Outdoor Recreation Program Manager
Career GuideKey Responsibilities
- Design seasonal outdoor programs and activity calendars
- Set program goals, schedules, and capacity plans
- Hire, train, and supervise instructors and guides
- Create safety plans and emergency procedures
- Manage permits, waivers, and risk documentation
- Coordinate logistics for transportation, gear, and venues
- Oversee program budgets, purchasing, and vendor contracts
- Build partnerships with parks, schools, and community groups
- Market programs through digital and local outreach
- Track participation, feedback, and program outcomes
- Ensure accessibility and inclusive program design
- Maintain equipment standards and replacement plans
Top Skills for Success
Program Planning
Staff Leadership
Risk Management
Safety Training
Budget Management
Vendor Management
Event Coordination
Partnership Development
Community Outreach
Inclusive Program Design
Customer Service
Conflict De-escalation
Coaching and Instruction
Gear and Equipment Management
Grant Writing
Career Progression
Can Lead To
Outdoor Recreation Director
Parks and Recreation Manager
Community Programs Director
Adventure Travel Operations Manager
Environmental Education Manager
Youth Programs Director
Facilities and Operations Manager
Transition Opportunities
Nonprofit Program Manager
Operations Manager
Event Manager
Safety and Compliance Manager
Partnerships Manager
Tourism Program Manager
Common Skill Gaps
Often Missing Skills
Formal Risk AssessmentBudget ForecastingProgram EvaluationPermit ManagementMarketing CopywritingStakeholder ReportingAccessibility PlanningVendor Contract Negotiation
Development SuggestionsBuild a simple safety and operations playbook for one program, then add templates for incident response, gear checks, and staff briefings. Pair this with a basic budget tracker and a monthly outcomes report to show impact, costs, and participant satisfaction.
Salary & Demand
Median Salary Range
Entry Level$45,000 to $60,000
Mid Level$60,000 to $85,000
Senior Level$85,000 to $115,000
Growth Trend
Stable to growing demand, supported by increased interest in wellness, local travel, youth programming, and community recreation. Hiring is strongest in cities, tourism regions, universities, and nonprofits with grant funding.Companies Hiring
Major Employers
City and County Parks DepartmentsState Park AgenciesNational Park ConcessionairesYMCABoys and Girls Clubs of AmericaUniversity Recreation DepartmentsREI Co-op ExperiencesOutward BoundNOLSThe Nature ConservancyGirl Scouts of the USACamp Management Organizations
Industry Sectors
Parks and RecreationOutdoor EducationYouth DevelopmentNonprofitsAdventure TravelHigher EducationTourism and HospitalityPublic Sector
Recommended Next Steps
1
Create a portfolio with two sample program plans, including schedule, staffing, safety plan, and budget2
Earn current first aid and emergency response credentials required in your region3
Lead a pilot program and collect participant feedback and outcome metrics4
Volunteer or contract with a local parks department or nonprofit to gain permitting and partner experience5
Build relationships with local outfitters and land managers to expand venue options6
Develop a basic marketing plan for one season, including messaging, channels, and signup goals7
Prepare interview stories that highlight safety decisions, team leadership, and problem solving in the field