Assistant Park Manager – Open Space and Nature Preserves

What You’ll Be Doing

Passionate about nature and conservation? Wake County’s Open Space program is looking for two dedicated leaders to help preserve, protect and manage our beautiful parks and open spaces. Join us and make an impact as our next Assistant Park Managers! 

This is a unique opportunity to manage three nature preserves near Wendell and over 9,800 acres of open space across Wake County, providing for the community and taking part in local conservation efforts. The three nature preserves are open space properties opened for public enjoyment. These preserves are minimally developed and offer unique access to outdoor recreation in the natural environment.

• Robertson Millpond Preserve (opened 2015) is an 85-acre preserve featuring a one-mile paddling trail with both grassy and ADA dock launch sites, picnic tables, historic landmark, walking path/boardwalk and fishing access. www.wake.gov/parks/robertsonmillpond
• Turnipseed Nature Preserve (opened 2018) in is a 265-acre preserve with 5 miles of walking trails through a variety of unique habitats, picnic tables, open grassy playfield, wildlife viewing platform and a picturesque pedestrian bridge over a floodplain. www.wake.gov/parks/turnipseed
• Sandy Pines Preserve (opened 2021) at 563 acres, is the largest single tract of land owned by Wake County Parks, Recreation and Open Space with 6.5 miles of walking and equestrian trails. www.wake.gov/parks/sandypines

The selected candidates will provide a safe, enjoyable visitor experience through coordinating and implementing a variety of natural resource, maintenance and operation functions at the preserves and on our conservation lands. One position will have a stronger focus on the preserves and the other on open space lands, however both roles will be actively involved throughout the Open Space and Preserve program.

As an Assistant Park Manager, you will:

• Effectively manage all aspects of maintenance and operations at the nature preserves including a variety of landscapes and facilities, natural resources, service contracts, trails and budget development
• Visit open space properties to conduct, prioritize and manage site evaluation and remediation activities (natural and cultural resources, boundary marking, and illegal activity)
• Lead and mentor a team of full-time park technicians and temporary part-time park aides while supporting their growth and professional development
• Oversee volunteer workdays, projects and data reporting
• Model and train staff on proper use of equipment and safety practices
• Implement preserve and open space natural and cultural resource management plans through the implementation of rare species management, prescribed fire, invasive species removal and more
• Establish, coordinate and foster effective external and internal partnerships
• Oversee environmental, recreational and cultural programs given at the preserves
• Provide excellent customer service while ensuring our preserve facilities are welcoming, open, clean and safe for the community to enjoy
• Assist with EVERYTHING else that it takes to operate the preserves including opening/closing facilities, janitorial duties, contractor management and more

About Our Team

Wake County is one of the fastest-growing areas in the nation and the most populous county in the state, with more than 1.1 million residents. The County has received national and international rankings and accolades from publications such as Money, Fortune and Time magazines as one of the best places to live, work and play – and it’s no surprise. As part of the Community Services Department, the Parks, Recreation and Open Space Division (we like to call ourselves PROS) is a talented team devoted to ensuring our parks are accessible and welcoming. Our Mission: PROS preserves open space, promotes stewardship and provides equitable and inclusive education and outdoor recreation for a diverse and growing community. PROS connects people to the things we love most – history, nature and outdoor recreation. As a member of our team, you’ll regularly interact with our community, deliver services that are highly valued by residents and support operations of our parks and facilities. We offer preservation, education and recreation opportunities across our (now!) nine parks and three nature preserves 361 days a year. Our parks have never been more popular! We serve nearly 2 million visitors annually and are actively planning and designing new facilities. Our community loves our parks (and so do we!). See for yourself at wake.gov/parks. Learn more about Wake County Parks, Recreation & Open Space at www.wake.gov/parks.

The Basics (Required Education and Experience)

• Bachelor’s degree in Parks, History, Parks Administration or related field
• Two years of experience in parks management or parks supervision
• Valid Driver’s License and “safe” driving record
• Depending on area of employment, Pesticide Applicator’s License may be required after initial hire
• Depending on area of employment, Playground Inspector Certification may be required after initial hire
• Depending on area of employment, CPR certification may be required after initial hire
• Equivalent education and experience are accepted
• Please include ALL prior work experience on your application and resume.

Beyond the Basics (Preferred Education and Experience)

• At least 2 years of supervisory experience
• Experience engaging with racially diverse groups as visitors, employees and partners
• Experience in one or more of the following: species survey and management, agricultural lease management, easement monitoring and historic / cultural resource management, prescribed fire
• Park operations and maintenance experience (landscaping, minor construction, and trail maintenance for paddling, hiking, and/or equestrian use)
• Equipment operation & maintenance (for example: power tools, chain saws, small engine equipment, tractor, bush hog, utility vehicle, 4wd)
• CPR and First Aid certification and NC Pesticide license preferred; however, both attainable upon employment

How Will We Know You’re ‘The One’?

• Committed to visitor engagement, able to adapt and be flexible in a dynamic environment to meet the needs and be welcoming of all visitors
• Exemplary customer service skills and ability to communicate effectively with internal and external customers and partners
• Demonstrated ability to engage effectively with culturally diverse audiences
• Self-motivated with the ability to work with limited supervision
• Experience supervising and evaluating staff
• Excellent organizational and time management skills
• Ability to transition between multiple short- and long-range tasks/projects
• Excellent decision-making skills and the ability to quickly prioritize tasks