Park Manager 1 (NY HELPS) - John Boyd Thacher State Park

Duties Description

Under the direction of the Park Manager 2, the Park Manager 1 will be responsible for planning, directing, and coordinating operations and training related to the overall maintenance and upkeep of the park’s facilities, assets, and lower-level personnel. Duties will include, but are not limited to, the following:
• Assist with Thompson’s Lake Campground and the Emma Treadwell Nature Center, and have a working understanding of operations at all three facilities. Additional site responsibilities include the Coxsackie and Athens Boat Launch intermittently.
• The candidate is expected to be skilled or have a working knowledge of all aspects of park business operations by the completion of the probationary period, including, but not limited to, staff hiring, resource procurement, daily operations, asset inventory, and internal controls.
• Assist Park Manager 2 with budgeting, asset allocation, project prioritization, health and safety, volunteer management, wildlife and invasive species control, and environmental issues.
• Plan, budget, and execute projects in a timely fashion. Responsible for identifying problems and improvements requiring work orders for regional assistance.
• Supervise permanent and seasonal personnel and occasionally volunteers.
o Complete and submit employee evaluations accurately and in a timely manner.
o Responsible for approving LATS and leave slips by the end of the probationary period.
o Responsible for creating and implementing staff schedules.
• Encourage staff development, training, and support, and ensure that the facility complies with all safety mandates.
• Ensure staff have all required PPE, and that safety devices on equipment are in good order and inspected, as required.
• Ensure that all playground reports, tree reports, fuel reports, and tank inspections are completed in accordance with prescribed timelines.
• Work in collaboration with the region to coordinate all aspects of park operation, including but not limited to waterfront swimming, camping, maintenance, special events, concession management, friends group management, health & safety, incident management, communication, park promotion, public relations, and effectively communicating with any park concessionaires.

Minimum Qualifications

This title is part of the New York Hiring for Emergency Limited Placement Statewide Program (NY HELPS).**

To be considered for appointment through NY HELPS, or 55 b/c, candidates must meet the open-competitive minimum qualifications for this position. The qualifications are:

Either 1. six years of experience working in a park, recreational facility, or campus* in any two of these functional areas: administration (business, personnel, finance); capital or operational planning; recreational programming; public relations/visitor services; maintenance; or environmental education/interpretation. This experience must have included two years of supervisory experience;

Or 2. a bachelor's or higher-level degree in environmental education, environmental management, environmental policy, environmental sustainability, forestry, golf course management, historic preservation, horticulture, natural resources management, park administration, park management or recreation management AND two years of supervisory experience working in a park, recreational facility, or campus* as described in any of the functional areas listed in option 1 above.

Examples of non-qualifying experience include but are not limited to: working at a gym, ski area/resort, and sport stadiums.

Examples of non-qualifying degrees include but are not limited to: accounting, anthropology, archaeology, biology (all majors), business, history, hospitality, physical education, recreation therapy and sports management.
*A park, recreational facility, or campus is defined as a location that offers at least three of the following elements: athletic fields, skating rink, campgrounds, golf courses, hiking trails, historic structures, marinas, picnic areas, playgrounds, recreation programs, swimming facilities or education, environmental or interpretive programming. You must clearly list this information on your application.

If verifiable, we will accept and prorate appropriate part-time and volunteer experience.

Candidates may also be qualified for permanent competitive appointment if reachable from the appropriate Civil Service eligible list or eligible for reassignment or transfer in accordance with Civil Service Law.

Transfer Opportunity: Candidates must be current New York State employees and have one year of permanent competitive or 55-b/55-c service in a title eligible for transfer under Section 52.6 or 70.1 of the Civil Service Law.

Additional Comments

OPERATIONAL NEEDS:
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license that allows the candidate to legally operate a motor vehicle in New York State as a term and condition of employment.
• Must be proficient with MS Outlook, Word, and Excel. Experience with Statewide Financial System, Asset Management System, Attendance, and Revenue programs is preferred but not required.
• Must have a working understanding of the trades, including carpentry, plumbing, and electrical.
• Must have the ability to follow directions and communicate with staff, public, and respond to patrons' concerns or complaints in an effective and positive manner.

BENEFITS INFORMATION:
BENEFITS:
Generous benefits package, worth approximately 65% of salary, including:

Paid Time Off:
• 44 days - 13 Vacation days, 13 Sick days, and 5 Personal Leave days, 13 Holidays.
• Three (3) days of professional leave annually to participate in professional development.

Health Care Benefits:
• Eligible employees and dependents can pick from a variety of affordable health insurance programs.
• Family dental and vision benefits at no additional cost.

Additional Benefits:
• New York State Employees’ Retirement System (ERS) Membership
• NYS Deferred Compensation
• Access to NY 529 and NY ABLE College Savings Programs, as well as U.S. Savings Bonds
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
• Paid Parental Leave

Learn more about our benefits for permanent state employees, visit: https://parks.ny.gov/employment/benefits.aspx.

Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.

Closing Date/Time: 07/10/25

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• New York State Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation

• 518-474-0453

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