Park Assistant Manager - Lake Crabtree County Park

About the Role

Wake County Parks, Recreation and Open Space seeks an Assistant Park Manager for Programming and Education at Lake Crabtree County Park. This frontline role offers variety and the opportunity to shape program delivery while working closely with maintenance staff. You’ll interact with the community, deliver valued services, and support park operations, all focused on providing excellent customer service and an enjoyable park experience for a diverse and growing community.

Responsibilities

• Creatively manage all aspects of programming—developing, coordinating, implementing, and evaluating—at Lake Crabtree County Park and Haleys Branch Trails.
• Facilitate engaging experiences around recreation, environmental, and cultural education for individuals, community groups, and school groups.
• Commit to culturally competent visitor engagement, adapting to meet the needs of all visitors in a dynamic environment.
• Collaborate with the Communications Team to promote services using print, digital, and social media.
• Lead and mentor a team of 3-5 regular and temporary staff members, supporting their professional development.
• Provide excellent customer service while ensuring park facilities are welcoming, clean, and safe.
• Assist with all aspects of park operations, including opening/closing facilities, janitorial duties, maintenance, and stewardship.

About Our Team

Wake County is one of the fastest-growing areas in the nation and the most populous county in North Carolina, with over 1.2 million residents. The Parks, Recreation and Open Space Division (PROS) preserves open space, promotes stewardship, and provides equitable and inclusive education and outdoor recreation. PROS operates nine parks and three nature preserves, serving over 2 million visitors annually. Lake Crabtree County Park, Wake County’s first park (opened in 1988), is a top destination for nature lovers and families, while Haleys Branch is an upcoming 400-acre multi-use trail system set to open in 2028.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Parks, History, Parks Administration, or a related field.
• Two years of experience in parks management or supervision.
• Valid Driver's License and a safe driving record.
• Depending on the area of employment, the following may be required after hire:
  • Pesticide Applicator's License
  • Playground Inspector Certification
  • CPR certification
• Equivalent education and experience are accepted.

Preferred Qualifications

• Three or more years of experience planning and implementing programs.
• Experience engaging diverse populations in program development.
• Experience supervising beginner or entry-level personnel.
• Stewardship experience, including wildlife monitoring and habitat conservation.
• Experience developing marketing materials, managing social media, and engaging audiences.
• Proficiency with various technological applications.
• Hold or be in the process of attaining a professional certification such as Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) or NC Environmental Education Certification.

Skills

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and maintain positive relationships with staff, colleagues, volunteers, and partner organizations.
• Ability to foster a work culture that encourages diverse ideas and opinions.
• Ability to encourage innovation and resilience in a dynamic environment.
• Self-motivated, adaptable, and willing to model the behavior expected from team members.
• Visionary leadership with a collaborative approach to problem-solving.
• Knowledge of parks and recreational programming, with a strong interest in outdoor recreation, wildlife stewardship, and education.

Pay

Hiring Range: $26.44 - $35.23 per hour.

Schedule

40 hours per week, including mornings, evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays.

Location: Lake Crabtree County Park, Morrisville, NC 27560. Employment Type: Regular.