Director of Operations and Volunteer Programs

The Chastain Park Conservancy – Director of Operations and Volunteer Programs

The Chastain Park Conservancy’s mission is to Restore, Enhance, Maintain, and Preserve Chastain Park and its environs, in partnership with the City of Atlanta. Chastain Park, Atlanta’s second-largest regional park, is also a historic landmark built in the late 1940s. Today, it welcomes more than 3 million annual visitors.

Introduction

We are seeking a dynamic Director of Operations & Volunteer Programs to lead the day-to-day operations of the Conservancy-managed areas of Chastain Park, manage our thriving volunteer program, and assist in overseeing park beautification projects. This is a hands-on parks and conservation role for someone who thrives in both fieldwork and strategy balancing park maintenance oversight, community engagement, and long-term project implementation.

This is a unique opportunity to make a visible impact in one of Atlanta’s most historic and beloved parks, while growing your career with an organization that values sustainability, community, and stewardship.

Key Responsibilities

Park Operations & Maintenance

Oversee Park upkeep and coordinate with City of Atlanta staff.

Perform and direct routine grounds work (mow/edge/blow, trash & debris removal, light repairs).

Ensure high standards for natural areas, trails, security, water fountains and lighting.

Conduct safety inspections and manage maintenance plans.

Document and track operational needs and outcomes.

Manage plant healthcare and maintenance including:

Oversee minor tree pruning, trimming hedges, and planting beds.

Invasive plant management

Native plant preservation

Accessibility feature maintenance (trails, bridges, vistas)

Oversee contractors and timelines as it relates to operation plan and landscaping initiatives.

Ensure projects align with CPC’s mission and enhance park user experience.

Volunteer Leadership

Design and manage the annual volunteer project plan.

Recruit, schedule, and lead volunteers for meaningful, safe, and impactful projects.

Track volunteer hours, outcomes, and partnerships to support communications and fundraising.

Represent CPC at community events and conferences.

Administration & Communication

Manage budgets and report to leadership and the Board.

Collaborate with the Development team to highlight impact through communications.

Respond to public inquiries related to park operations and volunteer engagement.

Qualifications

· 5+ years in park operations, natural resource/grounds management, facilities oversight, or volunteer coordination.

· Proven leadership and project management skills.

· Strong communicator; comfortable with volunteers, contractors, and civic partners.

· Hands-on: able to operate and maintain landscape equipment (mowers, blowers, trimmers) and step into fieldwork.

· Ability to balance outdoor work with administrative and strategic planning.

· Bachelor’s degree in Parks & Recreation, Environmental Studies, Nonprofit Management, or related field preferred.

· Valid driver’s license and ability to lift/haul materials for field projects.

Compensation & Application

· Compensation commensurate with experience.

· Final candidates will be asked to provide professional references.

· To apply, please send a resume and cover letter to [email protected]