Position Number: 22092543
Location: Lake Ft. Smith State Park -PT27
County: Crawford
Anticipated Starting Salary: 69395.04
This position is for the Park Superintendent of Lake Fort Smith State Park. The park spans approximately 260 acres in Crawford County between Mountainburg and Winslow and adjoins the City of Fort Smith's 1,400 acre water reservoir. The park features a modern visitors center, seasonal swimming pool, marina, and a spacious day use area, plus 10 full service cabins, two group lodges with an adjacent dining hall, and a 30 site campground. As the terminus of the Ozark Highlands Trail, it is a gateway for long distance hikers and a popular destination for families and outdoor enthusiasts seeking boating, fishing, and Ozark vistas.
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 III
Class Code: RPA19C
Pay Grade: SGS09
Salary Range: $69,395- $102,705
Job Summary
The Park Superintendent III is a mid-level management position responsible for overseeing the daily operations, maintenance, and visitor services of a moderate to large-sized state park or multiple smaller parks. This role ensures the protection of natural and cultural resources, the safety and satisfaction of visitors, and the efficiency of park operations.
Primary Responsibilities
Oversee the daily management, maintenance, and programming of a state park or multiple smaller park sites.
Implement and enforce state park policies, safety regulations, and environmental conservation laws.
Develop and oversee budgeting, procurement, and resource allocation to support park operations.
Supervises staff by interviewing, recommending staff for hire/fire, assigning and reviewing work, counseling, and evaluating the performance of incumbents.
Prepare reports, operational plans, and funding proposals for state park leadership.
Supervise facility staff, park interpreters, park rangers, maintenance workers, seasonal staff, and volunteers.
Ensure high-quality visitor experiences through well-maintained facilities, engaging programming, and responsive customer service.
Handle public inquiries, complaints, and emergency situations in a professional and timely manner.
Oversee park maintenance, infrastructure improvements, and trail management.
Manage natural and cultural resources, ensuring environmental stewardship and conservation best practices.
Assist in educational and recreational programs, ensuring alignment with conservation and heritage goals.
Coordinate safety and emergency response plans, including law enforcement collaboration and disaster preparedness.
Oversee fee collection, concessionaire agreements, and special event management to support park sustainability.
Knowledge and Skills
Strong decision-making, conflict resolution, and organizational skills.
Ability to supervise and motivate staff.
Experience in budget management, procurement, and resource allocation.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills for engaging with the public, stakeholders, and government agencies.
Strong public speaking and presentation abilities for educational programs and community outreach.
Ability to handle complaints, resolve visitor concerns, and manage public expectations professionally.
Knowledge of park maintenance, natural resource conservation, and recreational facility management.
Proficiency in environmental laws, safety regulations, and emergency response planning.
Understanding of business operations, revenue collection, and partnership development.
Ability to operate park maintenance equipment, vehicles, and tools safely and effectively.
Knowledge of hiking trail maintenance, habitat restoration, and wildlife management.
Awareness and ability to respond to first aid, CPR, and emergency response protocols (training will be provided).
Minimum Qualifications
At least four years of experience in park management, natural resource management, outdoor recreation administration, or a related field, including two years in a leadership capacity.
Licensure/Certifications
N/A
OTHER 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.
