Jobs Title:
Park Manager - Dry Branch State Park and Natural Area, Tennessee

Post Date
1/23/2026

Expiration Date
2/9/2026

Details:
Dry Branch State Park is due to be dedicated in 2026 and is searching for its first ever park manager. The park is 2,000 acres of Highland Rim forest in Lewis, Hickman, and Perry Counties. This legislatively protected State Natural Area protects numerous threatened and endangered species. It also has areas slated for ecological restoration as pine plantations are in the process of converting to native hardwoods and early successional habitats. Soon to be a hot spot for wildlife observation and gravel biking, this new park will be developed to function \"off-grid\" with sustainability in mind. Applicants should be ready and passionate to develop this new park from the ground up, meet with stakeholders, protect the resource, and bring the park vision to life. Apply at https://stateoftn-careers.ttcportals.com/jobs/17232564-park-manager-1-74425

Qualifications:
The ideal candidate will possess a bachelors degree from an accredited university/college and three years of full-time professional park and conservation experience. Additional qualifying graduate coursework or professional park law enforcement, park management, or park interpretive work may be substituted for the required experience and/or education on a year-for-year basis.

Comments:
How you make a difference in this role:

This position is well-suited for a leader who is motivated by purpose, enjoys building something meaningful, values long-term stewardship, and sees a new park as an opportunity to create a legacy that will serve Tennesseans for generations. Working closely with the Area Manager, this position plays a central role in building systems, hiring and mentoring staff, guiding early park development, and setting expectations for how the park serves visitors and stewards of the land. The ideal candidate will possess a bachelors degree from an accredited university/college and three years of full-time professional park and conservation experience. Additional qualifying graduate coursework or professional park law enforcement, park management, or park interpretive work may be substituted for the required experience and/or education on a year-for-year basis.

Job Overview:

Our Tennessee State Parks are among the most beautiful parks in the United States. We have an outstanding and rare opportunity to help shape a Tennessee State Park from its earliest days establishing its culture, operations, and visitor experience while protecting sensitive natural resources and planning for future recreational opportunities.

Dry Branch State Park is a new Tennessee state park and also a designated state natural area and encompassing more than 2,000 acres across Lewis and surrounding counties. As the Park Manager 1, you will serve as the foundational leader at the park and play a key role in shaping the identity, culture, and future of one of the states newest parks, as well as be responsible for translating the park's vision into action during its initial phases of development.

Key Responsibilities:

Assist the Area Manager in establishing Dry Branch State Park as a new Tennessee State Park by developing operational systems, staffing plans, and a strong park culture grounded in stewardship, safety, and visitor service.
Provide leadership for daily park operations and early development efforts, helping shape how the park functions, how visitors experience the landscape, and how staff carry out the mission of Tennessee State Parks.

Guide the protection and management of sensitive natural and cultural resources across a large, conservation-focused landscape while balancing public access with long-term preservation goals.

Serve as an ambassador for Dry Branch State Park by engaging with local communities, partners, and stakeholders to build support for the park and contribute to the regions quality of life.

Employer:
State of Tennessee - Department of Environment and Conservat
Contact:
Ryan Forbess

Email:
ryan.forbess@tn.gov

Website:
https://stateoftn-careers.ttcportals.com/jobs/17232564-park-manager-1-74425