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Parks Program Manager (#MGCZ03)
$63,733.00 Yearly Min / $79,666.00 Yearly Mid / $95,599.00 Yearly Max


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Summary Statement

Parks Program Managers are responsible for the ongoing oversight and strategic management of programs supporting the operations and mission of Delaware State Parks. Employees contribute to successful park operations by planning, developing, implementing, and evaluating one or more park program(s) and related services, activities, and functions. A significant aspect of work includes developing strategies and opportunities for program improvements or enhancements. 

Nature and Scope

Employees are assigned to the Division of Parks and Recreation and are responsible for planning, developing, implementing, and evaluating one or more statewide park program(s) and supervising related program staff. Park programs and related services, activities, and functions managed include, but are not limited to, volunteer and community involvement, marketing and creative services, revenue, contracts and procurement, resource conservation, land acquisition and preservation, planning and development, conservation easements, land and historic resource tax credit, grant-in-aid awards, or cultural resources and recreational trails planning, construction, and maintenance. Program results directly affect State Park revenue and operational success, with environmental and socioeconomic impact at the state and regional level. 

Parks Program Managers report to and receive general direction and guidance in terms of broad goals and objectives from an administrative supervisor or higher. The employee establishes the methods for achieving goals and objectives and manages one or more statewide park program(s). Work is performed in compliance with the division’s mission as well as state and federal laws, rules, and regulations. In addition, employees represent the division and department at conferences and on committees or councils. 

Essential Functions

Essential functions are fundamental, core functions common to all positions in the class series and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties for any one position in the class. Since class specifications are descriptive and not restrictive, employees can complete job duties of a similar kind not specifically listed here.

  • Manages one or more park program(s) by planning, developing, implementing, and evaluating programs and related services, activities, and functions, ensures goals and objectives are met, and resolves issues and challenges. 

  • Develops and implements strategies and opportunities for improvements or enhancements to park programs, operations, revenue, visitor safety and experience, maintenance, interpretive services, stewardship of cultural and natural resources, or other related areas. 

  • Represents the division and department at meetings and conferences, on committees, and in negotiations. Chairs and staffs division and Governor-appointed councils and interagency working groups. 

  • Establishes and monitors short-and long-term goals, objectives, performance metrics, and priorities for the assigned program(s) in alignment with the division’s mission, initiatives, and strategic plans. 

  • Reviews, evaluates, and analyzes proposed and existing programs, laws, rules, and regulations and determines impacts on program operations. 

  • Drafts, recommends, and implements new or revised programs, services, policies, and procedures.

  • Participates in the development, management, and implementation of division-level strategic initiatives and plans. 

  • Prepares grant applications; develops, justifies, monitors, and controls budgets and contracts, trust funds, and/or grant-in-aid. 

  • Supervises volunteers, casual/seasonal, and/or contractual staff; may also supervise two or more merit full time positions. The elements of supervision include performing the following on a regular and continuing basis: planning, assigning, reviewing, evaluating, coaching, training, disciplining, and recommending hire, termination, and promotion. 

  • Communicates effectively with a variety of people and agencies such as other personnel within the division and department, federal, state, county, and local agencies, environmental and conservation organizations, legislators, landowners, attorneys, appraisers, surveyors, environmental consultants, recreational use groups, interest groups, contractors, and the public. 

  • Conducts special studies and projects and reviews, analyzes, and prepares a variety of state, federal, or other reports.

  • Performs other related duties as required. 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

The listed knowledge, skills, and abilities give a general indication of the core requirements for all positions in the class series; therefore, the KSAs listed are not exhaustive or necessarily inclusive of the needs of every position in the class. 

  • Knowledge of the mission, goals, and objectives of the division and department.
  • Knowledge of the principles and practices of budget, grant, and/or contract management and control.
  • Knowledge of policy and procedure development.
  • Knowledge of developing short- and long-range strategic plans.
  • Knowledge of the principles and practices of staff supervision. 
  • Skill in planning, developing, implementing, and evaluating park programs. 
  • Skill in interpreting and ensuring compliance with state and federal laws, rules, and regulations. 
  • Skill in analyzing and evaluating operations and performance to make recommendations on improvements.
  • Skill in anticipating and resolving issues and challenges and improving program outcomes. 
  • Skill in financial planning and forecasting, revenue generation, and cash flow management. 
  • Ability to recognize and integrate diverse or conflicting priorities.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
  • Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. 

Job Requirements

JOB REQUIREMENTS for Parks Program Manager
Applicants must have education, training and/or experience demonstrating competence in each of the following areas:

  1. Two years' experience in program management such as planning, developing, implementing, and evaluating programs to ensure goals and objectives are met.
  2. Six months experience in financial administration such as comprehensive analysis of programs, budgets, projects, services, alternatives, and costs; financial planning, revenue generation, revenue forecasting, expenditure forecasting, cash flow management and establishing internal control.
  3. One year of experience in staff supervision which includes planning, assigning, reviewing, and evaluating the work of others.
  4. Coursework, training, and/or work experience in developing policies or procedures.  
CLASS:
MGCZ03		 EST:
1/1/2006		 REV:
2/8/2026		 FORMERLY JOB CLASS:
77647