmental regulations, state park laws, and sustainability practices.Expertise in natural resource management, land conservation, and ecosystem restoration.Familiarity with GIS mapping, environmental monitoring, and disaster preparedness.Strong crisis management and emergency response coordination skills.Awareness and ability to respond to first aid, CPR, and emergency response protocols (training will be provided).
Minimum Qualifications
At least five years of experience in park management, natural resource management, outdoor recreation administration, or a related field, including three years in a leadership capacity.
Licensure/Certifications
N/AOTHER JOB RELATED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE MAY BE SUBSTITUTED FOR ALL OR PART OF THESE BASIC REQUIREMENTS, EXCEPT FOR CERTIFICATION OR LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS, UPON APPROVAL OF THE QUALIFICATIONS REVIEW COMMITTEE.
The State of Arkansas is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, citizenship, national origin, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by law.