Park Manager 2

Initial Posting Date:

09/24/2025

Application Deadline:

10/15/2025

Agency:

Parks and Recreation Department

Salary Range:

$5,763 - $8,920

Position Type:

Employee

Position Title:

Park Manager 2 (Wallowa Lake State Park)

Job Description:

Wallowa Lake State Park

Near LaGrande, Oregon

Welcome Statement

Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is proud to care for Oregon’s extraordinary landscapes and rich cultural history. The department serves its visitors and all Oregonians through its properties and programs, and recognizes that the state’s resilience and beauty are strengthened by its diverse population. Oregon State Parks are public spaces where all are welcome. We value and serve everyone, and we are committed to providing safe and equitable access to state parks and agency programs. The department will not tolerate racism, harassment, discrimination or intimidation in any form.

If you are looking for a diverse work experience to demonstrate and sharpen your skills in overall park operations, then this opportunity may be right for you.  Due to the wide distribution and remoteness of the Wallowa Lake State Park area, this position is required to possess or obtain a variety of maintenance, construction, communication and visitor services skills.  This position provides a fantastic growth opportunity for someone wanting to increase their skills in budget and project management, leadership and community involvement.  Existing management and staff are eager to support someone wanting to work and learn in an environment that showcases the natural and cultural beauty of Eastern Oregon.

Your New Role

As the permanent full-time Park Manager 2 for Wallowa Lake Management Unit, you will manage a moderately complex park management unit by supervising staff who will carry out the maintenance and operations tasks, interpretation and recreation programs, resource protection work and administrative requirements. This requires a high level of facility and infrastructure development; several properties, FTEs and positions; a moderate-to-large budget, revenue, day use count and overnight visitation; the presence of Threatened and Endangered plant and animal species, listing on the National Register of Historic Places of above- and below- ground cultural resources within the parks; the presence of OPRD co-operating associations, and intergovernmental, agricultural or concession agreements; or a combination thereof.

For a complete list of duties and working conditions for this position, please clickhere.

In this role, you will:

• Lead park operations including maintenance, interpretation, construction, and rehabilitation across all properties in the management unit.

• Plan and assign work schedules, ensuring materials are available and standards are met.

• Monitor revenue programs such as camping, day-use, and facility reservations.

• Promote a respectful, inclusive workplace by supporting OPRD’s affirmative action goals.

• Hire, train, and support staff to ensure effective park operations.

• Inspect park facilities to protect and maintain natural and cultural resources.

• Provide project guidance across the management unit.

• Coordinate volunteer involvement in park maintenance and visitor services.

• Oversee complex maintenance and construction projects, requiring technical skills in trades such as carpentry, plumbing, and electrical work.

• Collaborate on resource management to protect native species, wetlands, and cultural or historic sites within the Wallowa Lake Management Unit.

What's in it for you:

An exciting opportunity to help millions of visitors connect with the top state parks across America; working alongside a dedicated, skilled, and passionate team of professionals. Additional benefits include:

• Work/life balance, 11 paid holidays a year, and a competitive benefits package.

• Advancement and learning opportunities that will help grow your career with the State of Oregon.

Minimum Qualifications:

• A Bachelor's degree in Park and Recreation Administration, Natural Resource Management, Environmental Studies or a related field AND 1 year of experience as a Park Manager or equivalent natural resource manager.

OR

• Four years of experience as a Park Manager or equivalent natural resource manager.

Special Requirements: 

• To be hired, a criminal record and driving record check must be completed that meets OPRD Criteria at the time of hire, and throughout employment while also maintaining a valid driver’s license.

• Must obtain First Aid/CPR Certification and OPRD Enforcement Officer Status after appointment.

• Must obtain OPRD Hazard tree faller intermediate certification.

• Must have or obtain a Commercial Driver’s License within first year of employment.

• This position is required to live in on-site housing.

Desired Attributes:

• Experience with determining the methods, means, and personnel by which park operations are conducted in complex or numerous properties, including campgrounds, day-use areas, and recreational sites, within the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) context. This involves a deep understanding of the unique requirements and challenges associated with managing various types of park facilities and amenities including both historic and cultural sites.

• Proven experience in evaluating the effectiveness of park operational plans and activities, coupled with the ability to engage park staff in soliciting recommendations for improvement. This entails a keen eye for detail and a commitment to continuous improvement in park management practices.

• Demonstrated ability to lead and develop a diverse team of park rangers, park ranger assistants, volunteers, and hosts in executing park and campground operations. This includes hands-on involvement in day-to-day operations and adept management of personnel to ensure smooth functioning of park facilities.

• Exceptional communication skills to effectively engage with the general public, media outlets, agency officials, and local government representatives. This includes the ability to convey information clearly, address concerns diplomatically, and foster positive relationships with stakeholders.

• Proven capability to develop and maintain positive working relationships with neighboring property owners, as well as mid-level agency and local government representative and concessionaires. This requires adeptness in negotiation, conflict resolution, and collaboration to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes.

• Proficiency in working within collective bargaining agreements, demonstrating respect for labor regulations and effectively managing personnel within established frameworks.

• Strong financial acumen and the ability to prepare large, biennial park management unit budgets while adhering to budgetary limits. This involves strategic allocation of resources to prioritize key operational needs and optimize financial performance.

• Expertise in leading complex park improvement projects through all phases, including planning, permitting, and procurements. This requires comprehensive project management skills, attention to detail, and the ability to navigate regulatory requirements and stakeholder interests.

• Experience managing the day-to-day maintenance and operation as well as long term planning and project management skills, required to care for cultural and historically significant sites, artifacts and associated buildings: including museums, visitor centers, etc.

• A steadfast commitment to serving the public with humility and open-mindedness, with a focus on promoting diversity and inclusion in all aspects of park management and operations. This involves fostering an environment that embraces and celebrates differences while ensuring equitable access to park facilities and experiences.

How to Apply:

Applications will be reviewed for minimum qualifications and desired attributes listed above, consistency of information, and professional communication.

• Use the "My Experience" section in your Workday candidate profile to provide a detailed overview of your work history, experience, and skills, demonstrating how you meet the minimum qualifications and any of the desired attributes listed above. What You Need to Know to Get the Job

• The information in your application will be used to complete an Equal Pay Analysis to determine salary placement upon hire. Click here to learn more about Equal Pay Analysis. 

• External Applicants: Click on the “Apply” link and submit your application. View this video or this knowledge articlefor assistance.

• Internal Applicants (Current State of Oregon employees): Apply via your employee Workday account. View this knowledge article for help.

• Veterans: We value the dedication of Veterans! Take advantage of Veterans’ Preference by submitting the required documentation at time of application. The requirements can be found on the Veterans' Resources page under “Qualifying for Veterans’ Preference”.

• After applying, log in to your Workday account (application site) to see if you have any pending tasks or actions that need to be completed before the announcement closes. Save a copy of this job announcement for your reference.

Additional Information:

• This position is management service and not represented by a union.

• This announcement may be used to fill future vacancies as they occur.

• Oregon Parks & Recreation Department does not offer visa sponsorships. Within three days of hire, all applicants will be required to complete the US Department of Justice Form I-9, confirming authorization to work in the United States. Oregon Parks and Recreation Department uses E-Verify to confirm that applicants are authorized to work in the United States.

Contact Information:

• For questions about this position, contact hiring supervisor: Kirk Barham, [email protected].

• For questions on application process, email: [email protected].

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Oregon Parks and Recreation Department is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, committed to diversity.

The State of Oregon does not request or require your age, date of birth, attendance or graduation dates from an educational institution during the application process.