Park Manager

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is seeking a highly motivated and skilled individual to serve as the Park Manager for Nine Eagles State Park. This position is a unique opportunity for someone who is passionate about natural resource stewardship, park operations, and public service. As Park Manager, you will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of park management, including maintenance, visitor services, budgeting, staff supervision, and conservation practices. The successful candidate will be required to live within 30 miles of the park as outlined in DNR Park Bureau policy.

About Nine Eagles State Park:

Nestled in the rolling hills of southern Iowa near Davis City, Nine Eagles State Park offers over 1,000 acres of stunning natural beauty, including mature forests, rugged ravines, and the serene Nine Eagles Lake. The park is a hidden gem for outdoor enthusiasts, offering camping, fishing, hiking, equestrian trails, wildlife viewing, and winter recreation. Its peaceful, secluded setting makes it a popular destination for both local visitors and those looking to escape the bustle of urban life.  Park amenities include a reservable cabin and over 50 camping sites.

Nine Eagles is part of a region rich in history and rural charm. The surrounding Decatur County area offers a strong sense of community, a low cost of living, and access to excellent, year-round outdoor recreational opportunities.

Your role as a State Park Manager will be to:

Assist the district supervisor with day-to-day administration of the park, including managing the work of other park employees, hiring & training of seasonal/temporary staff, managing contracts and the procurement of goods, services, and rentals, overseeing park budgets, completing monthly reporting of expenses and receipts, and maintaining inventory of all property, supplies, tools, and equipment.

Work to achieve the long-range goals of the park resource management plan by planning for and performing park maintenance, preventative maintenance, and general construction work to maintain the integrity of facilities and equipment. This will include regular inspections of multi-use trails, natural areas, concession operations (if applicable), playgrounds, boat ramps and docks to ensure public safety, accessibility compliance and resource integrity.

Represent the Department at public appearances and media requests to promote the state park system, recreational safety, and natural resource management. Assist with creating and implementing interpretive and volunteer programs as required, including interactions with local agencies and stakeholder groups to promote park activities and maintain connections to surrounding communities.

Ensure the safety of park visitors, security of state property and facilities, and orderliness within public use areas by answering questions and through the enforcement of Iowa DNR Administrative Rules related to parks, boating, and fishing.  Attend regular training sessions on enforcement subjects to maintain knowledge of enforcement techniques, equipment proficiency, ensure enforcement related incident reports and citations are properly completed, and law enforcement equipment such as radios and duty belts are properly maintained.