Parks and recreation
What is parks and recreation?
Does the human use of natural resources for enjoyment, education, health, socialization and well-being intrigue you? Do you possess knowledge about the environment, social sciences, economics and business? If this speaks to you, you may want to consider a career in the field of parks and recreation. A few activities entailed in this field include:
- Planning, organizing and administering recreational activities, programs and services in various settings for diverse populations
- Educating the public through a variety of mediums including newspaper articles, field trips and brochures
Salary/pay range
The average salary for a Director of Parks and Recreation is:
$22.82 per hour
Examples of careers
- Park Technician
- Park Ranger
- Parks Planner
- Recreation Coordinator
- Wilderness Ranger
- Director of Parks, Trails and Recreation
Skills
Interpersonal communication skills
All positions involve interacting with various audiences like the general public, school groups, employees, and other stakeholders.
Program development and presentation
Skills in developing and delivering interpretive programs, educational materials, and orientation talks are necessary for engaging visitors and employees alike.
Event coordination
Skills in coordinating events, trips, transportation, orientations, and training sessions are required for organizing various activities.
For more information about job levels, career paths and training programs, visit My Colorado Journey.
Day in the life
Answer visitor requests
Provide park information
Prepare illustrated lectures
Create informational brochures
Write newspaper articles
Images provided by the US Forest Service
Career spotlight: Environmental educator
What they do
Environmental educators plan, develop and conduct programs to inform visitors about the historical, natural and scientific features of a park, open space or artifacts.
“My biggest fulfillment is seeing children light up when discovering nature for the first time,” said Mark DeGregorio, Education Program Manager at Rocky Mountain National Park.
Skills and education check
To succeed in the field of parks and recreation, you must enjoy interacting with people of all ages and backgrounds, be knowledgeable about science, have good written and verbal communication skills and be creative.
Most jobs in parks and recreation require an associate’s degree or bachelor’s degree; however, some positions require no certifications – just a well-tailored skill set.