Preserve Manager (Parks & Recreation Manager)
City of Scottsdale, Scottsdale, AZ, United States
Join the City of Scottsdale as the next
Preserve Manager
and play a defining role in stewarding one of the nation’s largest and most celebrated urban preserves. This is a rare opportunity to lead the daily operations of the
McDowell Sonoran Preserve
and
Pinnacle Peak Park , ensuring that world‑class trails, facilities, natural resources, wildlife habitats, and visitor experiences continue to thrive.
As a key member of the Preserve leadership team, you will guide dedicated staff, oversee capital and operating budgets, and deliver high‑impact projects that advance long‑term conservation and recreation goals. Reporting directly to the Preserve Director, you will also serve as the city’s primary liaison to the
McDowell Sonoran Conservancy
and other community partners—strengthening relationships, aligning priorities, and championing the future of Scottsdale’s protected lands.
If you’re energized by meaningful work, inspired by natural landscapes, and ready to shape the next chapter of the Preserve’s legacy, this role is waiting for you!
The ideal candidate brings:
Proven leadership experience —supervising staff, coaching teams, setting performance goals, and supporting professional growth.
A track record of operational excellence , including developing and delivering on department goals, objectives, and long‑range vision.
Strategic workforce planning skills
to build annual work plans, align staffing with priorities, and manage workload effectively.
Impact‑driven budget stewardship , leading the preparation and management of operating and capital resources to advance Preserve priorities.
Strong public‑facing instincts , engaging hikers, bikers, equestrians, climbers, and other visitors with clarity, confidence, and respect.
Deep knowledge of land stewardship best practices , natural resource protection, and effective staff leadership.
Hands‑on facility and asset management experience , ensuring trails, amenities, and infrastructure remain safe, functional, and well‑maintained.
Preferred experience with key operational functions for the Preserve —such as volunteer management, GIS and mapping applications, data collection and analysis, trail design and maintenance, and ecological resource initiatives.
Anticipated starting salary for this position may be up to mid‑point depending on candidate’s experience and internal equity. The full salary range is listed above and mid‑point for this position is $114,774.40 annually.
Benefits
12 Paid Holidays , including
1 Floating Holiday
Vacation Accrual
starting at
10.3 hours per month , available for use as soon as it’s earned
Medical Leave Accrual
at
8 hours per month , also available immediately after accrual
Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage , including behavioral health services
City‑Paid Basic Life Insurance
equal to one year of your annual salary, with optional supplemental coverage
Tuition Reimbursement
up to
$2,500 per year
to help you continue your education
Participation in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS) — a defined benefit pension plan with
mandatory employer and employee contributions currently at 12% , including long‑term disability coverage
Post‑Employment Health Plan , employer contribution of $10 per pay period to employee's PEHP
Supplemental Retirement Options
through Nationwide (457 plan)
Pet Insurance
to help care for your animals
Bilingual Pay Compensation
for eligible employees
Employee Wellness Incentives
to support your health goals
Free Access
to multiple city‑owned fitness and recreational facilities
Education and Experience
Bachelor's Degree in Natural Resource Management, Biology, Wildlife Ecology, Recreation Management or closely related field from an accredited educational institution.
Five years of professional experience in natural resources management including three years of supervisory experience.
Experience with practices and procedures used in natural resource management, recreation facilities management, and program delivery.
Any equivalent combination of education and/or job‑related experience that meets the minimum qualifications may be substituted.
Licensing, Certifications, and Other Requirements
Must possess and maintain a valid, unrestricted driver's license with no major citations within the past 36 months prior to the start date. The Arizona Department of Motor Vehicles requires that out‑of‑state driver's licenses must be surrendered within 10 days of relocating to the State of Arizona. Note: A Graduated Driver’s License is considered restricted.
Every person employed by the City of Scottsdale shall reside in the State of Arizona during his or her active employment by the City, regardless of whether the employee is approved to remote work.
Other pertinent licenses and/or certifications may be required of some positions depending on department/section assignment.
Equal Employment Opportunity
It is the policy of the city to provide employment opportunities to all persons based solely on ability, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability.
Accommodation for Applicants with Disabilities
When advised, reasonable accommodations will be made in order for an “otherwise qualified applicant
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Preserve Manager
and play a defining role in stewarding one of the nation’s largest and most celebrated urban preserves. This is a rare opportunity to lead the daily operations of the
McDowell Sonoran Preserve
and
Pinnacle Peak Park , ensuring that world‑class trails, facilities, natural resources, wildlife habitats, and visitor experiences continue to thrive.
As a key member of the Preserve leadership team, you will guide dedicated staff, oversee capital and operating budgets, and deliver high‑impact projects that advance long‑term conservation and recreation goals. Reporting directly to the Preserve Director, you will also serve as the city’s primary liaison to the
McDowell Sonoran Conservancy
and other community partners—strengthening relationships, aligning priorities, and championing the future of Scottsdale’s protected lands.
If you’re energized by meaningful work, inspired by natural landscapes, and ready to shape the next chapter of the Preserve’s legacy, this role is waiting for you!
The ideal candidate brings:
Proven leadership experience —supervising staff, coaching teams, setting performance goals, and supporting professional growth.
A track record of operational excellence , including developing and delivering on department goals, objectives, and long‑range vision.
Strategic workforce planning skills
to build annual work plans, align staffing with priorities, and manage workload effectively.
Impact‑driven budget stewardship , leading the preparation and management of operating and capital resources to advance Preserve priorities.
Strong public‑facing instincts , engaging hikers, bikers, equestrians, climbers, and other visitors with clarity, confidence, and respect.
Deep knowledge of land stewardship best practices , natural resource protection, and effective staff leadership.
Hands‑on facility and asset management experience , ensuring trails, amenities, and infrastructure remain safe, functional, and well‑maintained.
Preferred experience with key operational functions for the Preserve —such as volunteer management, GIS and mapping applications, data collection and analysis, trail design and maintenance, and ecological resource initiatives.
Anticipated starting salary for this position may be up to mid‑point depending on candidate’s experience and internal equity. The full salary range is listed above and mid‑point for this position is $114,774.40 annually.
Benefits
12 Paid Holidays , including
1 Floating Holiday
Vacation Accrual
starting at
10.3 hours per month , available for use as soon as it’s earned
Medical Leave Accrual
at
8 hours per month , also available immediately after accrual
Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage , including behavioral health services
City‑Paid Basic Life Insurance
equal to one year of your annual salary, with optional supplemental coverage
Tuition Reimbursement
up to
$2,500 per year
to help you continue your education
Participation in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS) — a defined benefit pension plan with
mandatory employer and employee contributions currently at 12% , including long‑term disability coverage
Post‑Employment Health Plan , employer contribution of $10 per pay period to employee's PEHP
Supplemental Retirement Options
through Nationwide (457 plan)
Pet Insurance
to help care for your animals
Bilingual Pay Compensation
for eligible employees
Employee Wellness Incentives
to support your health goals
Free Access
to multiple city‑owned fitness and recreational facilities
Education and Experience
Bachelor's Degree in Natural Resource Management, Biology, Wildlife Ecology, Recreation Management or closely related field from an accredited educational institution.
Five years of professional experience in natural resources management including three years of supervisory experience.
Experience with practices and procedures used in natural resource management, recreation facilities management, and program delivery.
Any equivalent combination of education and/or job‑related experience that meets the minimum qualifications may be substituted.
Licensing, Certifications, and Other Requirements
Must possess and maintain a valid, unrestricted driver's license with no major citations within the past 36 months prior to the start date. The Arizona Department of Motor Vehicles requires that out‑of‑state driver's licenses must be surrendered within 10 days of relocating to the State of Arizona. Note: A Graduated Driver’s License is considered restricted.
Every person employed by the City of Scottsdale shall reside in the State of Arizona during his or her active employment by the City, regardless of whether the employee is approved to remote work.
Other pertinent licenses and/or certifications may be required of some positions depending on department/section assignment.
Equal Employment Opportunity
It is the policy of the city to provide employment opportunities to all persons based solely on ability, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability.
Accommodation for Applicants with Disabilities
When advised, reasonable accommodations will be made in order for an “otherwise qualified applicant
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