Outdoor Recreation Program Manager

Career Guide

An Outdoor Recreation Program Manager designs, runs, and improves outdoor programs such as hikes, camps, clinics, and community events. The role blends program planning, safety leadership, staff coordination, budgeting, and partner management to deliver high-quality experiences for participants.

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Key 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

Create a portfolio with two sample program plans, including schedule, staffing, safety plan, and budget

Earn current first aid and emergency response credentials required in your region

Lead a pilot program and collect participant feedback and outcome metrics

Volunteer or contract with a local parks department or nonprofit to gain permitting and partner experience

Build relationships with local outfitters and land managers to expand venue options

Develop a basic marketing plan for one season, including messaging, channels, and signup goals

Prepare interview stories that highlight safety decisions, team leadership, and problem solving in the field